Reviews
“East of the River’s Solstice: Darkness is your Candle program was one of the highlights of our fall season. Hearing ancient music from the Sephardic, Middle Eastern, and Armenian traditions side by side in one program attested to the harmony in which people can live, and how music truly is a universal language. Our audience was up on their feet dancing during more than one of the tunes!”
Danielle Hahn, Head of Music Programs, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC
"The audience responded with a standing ovation. Hollywood may have tapped elements of this music, but never with the skill, authentic complexity and sheer pleasure produced in this concert."
Michael Barndt, Third Coast Daily at Urban Milwaukee
"East of the River was a complete joy to work with, from start to finish. Their unique programming was a pleasure to market to our audience, and also to hear in performance. Their concert was truly captivating and inspiring, and we feel honored to have had them grace our stage!"
Jesse Blumberg, Artistic Director, Five Boroughs Music Festival
“East of the River concert was absolutely amazing. The Madison audience loved them, and they gave them a long standing ovation.”
Cheryl Bensman-Rowe, Artistic director, Madison Early Music Festival
“East of the River offers an incredible range and depth in their music. From lyrically haunting melodies to frenzied dances and everything in between, their performance captivated our audience and left them wanting more. Their virtuosity and creativity created an experience that was eclectic, emotional, educational, exquisite, and most importantly, enjoyable!”
Gary Viebranz, Penn State Erie's 'Logan Series' presenter
“East of the River’s performance at the Indianapolis Early Music Festival was an unqualified success. Each a stunning virtuoso in his or her own right, the members of the group played together in a spirited, expressive, and exhilarating fashion. The ensemble playing was superb and their sheer joy in performing together was infectious. The music, coming from many traditions and styles - all with ancient roots – told a cohesive story. From a haunting ancient Armenian lament, to a breathtakingly virtuosic Bulgarian dance - the performance was captivating and thrilling. I have rarely seen our audience so engaged and enthusiastic, giving the ensemble multiple standing ovations. East of the River was a marvelous and fresh addition to our concert season.”
Mark Cudek, Artistic Director, IEMEA
“The concert was amazing! Our audience was very appreciative, and … astounded at the quality of the performance.”
Sarah Hawbecker, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA
"The fourth of six Festival Music Society sponsored Indianapolis early music programs delved into music seldom heard in this or any other series given locally, but there's one thing about it: It's got rhythm! Featuring co-founders and recorder players Nina Stern and Daphne Mor, East of the River also includes hand drummer Shane Shanahan, who underpins all the music, comprised of seven short sets, all from "east of the Danube/east of the Jordan" -- take your pick. Much of it is polyrhythmic. But all five players, also including violinist Jesse Kotansky--who also plays the oud (an early lute) and Turkish born Tamer Pinerbasi, who plays the kanun (a 72-string instrument placed on one's lap, each string with a multi-pitch and multitimbre capability)--dovetailed perfectly with Shanahan's rhythms; they all owned them. We started with a traditional English piece from the 14th century, but then veered east to traditional Armenian, traditional Bulgarian and traditional Greek. One piece in the second half was traditional Arabian. One composer from that part of the world lived in the 18th century while two others came from the 20th. They incorporated their period styles rather subtly into the mix of intricate melodic lines, fun-to-follow rhythmic structures, and a largesse of open-fourth harmonies which characterize Medieval music. It was most enjoyable hearing music so different but so well revealed by players who could hardly have been exceeded by anyone exploring these historic eastern cultures in this manner.”
Tom Aldridge, NUVO News