GLUCK/BERLIOZ – ORPHEE et EURYDICE

Gluck's gloriously tranquil music is magnificently reflected in the quiet splendour of this intellectual utopia. The instruments are modern, but the sensibility is baroque. The orchestra under Montreal-based conductor Julian Wachner is charged with drama as Gluck intended. Wachner's focus is on mood, and one is swept up in the grandeur of the music that so magnificently depicts place and character.
- The Globe and Mail [Toronto]

GLIMMERGLASS OPERA’S new production of "Orphée et Eurydice" is like a shimmering jewel that floats on an endless horizon between worlds. The opening performance Sunday afternoon inspired awe at the placid beauty of the stage and the tender raw emotion that flowed like a river through the music…Consolation and comfort came fittingly from the orchestra, led by Julian Wachner, with velvety, undulating strings and a sweet oboe that melodically echoed and dialogued with Maniaci. …A MUST-SEE EVENT...
- Albany Times Union

The Glimmerglass Opera Chorus again convinces of their increased tonal polish and solid musicality. Wachner had a firm grip on the shaping of line and his generally moderately-paced account emphasized the dignity of Gluck's meditation on love lost, regained, lost and regained once again.
- Syracuse Post-Standard

GLUCK TRIUMPHANT…Young American conductor Julian Wachner conducted with a firm grip on dramatic pacing and musical structure…
- The Gay City Times [New York]

The Festival fared better musically with Gluck’s Orphée in the Berlioz edition…Wachner’s conducting had poise and grace…
- The New York Times

Julian Wachner led the Glimmerglass Opera Orchestra in a fluent and pleasing reading of the score.
- Opera Today

Whether or not Berlioz would have, I regretted the absence of a continuo harpsichord, which would have given the orchestra more bite under Julian Wachner’s leadership. His tempos were well judged, however. -  
- The Financial Times [London]

Heureusement, on retrouve le grand Glimmerglass avec le Gluck, présenté en français avec surtitres anglais, dans la realization efficace de Berlioz…une superbe ruine monumentale sert d’écrin à une syèle hell´nique et aux costumes XVIIIe siècle des personages qui bénéficient de la direction souple et sensible de Lillian Groag et des tempi toujours justes de Julian Wachner, chef principal de l’Opéra McGill.
- Le Devoir [Montréal]