Critical Response
(selected)

“Creative and charismatic”
Mark Stryker, Detroit FREE PRESS

“Under the direction of conductor Nan Washburn…the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra
remains one of the most ambitious orchestras of its size in the country”
Mark Stryker, Detroit FREE PRESS

“Watching Artistic Director and Conductor Nan Washburn conduct her orchestra is a treat in itself”
SHOWMAG.COM, Los Angeles, CA

“Washburn is a ball of energy at the podium…
[she] demands excellence and passion from her players”
Clare Pfeiffer, Ixiti: Experience Engine for Southeast Michigan

“Washburn’s interpretation was engaging and illuminating...eliciting transparent textures
with rich sonorous qualities when needed, and phrasing that breathed with life...”
Ronald Caltabiano, San Francisco Classical Voice

“Washburn cuts a lively and engaging figure.”
Alan Rich, Los Angeles Weekly

“Riveting ... ambitious...the West Hollywood Orchestra, keep your eye on this group.”
Elizabeth Waters, BEVERLY HILLS OUTLOOK

“Washburn conducted with commanding vigor...[she] led a superbly precise and
sensitive performance.”
William Glackin, SACRAMENTO BEE

“Washburn demonstrated keen knowledge of the literature and excellent rapport with the musicians... a woman with a high energy level and a bright future.... Washburn’s skill as a conductor shows that she is someone who will continue to make her mark
in the American orchestral community.”
Ken Sweeney, Dubuuqe Telegraph Herald, Dubuque, IA

“She's made an enormous impact on the music of Sacramento. She is bright, she is imaginative...her programming has been outstanding, her podium performance inspirational.”
Clark Mitze, KXJZ Radio, Sacramento

“Washburn is superb...[she] revealed a resonant, richly colored ensemble.”
Charles Shere, Santa Rosa Press Democrat

“Few orchestras have someone with the talents of Nan Washburn”
George Csicsiery, SAN FRANCISCO FOCUS MAGAZINE

“Washburn was splendid...[she] added to her technical skills the ability to mold a work into a living expression...she masterfully communicated great romantic expression to a responding orchestra.”
Robert McClintock, SACRAMENTO UNION

“Washburn’s selection of works provided a shimmering assortment of the new and the familiar. She certainly ripped the cobwebs from starchy concert formats. Sonoma County concertgoers have been jolted out of their tradition-encrusted expectations.”
Judd Snyder, Rohnert Park/Cotati Community Voice, Sonoma County, CA

“Conductor Nan Washburn performed a service of inspiration and musicianship...
[She] conducted with energy, clarity and ... graceful security...
It was a pleasure to get to see her at last.”
Karen Kammerer, Register-Guard, Eugene, OR