Reviews and Recommendations: classical

A fine voice, a refined musical intelligence, and an engaging platform presence are great natural assets, but Ms Watts possesses that extra something that makes her a true Lieder singer. One needs no text to understand exactly what is going on in any song. Of course, she uses her face,... [more]

Event Date: November 10, 2008
Event Venue: Bath Mozartfest

A fine voice, a refined musical intelligence, and an engaging platform presence are great natural assets, but Ms Watts possesses that extra something that makes her a true Lieder singer. One needs no text to understand exactly what is going on in any song. Of course, she uses her face, her eyes, and her body to express the emotions, but most of all, they are present in the voice. She is already an extremely fine singer. She will become a great one. [less]

Happened on this ensemble by a lucky accident. I went to a charity event (Firefly) in Doncaster where Ruffanti played an outstanding set about halfway through the evening.  What can I say?  It was a delightful surprise to hear such a first class group of musicians and I... [more]

Event Date: November 21, 2008
Event Venue: The Dome, Doncaster

Happened on this ensemble by a lucky accident. I went to a charity event (Firefly) in Doncaster where Ruffanti played an outstanding set about halfway through the evening.  What can I say?  It was a delightful surprise to hear such a first class group of musicians and I was disappointed that they were not on stage longer.  The excellent vocals were well supported by perfectly pitched musicianship.  The lively rythms in a couple of the pieces had me wishing I could get up out of my seat and dance.  The take on Tainted Love and Get It On were such a surprise - now Marc Almond is no longer the person who springs to mind when I hear Tainted Love, such was Jayne's subtle but deliberate phrasing of this song.  

I would recommend that you go see this ensemble when they are next at a venue near you. An excellent entertainment is on the cards for you. [less]

Playing the Martinu Viola concerto- with George Vass conducting:

Exceptional, raw talent. From the first note the tone quality was totally fantastic. There are very few players like this, it was played with great insight and depth. She would certainly give Lawrence Power a run for his money. She brings great... [more]

Event Date: January 24, 2009
Event Venue: Bushey Hall School

Playing the Martinu Viola concerto- with George Vass conducting:

Exceptional, raw talent. From the first note the tone quality was totally fantastic. There are very few players like this, it was played with great insight and depth. She would certainly give Lawrence Power a run for his money. She brings great contrasts and doesn't 'play loud all the time' like some soloists. A true and rare musician [less]