REVIEWS
"Clarinettist Carol McGonnell, violinist Elizabeth Cooney and pianist Finghin Collins transformed what promised to be a distinctly non-festive, rather highbrow, unpopular programme into a musical experience that absolutely delighted the large attendance at Kinsale Arts Week.
The sheer technical brilliance, musicianship, and enthusiasm of these musicians totally charmed.
I feared that Finghin Collins’ big tone might overpower Elizabeth Cooney’s ‘Soldier’s Violin’ but the balance was perfect, and, with the clarinet commenting on her brilliant staccato and his perfectly judged accompanying, this was electrifying. Similarly, the grotesquery of the piano in the final movement was superb."
Declan Townsend, Irish Examiner, July 18th 2012
"There was nothing here that wasn't totally enjoyable. Finghin Collins made an impressive solo appearance [with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra] in Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2; his virtuosity sustaining all the wonderful melodies throughout and conveying a contemplative outlook in the Larghetto. To his great credit we were treated to John Field's lovely Nocturne No. 5 as an encore."
Mike Marsh, Bournemouth Echo, March 19th 2012
"Bei Edward Elgars Klavierquintett aMoll erweist sich der 34-Jährige gar als echte Entdeckung, so diskret legt er filigrane Klangteppiche oder hält das Ensemble mit kraftvollen Strukturen zusammen: „Begleitung“ im besten Sinne, dank derer eine echte klangliche Verschmelzung von Klavier und Streichern gelingt. Allen Musikern ist das Vergnügen bei diesem Hochleistungsakt anzumerken: Gemeinsamer Atem, intensive Zuwendung trägt die schmerzlich schwelgenden Choralklänge, das terzenselige, fast „ungarisch“ hüpfende Seitenthema und deren kompakte, triumphal gelöste Verwicklungen, bei allem Gefühlsdrang erstaunlich transparent und unpathetisch..."
Isabel Herzfeld, Tagesspiegel, May 14th 2012
"There is spirituality too in Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End of Time’ and Carol McGonnell, Catherine Leonard, Guy Johnston and Finghin Collins respond with rapt intensity in the regenerated Smock Alley Theatre. Messiaen’s clarinet, violin and cello solos have a haunting beauty and his apocalyptic ensembles are powerfully guided by Collins’ galvanising control." Pat O'Kelly, Irish Independent, June 20th 2012
