single default

Press for Symphony! and orchestral projects

“Sultans of String were a huge success! The Sultans’ sound is fresh, exotic and entrancing, and the orchestral arrangements are absolutely first class.  They also had a great time with the audience who were mesmerized and ecstatic throughout the show. Each of the Sultans are virtuosic soloists and as an ensemble are one of the tightest groups I’ve ever worked with!” – Maestro John Morris Russell, Conductor-Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

“I absolutely love your material!  The arrangements, orchestration and performances are all spectacular!” – Lucas Richman, Music Director & Conductor, Bangor Symphony Orchestra

“Take Chris McKhool’s Sultans of String and add the power of a full symphony orchestra – what do you get?   One great big world-music Kitchen Party!  This rollicking concert bursts onto the stage with infectious charm, outstanding musicianship and a genuine connection with the audience!” – Candice Turner-Smith – Niagara Symphony Orchestra

“Fantastic program… a smash success with a near sellout crowd and almost every audience member stopping to share their gratitude and appreciation for both the music and the energy of the band.  The success was magnified with the Fiddlefire! program the next day.  We were astonished at the turnout and the audiences reaction. We found that Chris’ Fiddlefire! program worked beautifully with the whole orchestra bringing a fun and educational concert to our community.  The band members are consummate musicians and very easy to work worth.  In addition, the charts have been expertly conceived.  Our entire ensemble was smiling through the rehearsals and right to the very last note.  I would highly recommend this program for your series as it was a critical win for the SOTK and our ongoing efforts to keep a Symphony Orchestra alive in the interior of BC.” – Jeff Faragher, Music and Artistic Director, Symphony of the Kootenays

“I had the pleasure of hearing the Sultans of Strings perform with the Toronto Symphony in April, 2013.  It was terrific, and included everything I look for… the Orchestra had many opportunities to shine, the Sultans provided engaging/entertaining world music elements… I look forward to presenting Sultans with the Minnesota Orchestra!”  – Jim Bartsch – Minnesota Orchestra

“Sultans of String have created an exciting sound world that is completely their own. They have mastered the perfect balance of spontaneity and virtuosity that makes for an energetic, tight and entertaining show!” – Olga Mychajluk, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony

“I was impressed by the virtuoso musicianship displayed by all of the members of this group. The orchestrations were sumptuous, providing a lush background to the captivating performance of Chris and his colleagues. The audience was brought to its feet at the end of the show, demonstrating that they really enjoyed a truly Canadian musical experience!” – Maestro Norman Reintamm, Conductor CBSO

“You were amazing! We are continuing to  receive wonderful feedback from our patrons, many of whom are asking to have you back!” – Shelley Sharpe, Windsor Symphony Orchestra

“The show was just wonderful — a friend (who has lived hither and yon and seen lots of great music in his life) said it was the best concert he’d ever seen in his life. Wow!” – Deborah Sutton Robie, Executive Director, Kingfield POPS!, Maine

“The incredible blending of musical influences, steeped in stories of real Canadians, portrayed the diversity of Canadian life in all its glorious wonder as only an eclectic group of professionals like Sultans of String can deliver!”  – Laura Vaillancourt, Executive Director, Ontario Philharmonic

“The Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Sultans of String presented a fast-paced, energetic and engaging program… remarkable for its eclectic, rich programming that represented music of many different cultures. Bravo!”  – Allan Gaskin, Symphony Nova Scotia

“Thanks so much for the beautiful music. Your group is terrific- outstanding!” – Kathy Coltof, Ontario Philharmonic

“Your music is contagious and our audience loved it!  Working with all of you was a joy–professional, a great variety of musical styles, wonderful arrangements that were accessible for our audience and the orchestra loved them, exciting and colourful performances. A real treat to work with a group of talented, down-to-earth musicians. Can’t wait to do it again!” – John Kraus, Music Director, Northumberland Orchestra & Choir

Links to articles

• Beaches Life – Symphony! of Stories – Sultans of String
  
• Sherwood Park News – Park hosts Sultans of String – Oct. 7
• Jamie Hopkings, All Music – Symphony! Review
• Arthur – Sultans of String 2 bring world rhythms to Peterborough – Sept. 30
• Cleveland Classical CD Review – Symphony! – Sept. 17
• Midwest Record – Symphony Review – Sept. 15
• Buffalo Spree – Talk About Arts – Annual 2013 – The Sultans of String Perform at Sportsmen’s Tavern
• Radio Canada International – Sultans of String – “Symphony”
• News-Gazette – Sultans of String bringing unique voice to Urbana – Jul. 21
• The Nelson Daily – They’re the Sultans…The Sultans of String at the Kaslo Jazz Festival
• The Irregular – World music, symphony captivate crowd at POPS – Jul. 3
• The Irregular – Sultans of String join the POPS – Jun. 26
• Connecticut Post – Mixing Styles is the Sultans of String’s ‘secret weapon’ – Jun. 25
• All Voices – Meet The Sultans of String