Rave Reviews by Music Directors, Cellists, and Colleagues

CONDUCTOR COLLABORATIONS - ORCHESTRAL, BALLET, CHORAL, OPERA, BROADWAY SHOWS, & TOURS (Partial list *= more than one concert or season)

* Stephen Alltop, *James Ball, *Alan Balter, Abba Bogin, Thomas Briccetti, *Michael Charry, * Dr. Cara Chowning, *David Commanday, *James Conlin, * Dr. Fiora Contino, *John Covelli, Carmen De Leone, *John DeMain, David Effron, *Frederick Fennell, Hugo Fiorato, *Dr. Joseph Grant, * Dr. Robert Gray, *Dr. Joseph Henry, *Lawrence Foster, *Lucas Foss, *Joe Guercio, *Jack Jeffers, *Szymon Goldberg, *Morton Gould, *Jascha Horenstein, *Brad Keimach, *Kevin Kelly, *Jerome Kessler, *Kenneth Kiesler, *Yuri Krasnapolsky, *Louis Lane, *Steven Larsen, James Conlon, *James Levine, *George Manahan, *Kurt Masur, John Mauceri, *Fritz Maraffi, *Henry Mazer, *Carlo Moresco, Kent Nagano, *Andre Previn, *Dr. Sarah Riskind, *Mstislav Rostropovich, *Theodore Saidenberg; *Matthew Sheppard, *Joseph Silverstein, *Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, *William Smith, * Bruce Stasnya, *David Stech *Jeremy Swerling, *James Till, *Marion Van der Loo, Paul Vermel, *Hugh Wolfe, *Barbara Zachow

CONDUCTOR QUOTES (** current colleagues)

Grant Gilette, Bassoon - Peoria Symphony, Opera Illinois, & Heartland Festival Orchestra - 2/6/2022
"You're not only a great manager and world class cellist, but also a nurse and precious friend the way you take care of the orchestra."

Dr. Sarah Riskind, New Music Director Baroque Artists - Nov. 7, 2021
" I loved working with the orchestra, especially your extremely musical continuo playing."

** Dr. Marion Van Der Loo, Professor Emeritus Millikin University, Former Director Illinois Symphony Chorus, Director Springfield Presbyterian Church & Urbana Wesley Foundation Church -(deceased 2020) “She provided me with players of high quality & reliability. This hardened Philadelphian was quite honestly, amazed & disarmed. Barbara’s own musicianship is superb. I even changed a performance date so she could play first cello. Her insistence on quality and, even more importantly, her ability to recognize it, prompt my unreserved encouragement for you to take advantage of her consulting services. Please feel free to contact me, I would be happy to confirm all of the above & augment it with pleasure."..."It's always wonderful to work with you. I have any number of happy memories of music making with you during my short stay in Urbana. I'm glad you're still close enough that I can still have the privilege of hearing your playing. Your performance of Haydn's “Qui Tollis" was exquisite at both the rehearsal and the performance this week. Thanks so much. I hope there will be many such occasions to come.”

Julie Beyler, Music Director of The Chorale (deceased 2021) "Thanks, as always, for the wonderful musicians and a great weekend. It's so nice to be able to count on you to deliver."

Maestro Brad Keimach, Founder Westfield Symphony, New Jersey - “An excellent cellist, first rate musician, and an ideal section leader. She can execute all cello passages in the full range of orchestral and operatic repertoire. Additionally, she is extremely personable with a gentle sense of humor. As a leader, she is able to get the most out of her section because she is constantly attentive to them, caring for detail and unity. She works well under pressure, is adaptable, and unquestionably will be a tremendous asset to any orchestra in which she plays. I recommend her most highly.”

** Maestra Barbara Zachow, Music Director First United Methodist Church of Champaign, & former director of the Parkland Chorale - “You have helped me to grow as a musician. Your suggestions have been appreciated. Your persistent attention to detail has transformed this performance into a musical experience the members will never forget. Thank you for making this performance an expression of triumph and love”.

Maestra Sandra Chabot, former Music Director Parkland Chorale - “I have learned so much from you. You do exemplify what I said to April about "doing business" last Sat. am - prepare, communicate, thank. Others in our group don't know what they're missing when they fail to heed your modus operandi and advice.”

Maestro Yuri Krasnapolsky, Former Asst. Conductor NY Philharmonic & former Music Director Omaha & Des Moines Symphonies (colleague since @1965) - “Brava! You did it! Of all the "Don Quixote" performances I have heard in my lifetime, yours is the most courageously & genuinely thorough and triumphed over."

Maestro George Manahan, former Music Director NY City Opera - “A musician of talent & responsibility. I am happy to recommend her as a cellist.”

Maestro Hal France - [for Stephen Oliver's "Beauty & the Beast" premiere for Opera Theatre of St. Louis] - "It has been a real joy to work with you. All the things about your fine work heard from Ken and Brad is absolutely true. What good luck for us that it worked out for you you to join us!"

Maestro Kenneth Kiesler, former Conductor Illinois Symphony & Chamber Orchestra - “There are few names which jump off the page with special significance, warmth and individuality as yours does. I am grateful for your continued dedication, your musical gifts, and your friendship. First Ginastera, then Strauss, now Shostakovitch! You have done so well and grown so much. I am proud and happy to make music with you. You were important to the orchestra and to me. You were a devoted, energetic, joyful partner in building the orchestra and making it fun.”

Maestro Thomas Michalak, former Music Director NJ Symphony & North East Pennsylvania Philharmonic (deceased 1985) - “A very fine cellist, always well prepared and very conscientious - a great asset to any orchestra. A very rare quality player extremely devoted to the cause of highest quality music making”.

Dr. Chester Alwes, UI Emeritus Choral Professor, Conductor BACH - "You are one of those few, rare people in the instrumental field who care enough to go carefully and conscientiously through the score, being concerned with the text and how it will affect the articulation of your line. Rarely have I had a string player who showed such sensitivity to the role of the text in choral music and who showed such willingness to alter a purely instrumental approach to reflect the meaning of the words."

Maestro Eduardo Ostergren, Director Orquestra Sinfônica de Universidade de Campinas & Orquestra Sinfônica de Bragança Paulista - “Outstanding, sensitive playing”

** Stage Director Stephen Fiol, Professor Emeritus Millikin University - "As always you are my #1 problem solver. We've enjoyed many productions together and it has been my privilege. I always rest easy knowing you are playing and committed to excellence. Thank you for all you've done... both in and out of the pit."

CELLISTS, STRING PLAYERS, & COLLEAGUE QUOTES

Gary O'Brien, Director of Communications @ Columbus Arena Sports and Entertainment/The Ohio State University -

"We worked together as part of the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra (CUSO). I was on the Board of Directors while she was/is the cellist and 'face' of the CUSO. Not only is Barbara an amazingly talented musician, she is one of the most conscientious and mission-focused people I have ever known. She works hard to book quality jobs for musicians. She works relentlessly to promote local music including the CUSO, Heartland Festival Orchestra, Danville Symphony and others. She is a cheerleader for live music and performers. Whatever project she takes on, she not only does it extremely well and with great passion, but she sees through every aspect involved to be sure everything goes well and nothing falls through the cracks. She is the most detail-oriented and conscientious person I know. She is also a great mentor to all musicians, particularly young musicians who seek her out for guidance and advice. Her creativity is unmatched.

And I haven't even touched on her musical talent! Her love of music and performing is obvious in how she performs...with incredible talent, charisma and joy. Her performing with so many symphony orchestras, ensembles, and small groups is an asset to those organizations and the people who enjoy watching them perform. She is an Emmy winner, has played on countless recordings, has performed on Broadway, has toured and performed with some of the biggest stars in the world. She is as enthusiastic performing on Broadway as she is to a small school group. And speaking of schools, she works hard to help her personal and the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra's educational mission of performing to school children to promote classical music. This is something that is very important to her...to introduce music to the next generation of potential music lovers. I could write a book on what an asset Barbara Hedlund would be to any organization or professional opportunity. Talented, Creative, Conscientious, Passionate, Advisor, Promoter, Mentor. Those are just a few words to describe who Barbara is. I'm proud to have worked and collaborated with her. She is such a positive and ambitious force that it is infectious. It's obvious: I'm a fan and a huge supporter!"

Joseph Madden, Assistant Director of Development (2016-present) University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Executive Director (2013-2016) Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra - "It is my pleasure to offer my enthusiastic recommendation on behalf of Barbara Hedlund. I have worked with Barbara for many years as an independent contractor musician and from 2013 to 2016 in my capacity as Executive Director of the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra. Barbara's motivated, passionate approach to her work combines big-picture vision with exceptional attention to detail. She is an excellent communicator, highly organized, and one of the most reliable people I have had the privilege of working with. And as a non-profit Executive Director, I found her to be a tremendous partner in advancing the mission of our organization in our community. A person of high character, Barbara consistently strives to serve individuals, the organizations she represents, and the community as a whole no matter what the present task. Accordingly, I am happy to have the chance to strongly recommend Barbara and to personally answer any questions about her experience or qualifications."

Laura Evancho, Founding Executive Director at Heartland Festival Orchestra (2009-2018) - "Barbara has served as the principal cellist and contractor for the Heartland Festival Orchestra (a freelance orchestra) since its founding in 2009. Barbara puts her all into everything that she does for the HFO. She stays current with musicians in the area to ensure that she is helping to bring only the finest musicians to each performance. She works collaboratively and collegially with all members of the orchestra team - the artistic director/conductor, the musicians, the audience, board, donors/supporters, housing coordinator, librarian, and me, the executive director. Her work ethic and attention to detail are unparalleled. While most of my comments here have addressed Barbara's role as our esteemed contractor, I must add that she is an exceptional principal cellist and highly valued leader within the orchestra by her top-tier professional musician peers. Barbara is an incredible asset in the musical community and to every organization she serves."

Linda Veleckis Nussbaum - Violinist, teacher, Orchestra manager, contractor at Cadenza Music - "Barbara is one of the most versatile, resourceful and professional musicians I have met in my career spanning over 30 years. She approaches each opportunity beyond prepared for any situation, every note practiced to mastery, every musical idea ingrained, every editorial Mark scrutinized, every musician hired fully vetted and taken care of and every student fully supported and ready for wherever music can take them. She has taught me everything about contracting and producing concerts and musical events and has a stellar reputation as being the most “on top of it” lady in town. She is both a professional mentor/colleague and dear friend - I’m honored to sing her praises any time!"

Nathan Stutch, NY Philharmonic Associate Principal Cello, Retired (Deceased 2015) - “A rare quality player devoted to the cause of the highest degree of music making. A talented, highly capable cellist who brings a thorough preparation and conscientiousness to her job with a high level of professionalism." ...Brava! Your Aria Collection is an important contribution for all cellists.”

Mihaly Virizlay, Emeritus Principal Cellist Baltimore Symphony & Professor Emeritus Peabody Institute -“Your playing was just plain marvelous. Truly you have a magnificent tone and impeccable intonation. I am very impressed. Your “Don Quixote was a great, great thing”. I am very, very happy I had a chance to listen to you. Congratulations.”

Laszlo Varga, former Principal Cellist NY Philharmonic & Borodin Trio (deceased Dec. 2014) -“I offer my full support of Mrs. Hedlund . I consider her a very fine, well-schooled performer, with whom I have performed with five times in public. I also heard her on video (and audio) tape. In all these events, she proved herself as an astute, well-rounded musician, possessing stylistic and technical assurance, fine tone, and solid interpretation. Her students were well schooled, demonstrated good guidance, fine musical insight and discipline." "Your Virtuoso Obbligato Aria Collection is an indispensable collection of neglected material for the professional cellist."

Dr. Arthur Lewis, Former Principal Violist Baltimore Symphony, Illinois Symphony & Opera Illinois, Sinfonia da Camera, and Professor Illinois State University - “I played concerts of "Don Quixote" in Birmingham, AL a few nights ago. Lynne Harrell was soloist-wonderful cellist. At the sehr ruhig I got rather teary, not because of how he played it, but because I remember how you played it.

He used cellistic tricks, sliding and landing under pitch and scooping up, and then adding vibrato. You did it with serious, warm, nobility; the thrill and deep reward of that will always be with me.”

**Dr. Edward Rath, Emeritus Associate Director, UI School of Music (Former accompanist for cellists Leonard Rose, Ronald Leonard, and Laszlo Varga)-“You did a great job of putting the program together, playing very well, and maintaining your "cool" under unbelievably difficult circumstances. Please know how very much I appreciate the opportunity to perform with you in recital. It was a pure pleasure. You were a most musical and solid partner. It will be a privilege to do something as a duo team and I look forward to that time."(Video on YouTube)

David Sanders, Chicago Symphony cellist - “Beautiful performance of the Barber Sonata. Your presence was an inspiration to all in attendance." [Chicago Cello Society recital]( The recording is available on this site under sound files)

Tomasz Wojciechowski, Former Assistant Principal Cellist at Teatro Dell'opera Roma - "I always will treasure my "short-lived" DSO collaboration with an excellent cellist/musician Barbara Hedlund!"

** Dr. Anne Mischakoff Heiles, Violinist, Violist, Author, String Educator -“You really sounded wonderful at the rehearsal and today! As always, you play the continuo with utter conviction, authority, & sensitivity.”

Dr. George Sanders, Eastern Illinois University, Professor Emeritus of Piano - “A lovely appearance, graceful poise, radiant smile, endeared her to an already appreciative audience. It was one of the most professional and satisfying recitals we have heard this year.”

Markus Schoellhammer, Indiana University graduate & former Danville Symphony cellist - “You’re an awesome lady! Thank you so much for everything you do for us, your adoring section, and for me (which is probably more than you know). You’re a wonderful role-model for me. I’ve learned a few things about leading a section from you, and a few technical things having sat next to you occasionally. I had a great time Saturday night [Don Quixote Concert], and I think you are super. Respectfully, Markus” ( ideo on YouTube)

Diana Flesner, cellist West Shore Trio, former member Cervantes String Quartet & CU Symphony - “Great job leading the section. Without you we most certainly have been lost!"(Mahler Symphony #5)

Carol Douglas, DSO Associate Concertmaster Emeritus - “I truly think of you as a world class cellist. You play with confidence and utmost maturity. Our symphony is so lucky to have you. You are class. Possibly we all take you for granted even though we know the extreme expertise that you bring to each performance. You play so well that there is an assumption that it goes somewhat easily. I should know better in my heart of hearts that the nerves are always close to the surface for all great musicians. And that's part of why there is greatness. It was a wonderful solo played with all of Rossini's intentions.”

Noah Cope, Double Bass "Phantom of the Opera" 3 month US tour - “You are a great cellist, extremely easy to work with, and always very professional. When you’re playing, it doesn’t make me exhausted from trying to adjust as I must do with our other subs.”

Sherban Lupu, Former UI Professor of Violin - "Barbara, You are a major contributor to the cultural life of CU. We all are grateful for all your tremendous efforts to enhance our community's musical life!"