Media Center

Check out some of the reviews of SSO and SPO, from the opening of Bing Concert Hall:

“Its highlight was a stunning performance of Ravel’s “Daphnis et Chloe” Suite No. 2 by the Stanford Symphony Orchestra under former Cincinnatian Jindong Cai… The orchestral sound was a blend of richness and also clarity. Every pizzicato of a string, every flourish of a flute or harp, popped out of the texture clearly. With the addition of Ravel’s wordless chorus, the effect was luxuriant.”

“Another ensemble, the Philharmonia Orchestra (founded by Cai) delivered a sublime performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ ‘Serenade to Music’ with the Choral Union. It was clear that every nuance was possible in this space.”

- Cincinnati.com (Cincinnati Enquirer), January 18, 2013 [link to full review]

“Cai’s control here was impressive — guiding his players through the many tricky entrances, holding back the tempos to fill a well of passion. As the horns sustained their final notes in this slow movement, the timpanist put his ear to his drumheads, quietly re-tuning them for what was to come: Nakamatsu’s breakout into the finale, with its dancing rhythms. This was something to witness.”

“Conductor and orchestra tapped into Beethoven’s drama and forward thrust, driving through those final triumphant chords, and the audience jumped to its feet to cheer this first ‘Beethoven Project’ event.”

San Jose Mercury News , January 19, 2013 [link to full review]