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...David Curtis directs his with style and understanding...a lynch-pin in the obvious success of this venture, dreaming up a fascinating menu of offerings, chatting to the audience as if among friends, and drawing colourfully communicative readings... Birmingham Post

Gloucestershire Echo
Orchestra of the Swan, Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham
17 November 2005
…Two great works by Schubert and Shostakovich sandwiched a commissioned piece by composer Oscar Colomina I Bosch in this intriguing concert… read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Civic Hall Stratford-upon-Avon
19 October 2005
David Curtis and the orchestra are simply great value. Curtis’ enthusiasm and vitality bubble over into his introductions to the music and his direction, and both he and the band clearly love every minute…crisp playing and a warm, round, honest sound. It’s just how music should be… read more

Gloucestershire Echo
Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra, Tewkesbury Abbey
16 October 2005
… a compelling performance of this astonishing work…(Mahler Resurrection Symphony) David Curtis steered his musicians effortlessly through the complexities of the funereal first movement and brought sardonic touches to the scherzo. This was truly a momentous performance… read more

The Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon
11 May 2005
David Curtis and his players presented the score in loving detail (Tippett Tempest Suite)…Julian Philips' Swift Partitions premiere was a huge success, both in terms of performance and of audience reception… read more

Gloucestershire Echo
Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra, Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham
7 May 2005
…David Curtis's attention to detail paid off handsomely..the crisp, precise and committed playing of the musicians conjured up vividly the bustling atmosphere of the Shrovetide fair in St Petersburg…(Stravinsky Petrushka) read more

The Guardian
Orchestra of the Swan, Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon
23 March 2005 3 * * *
…(conductor) David Curtis' own experience of performing Tippett quartets under the beady eye of the composer himself convinced him not to contribute to what he called the museum effect of a centennial. Perpetuating a living legacy through a series of commissions for companion pieces to Tippett works would, he felt, be better... read more

The Guardian
Orchestra of the Swan, Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham
12 November 2004 3 * * *
…Orchestra of the Swan launched their Tippett centenary celebrations last season, intent not so much on stealing a march on other ensembles as embarking on a longer process of making connections between Tippett and his contemporaries… read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon
8 November 2004
…Conductor David Curtis, who has raised this jewel of an ensemble to an impressive level of performance, served up an appetising menu, rich in layers of texture and resonance of ideas… read more

Daily Telegraph
Orchestra of the Swan, Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon
4 June 2004
…a genuine esprit d corps, with players as keenly alert to each other as they are to the conductor…a brilliant performance… read more

The Guardian
Orchestra of the Swan, Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham
26 April 2004 3 * * *
…All credit then to Curtis and the Orchestra of the Swan for a performance of such sterling commitment… read more

Musical Opinion
Orchestra of the Swan, Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham
22 March 2004
…Curtis introduces the music from the podium and has a nonchalant manner which plays down the mission to illuminate, but his grip on the music is firm… read more