reviews ...this concert never disappointed. How could it when the artistry of the players was so immaculate and two of the composers were Mozart and Dvorák... Hammond, the founder of sound collective, produced some ravishing sounds from the Dvorák, which caresses our ears in the most delightful way... Edward Clark (www.classicalsource.com) 2008 ...sound collective is as excellent as it is enterprising, and Hammond a conductor whose range of sympathies and interpretative convictions ought to win plaudits... Richard Whitehouse (www.classicalsource.com) 2004 ...a superb group of players. Throughout the evening they demonstrated a commendable unity of ensemble and technical expertise, while displaying exciting dynamics and tonal colouring... Jerald Smith (Express & Star) October 2004 sound collective's foray into London's musical scene last year was an admirable one, and their second concert... with a programme as uncompromising as that in St John's, Smith Square a year earlier, continued the quality of playing I expected from this ensemble.... Hammond's disciplined band produced the work's warm, soft glow through a rich, sumptuous string sound. Here is a band ready to do justice to any score. David Alker (Musical Opinion) 2004 ...a stylish yet fun performance. All the ingredients for attentive readings of appropriate repertoire within sound collective's grasp. I cannot commend them highly enough. This was a wonderful evening: they deserve to be heard more often than often. David Alker (Musical Opinion) 2003 Here are some testimonials to the group from noted musicians: sound collective have not only some of the most talented young players around, but they put on some of the most searching programmes too David Matthews, composer Congratulations to everyone: it was a brilliant début Dame Janet Baker CH. DBE I thought it was a splendid show, and a great send-off for the orchestra. I was delighted with the playing of my piece, and indeed throughout the concert there was some quite exceptional work. John McCabe C.B.E, composer Very many thanks again for a wonderful concert. It fulfilled all the criteria for an ace experience- imaginative programme planning, marvellous playing and singing and enthusiastic audience response... John Buston, Director, Little Missenden Festival |