“The sheer physical impression this music made, as it emerged with such power from his Stradivarius cello, was breathtaking.”
“It is a big sound, as if naturally amplified, and Ferrández’s dexterity corralled it into distinct personalities with a deft touch.”
“I have seldom heard a soloist in this piece carve out such distinctive piquancy in each variation – light and airy here, more supple there, digging in on the expansive ones, sweet in the penultimate variation and finally letting it rip in the rapidly paced, virtuosic finale.”
“Ferrández executed the slow, elaborate introduction and then rode a rhythmic groove to a delightful climax.”
“Ferrández, the Spanish cellist who made an impression with this orchestra on the Elgar Concerto in 2024, returned for a splendid traversal of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations”
Seen and Heard International - Full review
“Somehow, Ferrández’s elegant, gentle sound managed to cut through the orchestra so easily that it was almost uncharacteristic of the instrument. Coupled with his carefree yet precise command of the higher register, this made the entire experience uniquely enjoyable. I was able to comfortably immerse myself in his sound.”
“As he started the final, presto variation, Ferrández’s radiant tone never faltered, despite Tchaikovsky’s tongue-twister notes and rhythms.”
“The trade-off runs between Ferrández and principal flautist Yubeen Kim were precisely matched in timing, character and virtuosity.”
“Impressively, Ferrández breezed past it with a slight smile on his face, each tone ringing perfectly throughout the hall.”
“Once Ferrández started the main theme, I was immediately entranced.”
The Stanford Daily - Full review
“One must say that the beauty of Ferrandez’ playing was difficult to describe- such beauty.”
“The music was strong and delicate. The end was a breath.”
Lively Foundation - Full review
“His approach to Tchaikovsky acknowledged that the composer had no shortage of wit in his approach to variations. This was clearly more important to him than any selection of an encore, and it reminded me of just how engaging Opus 33 could be in contrast to the composer’s intense approach to his latter symphonies!”