Describing the performance of both works by the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Mikel Toms requires a word that goes further than "stunning": the music is played with utmost virtuosity and total conviction.
The members of the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mikel Toms and the singer Natalie Raybould have obviously spent much time delving into the essence of this music and add much to my enjoyment.
All credit is due to the Brno Philharmonic for its clear devotion to contemporary modern music, and to Mikel Toms for guiding the players through with such assurance.
… an exciting and truly spectacular recording.
British-based conductor Mikel Toms revels in the grand sonorities of this band, and I can’t imagine that the composers are not thrilled with his advocacy.
British-born conductor Mikel Toms leads the Brno Philharmonic Strings in a masterful performance that displays his and the players versatility and commitment to the music. The strings playing is vibrant and transparent at all times and Toms’s keen ear and attentional to detail make this performance something special.
Lost Lands is the longest work, its complex single-movement form well-shaped under expert conductor Mikel Toms...
All credit to the virtuosity of the Brno Philharmonic and the expert ear of their conductor, Mikel Toms, for delivering such a razor-sharp performance.
The Brno Philharmonic give a storming account...Mikel Toms secures some sensitive accompaniment in the concerto. Good sound, too.
Very pleasurable and committed performances...beautifully performed by the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Mikel Toms.
The New Prague Sinfonia under Mikel Toms accompanies with glowing sensitivity, and the Prague 2005 recording is beguilingly velvet-toned...another first-rate performance rounds out a highly recommended issue, which even the most conservative of readers should urgently seek out.
...With the version [of Schnittke's Concerto for Three] by its dedicatees Gidon Kremer, Yuri Bashmet and Rostropovich currently unavailable this is a highly competitive account.
Performance: * * * * *
The excellent Reservoir...
Brilliantly played by Reservoir...
Their particular store is one of talent...directed with intelligence and enthusiasm by Mikel Toms...Warmly recommended.
Mikel Toms conducts the pride of the avant-garde...ought to start a riot...Hear the 21st century before it begins...I don't know what it's all about either - but it's the future!
Reservoir packed the Conway Hall...The players' commitment to Xenakis was palpable...The performance didn't just vindicate Xenakis, it also vindicated the relevance of classical music to a discussion of new music of any genre. Reservoir are a musical force who can make genuine sense of the Wire's cross-cultural scramble.
a great musician … who was very much liked by all the orchestra. It needs a special talent and ability to be liked by the Kazakstan State Symphony Orchestra! He worked with youthful vigour, was very professional and well prepared. Compared to our young conductors here, Mikel Toms rehearses the scores in greater detail. He very much wanted to convey the spirit of the music to the orchestra…It is the general opinion of the world that the British are demanding and scrupulous and Mikel Toms gently drew exactness from the orchestra.
A high point of splendid perversity....Less a concert, more a happening: not only music (acoustic and electronic) but simultaneously theatre, lighting and video…Overall, a compelling and inspiring evening, which deservedly drew a large, variegated and appreciative audience; the Reservoir stalwarts such as leader Darragh Morgan, pianist Ian Pace and conductor Mikel Toms, performed heroically as ever. So why can't all concerts be like this? Still: it was worth waiting until 1999 for this one to have been.
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