Flutist Laurel Swinden has a sweet and distinct tone… Swinden’s lengthy held notes are breathtaking in colour and duration.
– The WholeNote
so pleased with your playing and your sound in general! You’re a lovely flutist…
– Katherine Hoover, composer
The program offers few challenges for a flutist as gifted as Swinden…. her very musical phrasing is matched in every turn by longtime collaborator Stephanie Mara, piano.
– Audiophilia, Sept. 2012
Phrasing was very musical; the music always had time to breathe and intonation was impeccable…. Swinden gave us a stunning performance of the Franck. All of the composer’s demands were met, indeed, surpassed, allowing this listener to relax and let Franck’s amazing melodies float beautifully in the ample acoustic…
-Audiophilia, July 2009
About Celebrating Canadian Women! (2017)
“I have been listening to it this morning and want to say how beautifully your tone portrays the phrasing.”
“You do the composers a great service through your commitment to detail!”
– Fiona Wilkinson, Professor Emeritus, Western University
“I was very impressed! I love your and Stephanie’s interpretation, very refined and magnificently musical, with a beautiful technical perfection!
Your understanding and love of the piece is obvious and I feel your beautiful freedom and real pleasure in your both performance.”
– Rachel Laurin, composerI love the recording of “Suite for Flute and Piano”!! I like the way you interpret the piece and both instruments sound amazing, full of vibrant colors and virtuosity.
– Alice Ho, composer
This CD brings together artistry and artistic leadership. Well done!
– Allan Pulker, The Wholenote, September 2017 [Read full review – PDF]
About Celebrating Women! (2012)
The flute and piano duo has never had such a powerful and memorable moment as in this collection of music by women composers from past and present. ….The two musicians are remarkably tight and in sync as an ensemble. In sections of matching rhythms and harmonies, I thought I was hearing a third new instrument in the mix!
– WHOLENOTE, October 2012.Lots of cool music and interestingly, affectionately and committedly played. Congrats to you!
– Allison Melville
Recording is top notch… Recommended.
– Anthony Kershaw, AUDIOPHILE, September 10, 2012 [Read full review]