Darwin Ensemble

Having recently heard your last concert in Lichfield Cathedral, I wanted to say how impressed I was by what you have achieved with DECO. Clearly you have many excellent players from across the region and beyond, with a wonderful resulting sound and ensemble. What you are doing is clearly very distinguished and important for Lichfield. Graham Oppenheimer, Senior Chamber Music Tutor, Chetham's School of Music. Artistic Director, International Chamber Music Series, De Montfort Hall, Leicester.

A review of DECO's Mendelssohn concert on Saturday 26 September 2009:

The Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra's concert at Lichfield Cathedral was a double milestone. This was the first major orchestral concert in the Cathedral since the Lady Chapel was temporarily sealed off in July – a step which many feared would have a damaging effect on the Cathedral's generally good acoustic. And it was DECO's first serious venture into the romantic repertoire: a bicentenary tribute to Felix Mendelssohn.

The rendition of Beethoven's first symphony was joyous. The strings found a pianissimo to rival many more established groups. The woodwind and brass were flawless in their interpretations. If this group can play often enough to master the venue, we are in for a series of treats. Three cheers for all involved! Christopher Arnold, Lichfield Mercury

Without doubt, the quality of DECO’s offering before an enraptured audience exceeding three hundred, was matched only by the majesty of this graceful, historic building, Lichfield Cathedral. No wonder that these talented musicians, under the skilful direction of conductor Philip Scriven, received a standing ovation at the end of an entertaining and well-balanced programme of Mozart and Beethoven. David Whinyates

A truly memorable and ‘feel-good’ occasion for all and particularly inspirational for all of the children watching. Nicola Howdle

Thank you so much for all you did to make yesterday's composition workshop so successful. Everybody really benefited, and enjoyed the occasion. … The willingness of all of you to provide such a variety of stimulating and thoughtful comments and ideas was just what was required. Michael Harris, Organist and Master of the Music of St Giles' Cathedral, who hosted the Schools' Composition Workshop.

Thank you for providing our pupils with the opportunity to have their compositions worked on and performed by the Darwin Ensemble. It was such an enjoyable day for us all; the interaction between the composers and performers was positive, engaging and industrious … an exciting and rewarding experience. Sophie Buckingham: Music teacher at George Watson's College, Edinburgh

Both composers and the audience of Academy students were thrilled to hear their own music played so sensitively by professional musicians not much older than themselves. Banchory Academy, 2006