Pianist Andrius Zlabys: Executive and Artistic Director John Orlando of Distinguished Artists Concert & Lecture Series certainly has the knack. Consistently during the past 25 years he has managed to discover interesting young performing artists and bring them to Cabrillo College for its Concert Series.

So it was last night in Cabrillo College's new Music Recital Hall, a lovely new 375 seat state-of-the-art facility. We were hearing the debut of the brand new recital and music hall plus the local debut of the interesting young Lithuanian pianist, Andrius Zlabys. Originally we had been scheduled to hear the exciting young Russian pianist Alexander Romanovsky, but at the last moment he wasn't able to obtain a visitor's visa. This misfortune turned into a blessing, for it gave us the opportunity to hear the equally exciting Mr. Zlabys.

Several times during the past twenty-five years I have arrived in Aptos to hear what for me constituted an unknown young pianist, and then departed from the concert absolutely convinced that Mr. Orlando had once again discovered a major young artist. So it was last night, when after Mr. Orlando's introduction, out on stage came a lanky tall young man looking utterly confident, and who, after no fuss, simply sat down at the Steinway and proceeded to make heavenly music... Lynn Bronson, Penninsula Reviews October 25th, 2009 (Read the review)

 

At times it seems that John Orlando, long-time Director of The Distinguished Artists and Lecture Series operates as an artistic Geiger counter under some sort of divine guidance. Orlando has successfully searched nationally and internationally for the very finest artists... last Friday October 6 th , yet another remarkable Polish pianist, Dr. Wojciech Kocyan gave credence to this artistic phenomenon. Kocyan performed Beethoven's Sonata N0. 4 in E-flat major Op.7, two Mazurkas Op.62 by Karol Szymanowski and no less than seven works by Frederick Chopin that the audience especially came to here...The Beethoven was intellectually prepared, uniquely and artistically realized with touches of impressive rubato and personal nuances that allowed perfect timing for one to hear and appreciate the themes and melodic ideas Beethoven had intended in this marvelous sonata. The second movement Largo con gran esspresione was quite romantic in nature and impressively performed. All of the technical challenges were negotiated with precision and musical depth. This was a superb musical experience complete with flare and class. .... (Read the review)

John Orlando's "House Concert Series" Arguably, John Orlando's "House Concert Series" amounts to one of the best kept musical secrets in the entire Monterey Bay area and then some.... (Read the review)

Russian pianist Halida Dinova Every once in awhile you walk into a concert to hear an artist you know nothing about and receive a welcome surprise by discovering artistry of a high order. Such an event occurred on Saturday evening March 11 in the Cabrillo College Theater as the Distinguished Artists Concert & Lecture Series presented Russian pianist Halida Dinova... (Read the review)

Pianist Anthony Molinaro...Molinaro set a musical precedence with his interpretation [of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue]. The original form appeared to be kept intact, but Molinaro breathed new life into this modest work by adding block chords, stride rhythm, blues elements and creative virtuosity galore...." (Read the review)

"Anthony Molinaro Dazzles", Penninsula Reviews (Read the review)

Cabrillo College Faculty Vocalists Michele Rivard and Kathryn Adkins ...a great evening of fine music in many styles and languages by these talented singers and performers. Kathryn Adkins and Michelle Rivard – Vocal Virtuosos indeed! (Read the review)

Pianist Robert Schwartz "Schwarz is not only a '“pianist’s pianist,” on account of his masterful technique, uncanny pedaling, and complete control of structure, but an “audience pianist” as well..." Richard Lynde (Read the review)

A microscopic line represents many times the distinction between virtuosity and artistry, however, to pianists and aficionados of the classical piano repertoire, Robert Schwartz’s performance ... left no question, it was all pure artistry! Watsonville Register-Pajaronian  (Read the review)

Classical Guitarist Paul Galbraith: "something of a sensation in the guitar world as an extraordinarily skillful, cohesive and passionate performer."   Stereo Review

Alasdair Fraser & Skyedance: "The sound of expertise - a sound to behold." Glasgow Herald

Pianist Pawel Skrypek: "This is a pianist of rare communicative power." Sacramento Bee

Ragtime Pianist Scott Kirby: "…a brilliant performer…Kirby sounds like Chopin." Denver Post

Calico Winds: "I hear nothing but joy from people coming out of the theater." Eva Holberg, Presenter

The Da Vinci Quartet: "This is a crack ensemble…sizzling in its attack and vital sound." The Denver Post

Pianist John Orlando: "An artist of obvious talent, whose playing was marked by exceptional clarity, a good sense of style and sensitivity." The Sacramento Bee

Flamenco Guitarist Paco Pena: "Mr. Pena has it all - rapid, machine-gun like flourishes that blast from his instrument and soft shading he etches with intricate delicacy" The New York Times

Melody of China: "Master Hong Wang plays the Chinese violin like Jimi Hendrix plays the electric guitar." Tanz & Folk Festival

La Tania Flamenco: "Andres Marin is slim and dangerous as a stiletto, he curls his torso into a supple, snake like instrument." The San Francisco Examiner

Jazz Pianist Jessica Williams: "The most important pianist to arrive since Bill Evans." Alun Morgan, Gramophone

The Mystical Arts of Tibet: "Remarkable…the music and dance invoke sacred ecstasy" The New York Times