“I loved the excerpt from the Wagner opera very, very much. I was completely absorbed; it even brought tears to my eyes.”

“It may be a cliché, but the rich, monumental sound of large orchestral concerts always fills me with immense joy, and this was especially true of the Wagner this time. The singers were outstanding as well.”

“I have been attending the BFO’s concerts since its founding. I know the musicians by name, but I am always happy to see new faces in the ensemble as well. Yesterday, I truly felt that sense of togetherness again; this journey along the Rhine was wonderful. Schumann is not my favorite composer, but I was enchanted by his musical imagery. Die Walküre was splendid. Many consider it a static opera, but in this scene, thanks to the two singers, we witnessed real human drama. With her wonderful voice, Anja Kampe could fill a stadium without a microphone, and she is a superb actress, with a true stage presence. Hanno Müller-Brachmann was somewhat overshadowed by the soprano, but he unquestionably sang beautifully. As for Iván Fischer, I could only list superlatives. He subordinates everything to the music and never compromises on his high standards. Thank you for the cathartic concert.”

“Die Walküre is one of my very favorite operas. Wonderful music, and it was very good to hear it again. I had goosebumps from the sheer beauty of it all.”

“It was a fantastic evening. I am happy that we have an Iván and a magnificent BFO. The singers were phenomenal as well! And then came the Midnight Music, which was sensational!!!”

“I think they are the best orchestra in the world; I cannot praise them enough. Wagner was fantastic, and I especially loved Brünnhilde. And the way the music gently faded away at the end... only Iván and the BFO can perform it like that. By the end, I may even grow to love Wagner...🤭”

“And once again, that sense of awe I feel whenever I make it to one of their concerts. Schumann’s subtleties, Wagner’s monumentality, seasoned with the two wonderful singers who perfectly conveyed the drama unfolding between father and daughter – yesterday evening was a true indulgence. Thank you for being there, and for allowing me, again and again, to take part in that purifying fire that drives everything out of me that does not belong there. It has such elemental power that I am compelled to return to it again and again; I need it for my happiness. May God bless you, together with the greatest man who stands at your helm.”

“Mesmerizing!! Iván tells stories! It is as if I were hearing Bernstein again! Let him speak a lot, a lot, a lot — and more, more — about MUSIC! Perhaps a book? Books?”

“Every moment was a true shared celebration.”

“It was rich in experience and wonderful, uplifting and relaxing at the same time. It is a very, very good solution that Iván tells stories as well. I loved yesterday afternoon.”

“While listening to Wagner’s work, all awareness of the outside world ceased. I was completely captivated by the sequence of moods flowing from the music and singing. The work and its performance had a powerful effect on me. I felt as though I, too, were present at the scene. At the very place where the story unfolds.”

“Every BFO concert renews me. That was the case last night as well. Thank you for the experience.”

“It was magical. I rarely use that word.”