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