“[Rao’s] canny musical choices in the performing edition [of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS] were part of this, but it was her utter commitment and the lively energy of her Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and her two soloists that lifted this performance into the extraordinary.
When the ‘Laudas’ melted into the a capella choral prayer “Almighty Father’ – taken by Rao at a daringly slow tempo – it was a moment of shattering musical drama…
It was a sensational 35 minutes of music making and terribly moving.”
[CLICK for the Full Review]
John Chacona, Chautauquan Daily
July 23, 2011 | Bach and Bernstein with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra
conducted by Doreen Rao
"The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus displayed clipped, biting enunciation…. The Chorus clearly relished its starring role. The voices changed color with the piece, projecting terror, Innocence and joy."
Mary Kunz Goldman, Buffalo News
September 24, 2011 | Carmina Burana with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
conducted by JoAnn Falletta
“A powerful but bittersweet ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ spotlighted the subtlety and virtuosity of the Philharmonic Chorus [prepared by Doreen Rao]"
Mary Kunz Goldman, Buffalo News
May 27-28, 2011 | “Star Spangled Pops” with the Buffalo Philharmonic
Orchestra
conducted by Matthew Kraemer
“The chorus sang with exceptional responsiveness, a rich ripe sound and a vibrant textural fullness.”
Mary Kunz Goldman, Buffalo News
June 5-6, 2011 | Verdi Requiem with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
conducted by JoAnn Falletta
Philharmonic Chorus shines as 'Classical Christmas' highlight
"A big draw was the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, decked out in red and black and raring to go. This massive ensemble has been polishing its act and its sound was chiseled and powerful…The Philharmonic Chorus [prepared by Doreen Rao] is to thank for the biggest thrills of the evening."
Mary Kunz Goldman, Buffalo News
December 18, 2010 | Classical Christmas Concert
conducted by JoAnn Falletta
"The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, well prepared by its director Doreen Rao, sang with strong, crisp attacks and was at its best in the lovely pianissimo entrance of the opening chorus and in the two bravado fugal passages in the fourth and sixth sections."
Herman Trotter, Buffalo News
May 15-16, 2010 | Brahms' "Requiem" - Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra,
conducted by JoAnn Falletta
"There are a lot of really, really good choirs in Western New York, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, under the direction of Doreen Rao, is one of the best."
Garaud MacTaggart, Buffalo News
April 25, 2010 "Passport to Europe" - featuring the music of Faure, Poulenc and Puccini, with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Doreen Rao
“The chorus [prepared by Doreen Rao] treated Ode to Joy with power and finesse, with carefully shaped dynamics and fine moments of drama.”
Buffalo News, Mary Kunz Goldman, 10/4/2009
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, JoAnn Falletta conductor
“Rao, whose podium presence is direct and exuberant, handled the blending of orchestra and chorus with aplomb.”
Buffalo News, Garaud MacTaggart, 4/27/2009
Mendelssohn Symphony-Cantata No. 2, Doreen Rao conductor
“The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus [prepared by Doreen Rao] sang with magnificent crispness, bite and full body.”
Buffalo News, Herman Trotter, 4/29/2007
Orff Carmina Burana, JoAnn Falletta conductor
“The nearly 100 choristers outnumbered the orchestra, but they had been well prepared by musical director Doreen Rao. Their singing was perfectly matched to the crisp, highly articulated and multi-layered sound that Rilling achieved for the work as a whole.”
John Teraud, The Toronto Star
"Hundred voices massed for Mozart"
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
“For Rao, every note has an urgent meaning, not just within the composition but in the wider world.”
Robert Everett-Green, The Globe and Mail
“The U of T Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra performed the Coronation Mass at Lincoln Center's comprehensive Mozart tribute.... with a portfolio that combines performance and education, [Rao] is making strides as a conductor pure and simple. Her command of both instruments and voices in the Coronation Mass was evident. Zesty tempos and vivid projection by the chorus and soloists brought the mass vividly to life.”
Arthur Kaptainis, University of Toronto Magazine
"Lincoln Center Debut: Zesty tempos, vivid projection"
“John Burge's Mass for Prisoners of Conscience is a triumph. Rao, a renowned choral conductor... was in complete control throughout the Saturday concert, exuding a remarkable energy that seemed to translate to each performer. Most importantly, she communicated a profound understanding of the piece.”
Jennie Punter, Whig Standard, Kingston,
"Beauty, horror entwined in haunting mass for Amnesty"
"...the concert was emotionally very satisfying, but what was intellectually impressive was the degree of excellence with which every song was executed. Doreen Rao is a brilliant artist and teacher... whose methods and materials could re-energize the art of singing in our schools."
Bronwyn Drainie, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Centre for the Arts Concert
"Singing Teacher's approach turns a chorus of woes into wows"
“Doreen Rao is a dynamo – a vivacious, energetic, dedicated choral director... She led an invigorating concert.”
Diane Windeler, Express News, San Antonio Concert Review
“The Festival Chorus performed with incredible energy, joy and precision. To watch Rao pull every ounce of music out of her artists was a joy in itself.”
Ann LeBar, The Spokesman-Review,
Spokane, Washington "Doreen Rao"
Northwest Bach Festival