Heinz Rögl, Salzburger Nachrichten, 10 September 2008
"[...] a Festival highlight [...]
This young orchestra, founded by Michi Gaigg in 1996, once again proved its excellence in the performance of two big Haydn Symphonies (Nr 81 and 91). The boldness and originality of these works put them on a par with Haydn’s greatest works. The expression and differentiation with which the orchestra conveyed Haydn’s sometimes surprising yet strict counterpoint, his contradicting ideas and his delightful musical sense of humour deserves the highest merit.? Amazing how different the first violins (only four of them) can sound in the high and sonorous low ranges, how nimble and precise their performance, how beautiful the balance between strings and excellent wind soloists."
Gerhard Kramer, Wiener Zeitung, 10 September 2008
"[...] played with a lot of taste and knowledge. Congratulations to the excellent oboist!"
Franz Szabo, May 2008
"Michi Gaigg [...] and her L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra have already presented audiences in Melk with some exquisite concerts. The concert this year started with Christoph Willibald Gluck' Ouverture "La Tempête". [...] This incredible work centres on human emotions, one of Michi Gaigg's great interpretative strengths. It was followed by an organ concerto by Georg Christoph Wagenseil [...]. Johannes Maria Bogner excelled in this typical Sturm und Drang work. Carin van Heerden transported the audience in a completely different world, a world exploring the borders of technical virtuosity in Ignaz Holzbauer's stupendously virtuosic concerto for oboe and strings in d minor. [...] The soloist nevertheless presented the fastest runs with perfect sound in the two Allegro movements and in the moving Andante added tranquil beauty to the strings' pizzicato. [...]
After the interval Rameau's Suite from his opera Castor et Pollux filled the historic walls of the Kolomanisaal forcing the audience to the edge of their chairs. Michi Gaigg celebrated this French masterwor kby an old genius with a thorough understanding of joyful dances, a heartfelt zest and the grand sound of historical bows and instruments. This was a musical feast fit for the beautiful weather on Lent Sunday - thank you!"
Gerhard Kramer, Wiener Zeitung, 13 May 2008
"[...] The Matinée by the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra directed by Michi Gaigg culminated in a colourful interpretation of the Suite from Rameau's Castor et Pollux."
Martin R. Handschuh, Österreichische Musikzeitschrift, May 2008
"[...] This could only be topped by the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra in the concert at the Business Tower of the Nuremberg Insurance Company: Under Michi Gaigg's direction a firework of historical performance was ignited, including two Symphonies by Gluck and works by Vivaldi, Wagenseil and Haydn. [...]"
Balduin Sulzer, Neue Kronenzeitung, 29 October 2007
"Highly acclaimed matinee with Early Music in the completely sold out concert hall of Linz's castle. Amazing tohear how the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra and it's leader Michi Gaigg seem to melt into the movement, the breath, the inflection, the articulation and the sound of the Baroque music. Especially Rameau's Suite of 15 movements from "Castor et Pollux", with exhilirating tempi and elegant lilt, reached the point of perfection. Works by C.W. Gluck completed the programme."
Hans-Jürgen Becker, Concerto, October/November 2007
"L'Orfeo, directed by Michi Gaigg, was convincing with their balanced string sound, incredibly light woodwind sound, sensitive traversos, beautiful oboe solos and a fine sense for cantabile lines […]."
Die Presse, Vienna, 8 August 2007
"... musical director and conductor, Michi Gaigg, and her L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra introduce the Sturm and Drang composer Benda with sufficient sensibility and colourful freshness, bringing back to life this exquisite work. This is enthusiasm which we also hear on the newly released CD with works by J.C.F. Fischer. ..."
Wiener Zeitung, 7 August 2007
"... Once again the Donaufestwochen in Strudengau presents an interesting rarity: Benda's work was first performed in 1776, it is inventive in the instrumentation, stylistically versatile and it contains an effective lamento... But it only becomes moving when treated with appropriate finesse. This is definitely the case with the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra under Michi Gaigg and with Barbara Kraus, Julie in this production. ... She sings the lyrical passages with warmth and the coloraturas with easy musicality. ..."
Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, 6. August 2007
"... musical director and conductor, Michi Gaigg, seems to be fascinated by the artful "psychologising" role of the orchestra in this opera seria as Singspiel. ... It was to be expected that Michi Gaigg and her L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra would find the right approach to Benda's score... and so one could enjoy the different emotional studies which mimed the scenes on stage. ..."
Neue Kronenzeitung, 6 August 2007
"... Michi Gaigg and her L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra provide a light and finely woven musical carpet of noblest descent. ..."
Franz Szabo, July/August 2007
"Georg Anton Benda's absorbing music was a great pleasure. It avoids artificial effects and popular melodies and is surprisingly complex. Michi Gaigg as congenial conductor was the ideal promoter, supported energetically by her wonderful concert master Julia Huber. This ensemble has soloists in the calibre of Carin van Heerdens who played a highly moving fifth part on the oboe in the four part lamento. Especially in the overture it was noticable what acoustic power was accumulated in the hall. Nevertheless the peaceful and highly appropriate courtyard of the castle remained the preferred venue for the opera performances."
Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, 30 July 2007
"Music for a summer night"
The donauFestwochen Strudengau were opened in the picturesque inner courtyard of the castle Greinburg ... members of the (L'Orfeo) Baroque Orchestra, directed by Carin van Heerden, played classical Harmoniemusik on original instruments. The long lost great tradition of an ensemble consisting of 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 horns and 2 bassoons was once again revived. […] The whole thing was done with great esprit and, as one might have put it in those days, delighted the guests extraordinarily."
Niederösterreichische Nachrichten, Week 31/2007
"Again the ensemble proved how easy it is for them to make music, to evoke great emotions: incredible flexibility, joy and a contagious enthusiasm to be able to play this wonderful music."
Franz Szabo, July/August 2007
"The audience seemed enthralled by the beautiful light of the cool evening and the warm lamps, inspired by the heartwarmingly rich wind sounds."
Kulturbericht Oberösterreich, January 2007
"... Michi Gaigg and her ensemble take an individual way. It is a process which clearly shows an intense involvement and study of performance practice over many years. The result is a spontaneous and strong sound with drive and directness, clear articulation and then all the finely differentiating nuances. Every concert is characterised by honest musicianship, a patent recipe for interpretation doesn't seem to exist."
Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, 4 March 2006
"Orpheus' triumphal march"
Schweizer Radio DRS2
"The L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra brings back forgotten treasures from the Baroque and Classical eras on stage. They present it on original instruments with zest. In fact, sturm und drang seems to be the motto of their performance and their repertoire. The orchestra is ten years old now, based in Linz and, among others, specializes on Austrian, Bohemian and South German music."
Neue Ruhr Zeitung, 14 December 2006
"This was pure enjoyment! The timbre of the boys' choir mixed beautifully with the historically gentle sound of the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra. The orchestra contributed with wonderful solistic colours in the arias and a lovely atmosphere in the pastoral music of the second cantata."
Kultur in Essen, 14 December 2006
"Those who weren't there missed out!"
Kölner Stadtanzeiger, 19 December 2006
"... beautifully supported by the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra, one of the finest experts on historically informed performance practise."
Westfalen-Blatt, 20 December 2006
"The L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra on historical instruments presented itself ingeniously: subtle affects, fine continuo playing, excellent solo's. The list could be extended endlessly..."
Neue Westfälische, 21 December 2006
"... an excellent orchestra."
Heidenheimer Neue Presse, 6 December 2006
"It is likely that one hasn't heard certain aspects of Mozart's Symphony Nr 40 in g minor quite like this before: entries by the winds for example, beautifully soaring above the strings, or otherwise the ingenious use of effective pauses, the joyful Menuett. All in all played with contagious freshness."
Heidenheimer Zeitung, 1 August 2006
"... the sound of such intense ensemble playing became hypnotising.... If anyone is to be invited again soon it has to be Michi Gaigg and L'Orfeo."
Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, 7 December 2006
"A clever concept underlay the concert in Linz's Bruckner House on Tuesday with Michi Gaigg and her ten year old "L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra": "A Mozart Triad" - Works by father Leopold, son Wolfgang and grandson Franz Xaver Mozart.
Neues Volksblatt, 7 December 2006
The orchestra obviously enjoyed playing under its impulsive conductor. Father Leopold's Symphony da caccia offered a close-to-nature colour with the four natural horns. Son Wolfgang's Symphony in g minor (KV 550) was powerful and expressive, this being the result of thrilling dialogues between the strings and winds which is hardly ever heard to this extent.
The great E-flat major piano concerto by grandson Franz Xaver was played by the Japanese Chie Hirai, an excellent specialist. Clear and light playing made for perfect harmony with the orchestra, conveying ease and virtuosity without a hint of vanity."
"... roaring applause on Tuesday in a sold-out house."
Wiener Zeitung, 9 December 2006
"The L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra under Michi Gaigg presented music by the three Mozarts... transporting joyful playing.
... Franz Xaver obviously was an excellent pianist which could be heard from his piano concerto op. 25. The Japanese Chie Hirai made the fortepiano glow, enticing the audience with finely flowing runs in the third movement. Wolfgang Amadeus' Symphony in g minor was interpreted quite briskly by Gaigg ... elegant, delightful playing."
Online Musik Magazin (www.omm.de)
"... L'Orfeo proved that it should be counted among the very best Baroque orchestras today. The excellent string playing, the perfect blend of the winds, this is probably insurpassable."
Musical View Prague
"The ensemble's precise rendering deserves the highest praise."
Fanfare, USA
"Excellent band, excellent sound."
Die Burger, Cape Town
"The audience's initial reaction was remarkable: it was clear that everyone was sitting on the edge of their chairs. The finely defined articulation and sensitive phrasing was heard and highly appreciated. It is the small things which make the difference: the odd agogocal accent here, the flawless techniquethere. The musicians are so flexible and intuitive that Michi Gaigg is able to lead them with the smallest gesture."
Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, 13th October 2006
"The L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra, founded by Michi Gaigg, is a guarantee for cultivated playing. And yet, the smalland large wonders of a score still come to life. The small heterogenous group isdedicated to lively playing, never exaggerating or following any trend. The finestdifferentiation, the chosen tempo, all seems absolutely natural. This is pure bliss for an audience."
Südhessen aktuell, 25 September 2006
"The playing was of the highest quality and with the highest musical perfection. In spite of, or rather, on account of the consistent historical performance awareness Vivaldi's Concerto for two violins and cello from his L'estro armonico, Bach's 5th Brandenburg Concerto as well as the C major Overture, played with little vibrato, strong contrasts and the occassional roughness, turned out to be the source of the greatest musical pleasure. The soloparts in Bach's Brandenburg were excellently played, conveying so much charm and magic that one found yourself discovering "old friends" in a completely new light."
Neue Kronenzeitung, 1 August 2006
"It isn't common to sense the exhiliration of a musical adventure as vividly as with Michi Gaigg's L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra. An incredible artistic feat!"
Neues Volksblatt, 1 August 2006
"Typical for the way in whichGaigg leads her orchestra on original instruments is the exquisitely homogenous string sound combined with sensitive winds."
Corriere della Sera, 5 May 2006
"...one of the most originaland informative concerts of this year's concert season in Milano. And definitively the most profound contribution to this year's Mozart anniversary...a truely fascinating contrast..."
Basler Zeitung, 31 March 2006
"The audience was grateful for a thrilling evening at the highest standard, reflecting the contrasts of this exciting period."
Berner Zeitung, 30 March 2006
"Carin van Heerden moved theaudience with great virtuosity, especially in the fast passages, and melodic transparency.The orchestra accompanied with care and competence, leaving her enough space to celebrate solo passages."
Nürnberger Zeitung, 20 March 2006
"The instrumentalists sensed Josef Myslivecek's melodic eros in his "Romolo ed Ersilia" Ouverture and presented it with sheer temperament and highly differentiated playing. "
Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, 4 October 2005
"Women have since long successfully entered the male domain of conductors. One of them is Michi Gaigg, born and bredin the Salzkammergut, leader of the internationally highly renowned L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra and director of the wonderful festival in the Strudengau (Donaufestwochen).The Baroque scene in Upper Austria would've been infinitely poorer without her. Her own series of concerts is long due."
Die Presse, Vienna, 10 August 2005
"The small "Entführung" ingrand style! Michi Gaigg and her L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra interpret the sparkling score with intoxicating zest. They could also rely on a faultless vocal ensemble."
Wiener Zeitung, 9 August 2005
"The musicians swept throughZaide's 15 numbers with zest and historically informed enthusiasm. They were conducted with equal drive and sensitivity by Michi Gaigg."
Kronenzeitung, 9 August 2005
"Conducted by the highly talentedMichi Gaigg the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra supplied the musical backbone. Not onlydid the musicians impressed the audience with their instrumental skills but they also proved to be a surprisingly good choir!"
Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, 8 August 2005
"Michi Gaigg, conducting her L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra, inspires the musicians to play impulsively, dramatically and with strong expression. The sounds conjure up high spirits and emotion."
Passauer Neue Presse, 25 July 2005
"... the concert of the L'OrfeoBaroque Orchestra was a real treat. The spirited orchestra and its equally brilliantconductor Michi Gaigg convey the music's joyful drive. Michi Gaigg interprets thecolourful score by demanding courtly austerity, dancelike playfulness or, by means of minimal gestures, just the right measure for a Largo."
Niederösterreichische Nachrichten, 27 June 2005
"... an excellent opening concert."
Online Musik Magazin (www.omm.de)
"The Austrian orchestra andits leader Michi Gaigg (violin) started the concert with Johann Sebastian Bach'sfirst Orchestral Suite. Here, and also after the interval with the fifth BrandenburgConcerto L'Orfeo proved that it should be counted among the very best Baroqueorchestras today. The excellent string playing, the perfect blend of the winds, this is probably insurpassable."
Die Presse, Vienna, 29 March 2005
"... Michi Gaigg, her L' OrfeoBaroque Orchestra and the Collegium Vocale Salzburg presented an expressive performance, underlining the drama with dissonances ..."
DrehPunktKultur (Salzburger Kulturzeitung), 29 March 2005
"... moved to tears ..."
Salzburger Nachrichten, 25 March 2005
"... clear musical vocabulary and strong expression ..."
Concerto - Das Magazin für Alte Musik June/July 2005
"The leader Michi Gaigg managedto identify with the very personal style of the composer. She understands the artof highlighting the dramatist Myslivecek with a thrilling performance and at the same time revelling in his lyricism ... this is a musical tour de force."
Salzburger Nachrichten, 19 March 2005
"... Michi Gaigg and her orchestra present an interpretation which is fresh, eloquent, vivid and contrasting ..."
Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, 3 February 2005
"... this similarity ismindboggling! Every musical amateur would notice it: the music on this double CDbreathes Mozart's soul. Although the opposite applies: Josef Myslivecek was 18years old when W.A. Mozart was born ... the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra with its usual zest and virtuosity ... another acoustic gem by this highly acclaimed orchestra ..."
Die kleine Zeitung, 6 July 2004
"Michi Gaigg, who leads theensemble from the violin, bestowed new acoustic experiences upon Haydn's symphonies"Le matin" and "Le soir". Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" has probably never been played this absorbingly, sprightly and animatedly..."
Kronenzeitung, 6 July 2004
"Haydn and Mozart were in best company with the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra."
Concerto - Das Magazin für Alte Musik, July/August 2004
"Minute details and finestquality in the string playing characterised L'Orfeo's interpretation of Mozart'sG minor Symphony KV 550 (played here in the clarinet version). A work often heard, yet presented here in a wholly new light."
Stuttgarter Nachrichten, 27 April 2004
"...Emma Kirkby and theL'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra performed a programme by Johann Christian Bach, Händeland contemporaries in the Leonhardtskirche...the orchestra played as lightly andwith such fine phrasing as should be expected from an ensemble specialised inhistorical performance practice. Mozart's first symphony made everyone gasp for breath at this ingeniuty."
Stuttgarter Zeitung, 27 April 2004
"The pleasure was completedby the highly differentiated play of the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra under MichiGaigg. Even Mozart's first symphony was elevated to the nobility of a masterwork by this ensemble."
Die Presse, Vienna, 11 June 2003
"Michi Gaigg's L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra, an Austrian ensemble with technical maturity, brimming excitement and with a warm and full sound played Bach, Wagenseil and Rameau on Whit Monday."
Die Welt, Berlin, 3 May 2003
"The fact that some of th eHolzbauer arias were deeply moving also had to do with their outstanding and uncompromising interpretation by the L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra under Christoph Spering."
Das Orchester, 09/2003
"The highly virtuosic L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra from Linz, playing on historical instruments, missed no chance to accentuate the contrasts between stunning and driving dramatics and lyrical contemplation."