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Testimonials
In November, 1999, the Enterprise of Hastings, NY ran a letter from Hubert B. Herring (who writes for the New York Times) in which he speaks of an "astoundingly wonderful" event in Dobbs Ferry when "the choral group Charis will perform. If you have never heard this group, you have missed out on a rare, wondrous musical treat.".
Recognized for "imaginative programming, good choral singing, and intelligent conducting" (Francis Brancaleone, Gannett Newspapers, November 19, 1997), this 24-voice vocal chamber ensemble is becoming increasingly well known for its rich sound and the clarity of its vocal lines. Mr. Brancaleone called the November, 1997 concert of eight-part Baroque masterpieces "a connoisseur's concert, tastefully rendered" in which "new life was breathed into this early music." An experienced voice teacher and an accomplished musician with a natural gift for conducting, Ms. Peck's ability to select interesting and harmonically rich music continues to attract singers and music lovers throughout the tri-state region.
"Susanne Peck has a good ear for blend and has selected her singers accordingly...The success of the performance was a product not only of technique and preparation, but of understanding...a connoisseur's concert." according to the Gannett Newspapers November, 18, 1997.
Michael Jaffee, director of the Waverly Consort, attended Charis's spring performance -- Sweet May - Songs from the Twelfth to the Twentieth Century Composed by Women. He commented on "the beautifully programmed and performed concert: interesting repertory, scrupulous attention to diction, intonation, and phrasing, and [the group's] passionate involvement in the music, which is so often missing in fully professional choirs." Michael Jaffee also commented on Ms. Peck's skills as a choral conductor, saying she "possesses in abundance the musical and leadership skills that qualify her for the role of conductor: a thorough knowledge of the technique of singing, an ability to identify and prepare repertory of high quality suitable to the abilities of her singers, and an enthusiasm for the music."
Dennis Keene, director of Voices of Ascension, feels that Charis is "one of the area's finest vocal chamber ensembles. The group's blended sound, their musicality, and their attention to technique make Charis a welcome and respected addition in the tri-state region. In addition to being an exceptional singer and teacher, Ms. Peck has also surfaced as a gifted new conductor, whose respect and enthusiasm for the music is communicated both to her performers and to the audience."
James Carr, one of the composers whose work was commissioned by Charis, feels that "Susanne Peck and her group are exceptional. Ms. Peck is a natural leader. She is certainly one of the most gifted young choral conductors in the New York Area today. Her unique musical skills are complemented by a keen educated intelligence and a truly charismatic personality. Her choral conducting skills flow naturally from her experience as a singer, her strong balletic physicality, and her solid musical training ... During the last three years I have heard her produce concert after concert of motivated and beautiful music making of an extremely high order, both technically and interpretively. These concerts featured challenging modern American music, some of which, including a work of mine, Charis commissioned. Clearly, Charis consists of a group of uniquely committed people with a talent and deep passion for serious new music making." |