reviews
Amarillo Globe-News: “The orchestra, joined by a 200-voice choir and four soloists made joyous music, leading to an immediate, sustained and passionate standing ovation.”
Berkshire Eagle: “The Mendelssohn benefited from a dramatically charged performance under guest conductor James Setapen. The orchestra has seldom sounded better than it did in this musical journey…The orchestra caught fire, playing with a fine frenzy and a big, full sound…At the end the orchestra joined the audience in a generous ovation for the conductor. A welcome guest.”
San Francisco Examiner: “Setapen’s Debussy [La Mer] had an undeniable power and vitality – conductorial authority”
Evansville Press: “The orchestra played as one person – projecting confidence and mastery of the music…Setapen is in command from the first note. Under his leadership, the orchestra gave its best performance of the season.”
Rocky Mountain News: “Setapen led with commanding force, sweeping his forces passionately before him.”
Honolulu Advertiser: “The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is firmly back on track thanks to the lucid and insightful leadership of guest conductor James Setapen…Precision, spirit, musicianship – they were all there last night.”
Amarillo Globe-News: (Mendelssohn Elijah) “Conductor James Setapen did a masterful job coordinating the talents of his orchestra and the singers”
Ruhr Nachrichten: “The orchestra’s mastery of Elgar’s Enigma Variations was unbelievably disciplined.”
Amarillo Globe-News: “Setapen said the piece [Pastorale Symphony] is one of his favorite Beethoven compositions. His feelings came through in emotional conducting that brought out the best in the orchestra.”