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…Orchestra of the Swan styles itself as an ensemble of possibilities, clearly believing them to be infinite, and so it should… a tribute to the conductor and players that a far-from-easy programme should have elicited such a warm reception… The Guardian

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Town Hall Birmingham
12 October 2008 4 * * * *
his exhilarating Italian Symphony made a joyous conclusion to the Orchestra of the Swan’s first concert in its second season as artists-in-association here.... read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Town Hall Birmingham
3 June 2008 5 * * * * *
Introducing each offering in his usual friendly, unpatronising way, David Curtis drew a lithe, busy, elegantly shaped account of this irresistible work … read more

The Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan - Spring Sounds - Roxanna Panufnik - Spring in Japan Premiere
7 May 2008 4 * * * *
… enthusiastic support from an avid public, with packed houses, enlightened sponsorship, the sheer "wow" factor of David Curtis and his accomplished Orchestra of the Swan and, not least, the generous involvement of Tasmin Little... read more

The Daily Telegraph
Orchestra of the Swan, Town Hall Birmingham
Alexander Goehr - Broken Lute premiere
29 April 2008
Underneath his (David Curtis) genial, relaxed demeanour there's clearly a determination to take risks. As he pointed out in his pre-performance chat, the orchestra has commissioned more than 50 pieces in recent years... read more

The Guardian
Orchestra of the Swan – Town Hall Birmingham
Alexander Goehr - The Broken Lute premiere
29 April 2008 4 * * * *
Nothing defines the Orchestra of the Swan better than its commitment to new repertoire. While it is artistic director David Curtis's policy to commission works that complement classical pieces, it is his own enthusiasm in presenting them that sustains the exercise. More-over, his often imaginative programmes have a knack of making connections which are genuinely stimulating... read more

The Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Town Hall Birmingham
Alexander Goehr - The Broken Lute premiere
29 April 2008 4 * * * *
One of the refreshing threads running through the consistently successful programming of the Orchestra of the Swan has been its commissioning of new works... read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Town Hall Birmingham
20 March 2008 4 * * * *
OOTS' players made a beefy, athletic sound in Elgar's splendid Introduction and Allegro, given with gripping immediacy under Curtis' beat which delivered clarity rather than "interpretative" nonsense. This was a performance which displayed the quality of every player in this remarkable orchestra... read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Town Hall Birmingham
7 February 2008 4 * * * *
Mozart could be trusted to balance his own textures in this glorious display of contrapuntal technique, and the resulting performance was exhilarating. Earlier movements were lovingly shaped, with beautifully turned string filigree, and a clarity which was welcomely matched by the sunlight eventually streaming through the Town Hall's elegant windows... read more