“He
(Ponti) interprets the music beautifully. He brings the most modest of details
out. He sees the picture he wants them to paint. They respond to the
environment he creates. They are a beautifully rehearsed orchestra. It was a
moving performance. So clear, so wonderful. One of the best I’ve seen so far.
In less than five years, he (Ponti) will be sought by orchestras all over the
country.”
Charlotte Sun,Florida
“Ponti
is regarded as a rising star, someone gaining international acclaim and
attention.”
The
Courier News, Chicago
“And, of course, the biggest collaborator of all was the
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Raffaele Ponti. The orchestra’s
musicians were the ultimate accompaniment, accentuating each song’s moods, nuances,
and sounds. The sound was superb, as was the playing, but it never overwhelmed
the piano in the center of the stage, or the notes engineered by Brickman’s
fingers. The orchestra pleased the eye, as well. Watching the string section
move in unison was a joy, given all the more magic and gravitas by the gorgeous
music the movements produced.”
Buffalo News
"Ponti
brings an exhilarating energy level to center stage. It's an electrifying
swagger-- empowering and enabling him to pull music from light to darkness and
back again." The Courier News, Chicago
“A
bold yet sensitive conductor, Ponti highlights Brahms’ interplay between the
instruments, expertly balancing the sections – emphasizing the delightful winds
and fine trombones while holding in check Esso’s formidable string section – to
illustrate the multiple layers that make this work so sublime.” Daily
Herald, Chicago
“Led
by last minute replacement conductor Raffaele Ponti of the Paducah Symphony
Orchestra, the BPO gave an expressive performance of the achingly beautiful
score.” Buffalo
News
“…it’s
clear he has a tremendous zest for music, an exuberance recalling both the roar
and rush of a roller coaster ride.” The Courier News, Chicago
“The
music was exciting and the performance was flawless. Ponti showed us how
passionate he is about the music, and the orchestra demonstrated how committed
they are to excellence.” Billings Gazette
“Fans
worldwide say that his passion shows.” The Courier
News, Chicago
“Eyes
hold an entire ensemble. A moment passes.
Then through a series of wordless impulses, an exceptional conductor,
Ponti changes the human chemistry in an orchestra and audience.”
The
Courier News, Chicago
“…guest
conductor Raffaele Ponti, whose passionate approach to music has captured
international attention.” The
Courier News, Chicago
“Heads
bobbed and smiles broke out both on and off the stage Saturday night as the
Billings Symphony Orchestra performed under the baton of Raffaele Ponti.” Billings Gazette
“The
sound was big, and the orchestra played with great heart. By its end,
musicians’ brows were wet and some members of the audience were teetering on
the edge of their seats.” Billings Gazette