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.

DECO has received good reviews from the local press for the concert on 26th September in Lichfield Cathedral:

• The strings excelled themselves with the softest of pianissimos rivalling more established orchestras.

In the Italian Symphony:

• The orchestra excelled, clearly enjoying themselves and the music they were playing

• DECO are to be congratulated on top class performances in Lichfield for tickets priced at less than a single CD.

• Watch out Birmingham. You have competition!

(Christopher Arnold, Sutton Coldfield Observer)

You can read the full review on This Is Sutton Coldfield.

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