Lezhneva's compelling solo recital debut at Musikverein Wien
Julia Lezhneva gave a convincing solo concert debut at the Musikverein Vienna. "Die Presse" wrote in their article of 13.2. about "stupendous coloratura technique" and "the ability to float pianissimo". Elsewhere it speaks of "weightless phrasing tenderness". Link to the article
"Wundersopranistin" Julia Lezhneva at Mozartwoche Salzburg
Julia Lezhneva shone at the Mozartwoche 2020 in Salzburg and inspired critics and audience alike. In "Le nozze di Figaro" she sang a Barbarina of "festival format" and together with L'arpeggiata she conquered the audience with the "Ode to St. Cecilia" and Vespers KV 339. The Süddeutsche Zeitung even spoke of the "miraculous soprano Julia Lezhneva" in its article. The SZ further writes: "She (Julia Lezhneva) can almost make her voice disappear, performing the craziest vocal tricks and garland fireworks, and all this with a look that says nothing else but: "What's wrong with you? What's the matter?" She can also, in the "Laudate Dominum" of Mozart's vespers, spread a supernatural calm in which the world spirit seems to speak directly to the people." (Link to article)
more press comments on Julia Lezhneva at the Mozartwoche:
David Garrett receives BZ-Kulturpreis
David Garrett received the BZ Culture Prize in Berlin on 28 January. Around 600 invited guests celebrated him and the other winners in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. As one of the highlights, the violin virtuoso was presented with the Bronze Bear and was honoured with an artistic performance specially selected for him.
Exuberant reviews for Raphaela Gromes' Offenbach album 2019
For the 200th birthday of Jacques Offenbach the cellist Raphaela Gromes and her duo partner Julian Riem have released an anniversary SONY-album with the title "Offenbach" in May 2019.
The composer, who is himself associated with operettas, was a talented cello virtuoso in his day. The last major recording of pieces for cello and piano actually dates back 40 years. In the meantime, unknown or forgotten manuscripts have been discovered and are interpreted by the Duo Gromes-Riem.
Press reviews were overwhelming and the duo was awarded the Prize of the German Record Critics for their Offenbach release. In the official Concerti Classic Charts the album was on 3rd place.
“Raphaela Gromes technically masters her instrument, is a full-blooded musician and captivates the listener with her warm, extremely nuanced cello tone. [...] This album not only fills a gap in the CD world, it also reveals a lesser known side of Offenbach. But above all, it is packed full with infectious enthusiasm for playing and fresh modernity.”
(BR-Klassik, Meret Forster, June 15, 2019, 08:05 on Album of the Week – Raphaela Gromes plays Chamber Music by Offenbach)
Please read further critics below.
"Rossini" as Raphaela Gromes' second SONY release
For her second album released in November 2018, Raphaela Gromes has dealt with a famous composer of Italian opera, Gioacchino Rossini. With the WDR Funkhausorchester, conducted by Enrico Delamboye, she has recorded pieces related to Rossini. A world premiere recording is "Hommage à Rossini" for cello and orchestra by Jacques Offenbach, found by Raphaela Gromes herself in an Italian archive.
Press reviews report enthusiastically:
“Raphaela Gromes is an outstanding storyteller. She is sometimes expressive, sometimes gentle, sometimes playful, sometimes exuberantly agile, in her approach to Rossini.”
(NDR, Eva Schramm, November 19, 2018)
Please read further reviews here.
