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…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... The Guardian
Alexander Goehr - The Broken Lute premiere

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan – Kingsley College, Redditch
30 November 2007 4 * * * *
… Full marks for artistic director David Curtis and his merry band for their extraordinary and innovative programme in the small theatre at Kingsley College... read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Town Hall Birmingham
8 November 2007 4 * * * *
Beethoven's kinetic Seventh Symphony was given a belting reading at risk-all but perfectly-chosen tempi under Curtis, and it came home with tremendous rewards. Horns whooped, strings were tellingly balanced in the poignant allegretto... read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Town Hall Birmingham
23 October 2007 5 * * * * *
Sunday's inaugural concert from the Orchestra of the Swan, as associate artist at Town Hall Birmingham, was an absolute corker... read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Lichfield Festival, Lichfield Cathedral
14 June 2007 5 * * * * *
…an absolutely wonderful programme…David Curtis drawing from his expert and willing string players a reading (of Schoenberg's Verklärte Nacht) which was both febrile and tender. Pacing and structure were adroitly judged in this account…melting and incandescent… read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, David Curtis - Conductor , Mark Bebbington - piano
Mozart Piano Concertos K413, K414 and K 415, Somm records
7 May 2007 5 * * * * *
…the excellent contribution of David Curtis and the Orchestra of the Swan … read more

www.classicalsource.com Ltd
Orchestra of the Swan, David Curtis - Conductor , Mark Bebbington - piano
Mozart Piano Concertos K413, K414 and K 415, Somm records
2 May 2007
… clearly a good working relationship between pianist, orchestra and conductor… an unforced, genial and vivacious contribution under David Curtis, the Orchestra’s Artistic Director… dynamic, inviting and ingratiating accounts make for a rather special record... read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Hagley Festival, St John's Church
1 May 2007 4 * * * *
…Sunday's concert from the Orchestra of the Swan (musicians who so obviously take joy in playing) provided a memorable finale… read more

The Guardian
Orchestra of the Swan, Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon
11 April 2007 3 * * *
…Orchestra of the Swan's commissioning policy is enterprising, and sometimes very imaginative, in the way it garners companion pieces for standard repertoire. Setting them side by side, new energies are often created… read more

Birmingham Post
Orchestra of the Swan, Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon
16 March 2007 4 * * * *
Orchestra of the Swan has a warm and intimate relationship with its audience, and this concert was further illustration of its care for communication… read more