Poème

"Akiko Suwanai, a tall, imposing violinist of striking stage presence, raised her bow for a sombre, intense descent of notes at the start: this was big-boned, noble playing, with its rhythmic life taut and rigorous.“ --The Times

"Suwanai belongs to those artists who strive for clarity above all. Her playing is pure sound, pure energy.” --chweinfurter Tagesblatt, April 2010

“Her sound is large and powerful, the phrases… are elegant and of effortless simplicity." --Classic Toulouse, October 2009

Saint-Saëns, Chausson & Ysaÿe

“Tedi Papavrami, while not attempting to sound like Sarasate, adopts something of his graceful manner; his alert, lively approach is just right for conveying the music's inventive, often improvisatory character. A most enjoyable CD, and strongly recommended” --Gramophone Magazine, October 2010

Gramophone Magazine
Editor's Choice - October 2010

"Papavrami strikes an ideal balance between seduction and precision, never sappy, never rigid. His tone is warm and enveloping from the open G string to the heights of the E string. Vibrato is intense but not overdone, as is rubato. Papavrami technical skills are also more than ample to dazzle his audiences. The orchestra, whose parts in all of these works is almost entirely accompanimental, provides a sensitive, well-balanced backdrop for Papavrami." --AMG

French Impressions

“Impressive playing from the extrovert and intelligent Kolly d'Alba. She gives her all in the hothouse Romanticism of Saint-Saens and is sensitive to the mesmerism of Chausson's Poème and Ravel's Tzigane.” --BBC Music Magazine, December 2011 ****

“The way she gently eases into the magical final section of Saint-Saens' Violin Concerto's slow movement is unforgettable, so too her beguilingly seductive handling of Ravel's volatile gypsy inflections and introspectively dreamy Chausson. Apart from the slightly claustrophobic sound in the Saint-Saens, this is a perfect showcase for a young player whose musical insights are of the higest calibre.” --Classic FM Magazine, November 2011 ****

“Rachel Kolly d'Alba's playing immediately grabs our attention. Passionate commitment to the music, rich tone and constantly varied expression combine to leave a powerful, memorable impression...while stressing the dramatic and colourful side of each work, her interpretations are well balanced and persuasive, too.” --Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011

“Kolly d'Alba is a fearless, passionate and responsive violinist, although her power (as recorded) may be too strong for Saint-Saens's delightful concerto. She can charm though, as the enchanting central movement demonstrates.” --International Record Review, January 2012