Muhai Tang Conductor

Quotes, Reviews & Features

Zurich Chamber Orchestra: 2009 Reviews

“…Resident conductor Muhai Tang approached this fantastical gem of a piece with appropriate joy and attention to detail. He allowed the leader Willi Zimmermann enough freedom in the Adagio for his exquisite Cantilena and used playful echo effects throughout the Finale...The Zurich Chamber Orchestra provided a an attentive, melodious and well balanced accompaniment….”

Sibylle Ehrismann – 05/02/2009

“…Throughout the performance he [Martin Fröst] never lost touch with the orchestra, which, under the direction of Muhai Tang, was a wholly dependable partner… Besides the Nielsen, Tang and his orchestra offered a multifaceted programme of Scandinavian music, with Grieg’s Holberg Suite, Sibelius’ Andante Festivo and the string piece Insula deserta by the Finnish composer Erkki-Sven Tüür… The conductor interpreted the work in typical style; making it exciting and full of contrasting images, and bringing out the sparkling musicianship of his orchestra…”

Thomas Schacher - 27/02/2009

“…You would have thought that any intimacy in such grandiose orchestral repertoire would be completely lost. However, Tang knows how to keep the dynamics at the very quietest end of the range, in order to create a special sound and a work that is transparent and cleverly thought through…”

Alfred Zimmerlin – 07/03/2009

“…The Zurich Chamber Orchestra were clearly open to inspiration. Muhai Tang conducted with the highest technical precision and allowed the orchestral musicians enough freedom to engage musically with the soloist….”

Sibylle Ehrismann - 21/03/2009

“….The musical vision of the performance was exceptional: The Zurich Chamber Orchestra, with its conductor Muhai Tang, has already repeatedly shown that it can perform Haydn’s music precisely, pointedly and with great energy. The phenomenal string pianissimo during the introductory ‘Chaos’ section was a good example of this accomplishment, as were the uncompromising articulation effects in the “Zoological” part of the Creation. It is no small feat that the orchestra had the necessary skill and virtuosity to be able to cope with Muhai Tang’s often very quick tempi…”

Tobias Rothfahl (www.worldcreation.info) - 02/06/2009

“…The Oratorio itself began unconvincingly: in aspiring to a beautiful, round orchestral sound Tang smoothed over the contrasts and dissonances of the introductory passages of ‘The Representation of Chaos’ so that it was rendered almost unrecognisable. Apart from this, however, the conductor produced a very convincing, detailed and fluid interpretation. The orchestra was wonderfully musical; precise and engaging….”

Alfred Ziltender – 02/06/2009

“…The conductor Muhai Tang, a clear admirer of Haydn, led the choir, soloists and an expanded Zurich Chamber Orchestra in his typical style; avoiding any kind of leisurely approach, picking out the contrasts and dramatic moments and never missing an opportunity to highlight the different timbres of the scoring…”

Thomas Schacher – 03/06/2009

“…The Zurich Chamber Orchestra and Zurich Boys’ Choir saved the best for their last concert on Thursday, 28^th May inShanghai. In the European-style Concert Hall, the ensemble gave a very convincing performance of “The Creation”., which through tight ensemble playing, clarity in all voices and coherent dynamics, was never felt overly rushed. The applause was almost triumphant; with the conductors and soloists being called back to the stage again and again…”

Ueli Bernays – 06/06/2009