Ensemble Vivant: More Acclaim
Palm Court Pleasures CD Review, Music Magazine
Here is the perfect light chamber music album … a little of everything to suit any taste … a wonderfully talented ensemble that performs with a warmth and flow that betrays an exceptional closeness … truly these players are more than just in-tune with each other … the overall effect is joyous and compelling.
Ragtime Review, William Albright
Catherine Wilson’s Ragtime playing is second to none…virtuoso technique and beautiful touch with the right feel and grove combined with a rich musical imagination.
American Ragtime composer, pianist
Leroy Anderson Review, Mrs. Leroy Anderson
Catherine Wilson was sensational in her performance of the Leroy Anderson Piano Concerto at Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson conducting the New York Pops. She brings a special lyric sensitivity to her performance, along with meticulous technical ability. Her presence and affinity for the piece are palpable.
Palm Court Pleasures CD Review, CBC Radio
Palm Court Pleasures with Catherine Wilson’s Trio Vivant… flawless… beyond flawless… it’s miraculous… it’s just perfect!
Leroy Anderson Review, La Scena Musicale
Catherine Wilson’s affinity for Anderson’s music is much in evidence in this delightful recording… her sensitive piano playing shines.
La Scena Musicale
Palm Court Pleasures CD Review, Toronto Star
This vastly entertaining album makes listening awfully easy.
Toronto Star
Leroy Anderson Review, Oakville Symphony Orchestra
Catherine Wilson’s playing possesses the perfect combination of superb musicality, passionate commitment, and a lyrical and delicate shading of tonal colours.
Music Director
Oakville Symphony Orchestra
Classical Potpourri Review, RPM Magazine, Canada
Beautiful playing…masters the nuances of interpreting…
Palm Court Pleasures CD Review, CBC Radio
… desert island favourites …
Leroy Anderson Review, Welland Tribune
Wilson is a dazzling performer to watch as well as listen to… there is technical perfection and keen emotionality…she left the audience suspended until the last notes of the concerto…Wilson’s performance was electric; she appears as though she feels every note she plays – at one with her music and instrument. (of Catherine Wilson’s performances with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra)
The Romantics CD Review, American Record Guide
They bring their own sound and sensibility to the music… every time I have played this recording I have enjoyed it – both for the playing and for the program.
Chamber Suite CD Review
This big piano chamber repertoire is beautifully and masterfully performed…insightful interpretations… Catherine Wilson’s playing seems to inhabit the soul of each composer whose work she performs.
Audience Favourites CD, Toronto Star
…pianist Catherine Wilson and her collaborators achieve that all-too-rare balance between intellectual satisfaction and pure entertainment…this is a quality musical candybox.
Toronto Star
Audience Favourites CD, Fanfare Magazine
…refreshing… everything clicks in context… wonderful recording.
Chamber Suite CD Review
I couldn’t be more moved. Ensemble Vivant’s performance of The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite is rich with colour, imagination and deep soulful playing that reveals a profound understanding of this music. I was brought to tears by the tenderness and depth of pianist Catherine Wilson’s playing, and it is a joy to hear Catherine paired with the incomparable Joel Quarrington on double bass, and violinist supreme, Marie Bérard. The entire quintet is outstanding – this is a world-class ensemble in every way.
composer of The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite
Ensemble Vivant Review, The WholeNote
Ensemble Vivant… this is chamber music at its evocative best!
Homage to Astor Piazzolla CD Review, Rick Wilkins
This is wonderful playing. The vitality with which the ensemble brings to these pieces is palpable. One needn’t have Latin blood in their veins to discern the commitment these musicians have to this project. (re Ensemble Vivant’s Homage to Astor Piazzolla CD, ODEG)
musician, composer, arranger
Latin Romance CD Review, A Web of Fine Music
Latin Romance is a tasteful and refined ode to the venerable tango…Ensemble Vivant brings a joy of music making that is truly infectious, inviting the listener to, if not get up and dance the tango, at least feel they are being transported to some warmer clime where they could watch dancers do it for them.
A Web of Fine Music
Homage to Astor Piazzolla CD Review, Julien Labro
This disc sings with heartfelt passion, tenderness, elegance and originality…a precious contribution to the roster of existing Piazzolla recordings…destined to become a classic.
accordionist, bandoneonist, composer, arranger
Homage to Astor Piazzolla CD Review, Scene Magazine
Ensemble Vivant live up to their name with this lively, spirited and affecting production…flawlessly executed…Ensemble Vivant’s heartbreakingly beautiful rendition of Adios Nonino alone is reason enough to add this disc to the collection – but it’s hardly the only one.
Scene Magazine
Homage to Astor Piazzolla CD Review, Amazon
Tango anyone? Ensemble Vivant shines! … one of the best small chamber groups out there is led by pianist extraordinaire Catherine Wilson…Homage to Astor Piazzolla gets 5 out of 5 stars
Amazon.com (USA)
Rick Wilkins CD Review, Guido Basso
Catherine Wilson is a magnificent and passionate concert pianist… a joy to listen to and lovely to watch. Her playing and that of her group Ensemble Vivant is among the finest anywhere… brilliant musicianship and artistry… warm, heartfelt, vibrant playing… a rare breed of stylistically diverse performers whose playing, no matter the style, is truly in the groove.
jazz trumpet/flugelhorn
Homage to Astor Piazzolla CD Review, Musical Heritage Society
Ensemble Vivant is led by piano virtuoso Catherine Wilson, and features violinist Erica Beston, cellists Amy Laing and Sharon Prater, Dave Young on bass, with Dave Campion and Philip Seguin manning percussion. It all makes for an exciting and vibrant album (Homage to Astor Piazzallo) that is a sure-fire hit.
Musical Heritage Society Magazine, U.S.A.
Ensemble Vivant Review, David Bullard
…Thanks again for a great performance and wonderful program…molti bravi to Ensemble Vivant… please have Ensemble Vivant return very soon!
de Blasiis CMS at the Hyde
NY, U.S.A.
fête française CD Review, Toronto Star
Beautiful, poised performances…reveal the deep musicianship and light interpretive touch of these Toronto-based musicians led by pianist Catherine Wilson.
Toronto Star