More top praise for Christian Reif's Mostly Mozart Debut

Reif conducting the International Contemporary Ensemble at the Mostly Mozart Festival (Photo credit: Primo Artists)

Conductor Christian Reif made a highly successful New York debut earlier this month at the Mostly Mozart Festival, presented by Lincoln Center!

On August 2nd, he led the International Contemporary Ensemble in a program that featured John Adams’ Grand Pianola Music at the Gerald Lynch Theater.

The new reviews are in!

Jacob Kopcienski of I Care If You Listen raved: “Christian Reif led ICE through a performance of John Adams (Composer)’s work that was jubilant in its confidence. The ensemble excelled in creating the detailed textures and stunning contrasts that the work demands, particularly in the second movement. Reif’s interpretation also allowed soloists to shine through these textures.”

Jean Ballard Terepka of Theater Scene praised: "After intermission, German-born and now San Francisco based conductor Christian Reif led the International Contemporary Ensemble together with Quince Vocal Ensemble (Amanda DeBoer Bartlett/soprano, Liz Pearse/soprano and Kayleigh Butcher/mezzo-soprano – in a first-rate performance of John Adams’ 1982 Grand Pianola Music. This expansive, generously accessible and affirming work was conducted with comprehensive control and artistic integrity by Reif; the organic, clean connection between the conductor and the musicians elicited rich feeling and nuance from Adams’ music."

You can read other reviews of the debut here.