Reviews

Lindis Taylor, Middle C Classical Music Reviews – August 2016

“Andrew Simon proved an admirably adroit and exuberant player, master of tasteful ornaments, and in wonderful control of varied dynamics. Not least of course were the extra low notes of the basset clarinet and it was very interesting to hear the way Mozart seemed to have framed them particularly, drawing attention to them, and how Simon exploited these opportunities.”
(Mozart Clarinet Concerto, K.622, with Orchestra Wellington and Orpheus Choir of Wellington, under Marc Taddei, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand)

Jerry Dubins of Fanfare Magazine – April/May Issue 2014

“You’ll want to play this track (CARNYX) over and over again just to marvel at Andrew Simon’s technical wizardry.

… it’s hard for me to imagine these works played with any more liquid tone, fluent technique, amazing breath control, and expressive phrasing than that which is brought to them by Andrew Simon. This, to be honest, is my first encounter with this outstanding American clarinetist, and frankly, I don’t understand why he hasn’t by now been recorded in much of the instrument’s mainstream repertoire, for, in my opinion, he is one of the finest players I’ve heard, and would easily be competitive with the best of the best.” 

The Mercury, Tasmania – May 2011

by Carolyn Philpott 
Andrew Simon, clarinet; Warren Lee, piano; Jeremy Williams, viola
Conservatorium Recital Hall, Hobart

“American Andrew Simon is principal clarinet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and has achieved international acclaim for his solo and chamber performances and recordings.  He is also a committed educator and this week is in Hobart to give masterclasses and individual lessons at the Conservatorium. His recital on Monday night highlighted his exceptional technical and expressive skills, as well as his versatility, across a range of musical styles.

For the opening work, Mozart’s Piano Trio in E-flat Major, KV 498 (Kegelstatt), Simon was joined by Hong Kong-based pianist Warren Lee and Hobart-based violist and lecturer Jeremy Williams. Together, they produced a rich, vibrant and well-balanced sound, characterized by clear articulations, neat phrasing and a finely tuned sense of ensemble.

The next three works on the program – Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsodie for clarinet and piano, Astor Piazzolla’s Tango Etudes No.3 and Serban Nichifor’s Two Dances for Andrew Simon were virtuosic pieces that required the use of a wide range of expressive devices, but Simon’s playing of the rapid scalic runs and trills, intricate staccato passagework and more lyrical, legato phrases seemed almost effortless.

The final programmed work, Fantasy on I Puritani – a transcription by Luigi Bassi of themes from the Bellini opera – again showcased Simon’s passionate and engaging style of playing, its highly embellished melodies flowing from his clarinet with great precision and sensitivity.”

South China Morning Post – June 2010

by Sam Olluver 
Mozart Clarinet Concerto – Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra under Alexander Lazarev 
Concert Hall, HK Cultural Centre

“This programme of two works that seriously challenge any performers’ musicianship and control was one to remember… Soloist Andrew Simon’s poise at the opening of the Adagio was exquisite and was trumped by his later magical restatement of the material. Using a basset clarinet to plumb the low notes in Mozart’s original score, Simon’s playing was simply wonderful. His rich sound was supported by immaculate intonation and sparkled with innovative details in articulation.”

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