Dear Gabriel,
In my opinion, your conducting of the American Philharmonic, Sonoma County,
is phenomenal, outstanding, superb... in short, WONDERFUL! I appreciate so much being able to enjoy hearing the APSC under your direction.

In all three works tonight, the music "came alive", as I've never heard it on a recording. (This has happened before, in previous APSC concerts.) No recording --playback -- system can produce the quality of sound of a live orchestra--but it's much more than that. The conductor interprets the score and shapes the sound, setting the balance between parts, the tempo, the timing, the EXPRESSION. It is here that you excel. It is this what prompts me to say the performance is "world-class".

The difference is you, what you bring to the performance, and what you put into it. Watching you conduct, I get a glimpse of what you feel in and from the music. The intensity with which you conduct, and the orchestra members' response to that intensity, makes such a difference in the listener's experience! I'd love to listen to each piece again and again before I sleep. (Though I'd guess you and the orchestra may be ready for rest after once through.) I've listened many times to a recording of Brahm's 4th, with Herbert Von Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. After tonight's concert, I know that I would prefer to hear you conduct that piece! (The Coriolan Overture and Mendelssohn Violin Concerto were no less wonderful.) Whether the music is intense or lyrical, you bring it alive!

Some moments in tonight's concert literally took my breath away.
The flute solo in Brahms Symphony #4 brought tears to my eyes.
Nigel was simply fantastic, in the whole concerto. (once again!)


Dave McQuate