Press Centre

“William Vann, director musical del cor, condueix aquestes obres amb elegància i una profunda comprensió de l’univers coral d’Elgar. El seu treball posa en relleu la varietat de colors de les partitures, modela el fraseig amb naturalitat i manté una tensió expressiva constant, tant en els passatges de recolliment com en els moments de major expansió.”

“​Every performance on this disc is of top-notch quality, sung and played in a heartfelt manner, with expert direction from Vann.”

“In William Vann [Kitty Whately] has an ideally responsive pianist, who clearly revels in the refined, poetic textures Vaughan Williams summons for his vocal soloist.”

“…the carols are given winning performances by the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, conducted by William Vann.”

“William Vann’s accompaniments are a model of tact and supportiveness throughout, and he gives the Twelve Traditional Country Dances for piano just the right degree of lilt and cheerfulness.”

“William Vann’s stylist and responsive support is a delight throughout.”

“…committed performances by Roderick Williams and William Vann…These artists also give winning advocacy of Holst’s ‘Invocation of the Dawn’ – another first recording – which opens this selection, Vann handling its Wagnerian and increasingly overloaded piano part with tactful aplomb.”

“…pianism of the highest quality…all lovers of the music of Vaughan Williams should seek out this fine disc…”

“Vann drew expressive playing from the London Mozart Players with the Crouch End Festival Chorus in excellent voice.”

“William Vann drew a stirring, confident and sophisticated performance from his huge forces, letting the stirring moment fill the hall and making Parry’s sophisticated orchestral writing count. He seemed to have developed a fine relationship with the chorus and drew a confident performance from them.”

“William Vann secures a vibrantly projected performance…his conducting is both energising and unobtrusive and the sound is pleasingly natural and well balanced.”

“…the evening was an unalloyed triumph for William Vann…mostly known for his work as a choral conductor but tonight he showed that he is completely at ease directing an orchestra – not only assured but also dynamic. Throughout the performance it was evident that he was inspiring his players and singers, yet never in a way that was flashy or histrionic. He had complete command of the score and evident belief in the music. I was left in no doubt that Mr. Vann was a doughty champion for Judith, both in terms of scrupulous preparation and inspiring conducting.”

“William Vann matched the singer at every turn. Vann’s was much more than mere accompanying – his immaculate, imaginative pianism was most admirable, and in combination with such a gifted singer, raised the stature of the music to the highest level throughout.”

“…a special word of praise for William Vann’s deft pianism.”

“… model singing from the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea under the meticulous direction of William Vann.”

“William Vann is the most sensitive of pianists.”

“William Vann does everything right with the piano parts…”

“Bevan, Gould, and Vann give a gorgeous performance of How the Cold Wind Doth Blow.”

“…the excellent performances, most of all the colorful pianist William Vann—make the best possible case for each [song].”

“…from the outset of this recital Vann showed his ability to occupy the same artistic space as Madlala through amplifying the singer’s expressive nuances, emotional intensity, artistic imagery and passionate fervour.”

“…already towering accomplishment… very at home with this intense Brahmsian warmth…”

“…William Vann accompanied sensitively. It was possible to hear in one’s head the full orchestral accompaniment.”

“Vann’s versatility and technical brilliance came to the fore…”

“…Of the budding accompanists competing for the MBF Accompanists’ Prize, William Vann impressed with the range of his musical sympathies and the commitment of his playing…”

“…he did wonders here and throughout the concert…”

“William Vann avoids any suggestion of bombast or sentimentality, and builds Parry’s great paragraphs so eloquently and with such assurance that you’d think he’d been conducting this music all his life.”