REVIEWS

Performance

Stunning performance… exquisitely played… oozing musicality. Hayley is one of those players you love to watch. Not only does she have an assured stage presence but she seems to project the pleasure shared in music-making and the partaking thereof.

Classical Guitar Magazine

A neglected classic of the late Segovia era, the quietly contemplative Haug piece could almost have been written with Ms Savage in mind.

Classical Guitar Magazine

I am full of praise for your performance of ‘Amazonia’ – it’s a very special approach to my piece, inspired by your visit to that very area. I was only there in my imagination but you brought to life for me those mysterious sounds of a living system in all its minute rustlings. The central dance section is for me the human element in the piece and you made this part sparkle with warmth and liveliness. I hope you will keep contact with this special area of the world and continue being its musical ambassador.

Edward McGuire, Composer (First recording of ‘Amazonia’ on CD Hayley Savage Live in Concert)

Composition

Here is a young composer who is not afraid to learn from Vaughan Williams.

Peter Grove, Salisbury Journal (Premiere of ‘English Fantasia’ Soloist John Mills)

Hayley Savage’s ‘English Fantasia’ follows in the tradition of British Romantic composition and provides a beautifully rich work, which successfully combines the guitar with string orchestra and shows the influence not only of English folk music but also the very Englishness of the countryside and its own very special atmosphere… Thank you to Hayley for bringing us this concerto.

John Mills, International Classical Guitarist

Even if Hayley Savage is only a 24-year-old guitarist/composer, her ‘English Fantasy’ – which was performed for the first time in Finland – was very convincing to hear. Savage’s musical landscape was very English, the general sound was romantic-lyrical but it also included darker sounds and fresh rhythmical changes.

‘Keskisuomalainen’ Newspaper, Finland

‘English Fantasia for Guitar & String Orchestra’ is the work of an individual and very talented composer, a view that was confirmed by hearing ‘B.R.A.C.E. Baroque’ in Clifton Cathedral… and it is incumbent on the likes of me to ensure that your music is heard.

Mark Finch, Conductor, Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra

It’s wonderful to play this concerto. (English Fantasia)

Peter Gardner, Conductor, Newfoundland Sinfonia

We settled in with Mozart’s ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ overture, nice warm-up for treats to come. Then came ‘Blue Jewel for Guitar & Symphony Orchestra’ with orchestral passages reminiscent of English impressionist music in the manner of Delius, overlaid with restrained guitar contributions. The test of modern pieces is: Would you want to hear them again? Answer: Yes!

John Parfitt, Stroud News & Journal (Premiere of ‘Blue Jewel’ Soloist Hayley Savage)

The wonderfully atmospheric music of Hayley Savage… In my opinion Hayley is one of England’s foremost composers.

Jonathan Trim, Conductor, Swindon & Stroud Symphony Orchestras

Your ‘English Fantasia’ and ‘Piano Concerto No.1’… display your enormous talents as a composer… unique and brilliantly-orchestrated sections.

Bruce MacCombie, Former Dean, The Juilliard School, New York

This Concerto is a stunning work of great originality. The orchestral colours are vivid and imaginative. It is full of rhythmic vitality, invention and beauty, deserving a place in established repertory.

Jonathan Trim, Conductor, Swindon & Stroud Symphony Orchestras (Premiere of ‘Piano Concerto No.1’ Soloist Hayley Savage)