SELECTED AUDIENCE COMMENTS
Audience Comments from MainStage Concerts
“It’s a tribute to Iowa musicians that Red Cedar features Iowa Composers and promotes Iowa Arts. I learn so much at every concert.” S.C.
“Music-making of the highest artistic level. The sizable audience at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art was spellbound by Red Cedar’s playing. Lovely programming tied in wonderfully with the historic event of the upcoming Grant Wood exhibition.” M.K.
“You destroyed all my notions that chamber music is all ‘fiddle screech and piano tinkle.’ Your selections were tuneful and melodic. The musicians obviously enjoyed it and I did too!” M.K.
“A quick note to tell you I had sweet dreams because of the concert last night. Each time I attend a concert it becomes my favorite RCCM experience, displacing the pervious one. I can’t put my finger on the specifics: the three of you, your talent, your unique presence on the stage, your poise, your smiles, your eyes, your hands… I’ve decided the “M” in RCCM stands for “magic”. Thank you all for the experience of last night.” K.H.
“Wonderful evening of great music. Thanks for the insights. It’s like being in New York—maybe better!” N.M.
“Beautiful music for a wonderful summer evening! Your group is proof that Eastern Iowa is a place for dreams to come true.” M.T.
“From my ears to my heart! What a delightful sounds. I could scarcely take it all in. Thank you.” T.H.
“It is great to find such a wonderful classical ensemble with such a daring repertoire and such creativity.” M.S.
“I’ve been attending concerts for 64 years now, and this was the most fun.” B.S.
“Wonderful music from outstanding musicians! You guys are great! I look forward to following you! Consider me your newest loyal fan (or “cedar-head”)!” V.K.
“Excellent! Perfect pacing. Fantastic artistry with bits of comedy. Musicians were perfectly matched. So good to have this quality of music here in the Midwest.” N.Z.
“Awesome! Just spectacular in every way. What a gift to hear this music so superbly performed. Thanks to all who made this possible.” M.M.
“This was a memorable, wonderful concert. My mother is currently disabled due to a stroke. We spend our summer and fall at her home in Cedar Rapids. My home is in La Jolla, California. Over the years, I have attended many wonderful arts events there and abroad. This concert ranks with the best. The intimacy of the setting, superb acoustics, and wonderful performances will remain a highlight in my memory for many years to come.” C.K.
“What a wonderful opportunity! WOW! The educational components made connections that made the music relevant to all of us. A tremendous memorable experience, Thank you!” J.F.
“We love your music and always learn from you performances. Also, my husband stays awake—a miracle!” M.S
“Innovative, Exciting, inspiring.” R.D.
“Superb. There are world-class musicians playing extraordinarily varied and challenging and beautiful music. I am new to the area and am astounded at the quality of the music I heard tonight, both the new composition and the ‘classical.’ What a treasure for Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa!” B.E.
“A beautiful duo… two artists that have passion about their work and their audience. They compel the listeners to learn more about the music, not just listen to it.”
“I don’t normally attend chamber music programs. However, this one may change my attitude! The music was fresh, good-humored and enjoyable. The musicians not only played well; they obviously enjoyed what they were doing. Finally, the acoustics of the performing area were bright and lively. Everything combined for a wonderful evening.” D.S.
“An incredible experience for one who was born “starved” for such music. I think it has been some 40 years since I attended chamber music in a salon-style setting. I look forward to many more such experiences from Red Cedar musicians. Thank you for a memorable evening!” H.P.
“I can be skeptical about new music, but this was such a treat. I feel sorry for anybody who missed out! This was what Chamber Music should be – warm and engaging, without pretension. I eagerly await your next performance in May!” G.S.
“Thank you for transporting my soul to a calmer, tranquil place at the near end of a hectic summer!” K.O.
“Absolutely first rate – rivals musicians anywhere!!” J.W.
“Exquisite. Each concert is a wonderful ‘vacation’ from life’s cares. ” E.J.
“Extraordinary musicianship. I deeply appreciate the professionalism apparent in each facet of the group.”
“Breathtaking as always! Everyone was very professional and performed as one. The instruments are an extension of your bodies. Keep up the excellent work.” N.Z.
“Elegant, filled with spirit. The artists’ enjoyments are contagious and uplifting – and, as always, Red Cedar keeps reaching to enlarge its repertoire, keeping their music fresh. Fresh is a good word for it all.” T.M.
“Always phenomenal!” -S.C.
“Jan and John continue to amaze me. Their performances are superb! And David Miller is right there with them. It is awesome to have them here in our community enriching the lives of those attending their concerts.” –A.H.
“Beyond excellent as always. Flawless execution of the instruments. The trio and the instruments merge as one. Wonderful!!!” – N.Z.
“I am hooked on Red Cedar Chamber Music!” E.K.
“ I love the intimate feeling and beautiful music you provide. It reflects the many hours of practice. Soothing and calming.” M.F.
“I have a longtime appreciation and fondness for these charming musicians and their music.” M.H.
“I really admire you and everything you are doing for chamber music. It is amazing all that you have accomplished through Red Cedar Chamber Music. Your outreach to the community and your beautiful recordings inspire me.” L.S.
“Such a marvelous selection And the variety and the perfect timing – flawless! Gorgeous music. We are so fortunate to have your group in our midst. Each program kicks it up a notch! Keep up the excellent work.” N.Z.
“What an amazing guitar and flute! I’d come again J” B.H.
“I loved every minute of it! Wonderful storytelling and awesome music!” D.O.
“Red Cedar Chamber Music has become for me both a sustenance and a luxury of sound. Possibly put another way; it serves me as both bread and one delicious dessert!!” G.K.
“One of the best performances I have ever attended.” J.F.
“Brilliant in all ways!” S.R.
“Wonderful to see and hear you. Enjoyed the concert very much – especially the atmosphere / connections between the four of you – very obviously you all enjoyed playing together – AND listening and enjoying when just listening to each others parts.” B.T.
“Absolutely wonderful in every way. You knocked it out of the park ! ! !” E.P.
“Masterful performance. Enjoyed every movement and frame.” R.H.
“Loved how the instruments spoke to each other. Pure enjoyment. Such joy watching the four of you perform.” D.M.
“The combination of excellent musicianship superior compositions tied to the presentation of entertainment slides from the past was exceptional. The narration and explanation of the magic lantern slides and the accompanying stories was superb.” G.M.
Audience Comments from Rural Outreach Concerts
“Super group of musicians. Iowa is so much richer for Red Cedar’s contributions to musical life here.” S.C.
“Great concert. It is awesome to have a concert of this caliber in a rural setting, allowing folks who may not otherwise be able to attend a concert this wonderful opportunity!“ B.W.
“The manners in which the musical works are presented allow even untrained, unschooled of us to begin to understand something about each work. That leads to greater appreciation of them. The musicians are obviously very talented and accomplished. We’re so fortunate that they choose to perform in Iowa. Attended many previous concerts and thoroughly enjoyed them.” M.B.
“You have done so much for new music. The world will thank you for years to come. It is a privilege for us to be able to hear it.” J.C.
“Refreshing to a tired soul … delightful treat for the spirit…information on period music instruments was sweet. Thank you for coming to our basilica in the cornfield!” C.T.
“Absolutely delightful! I hated to have the evening end. It’s appreciated that world class musicians perform in the out-of-the-way places.” M.P.
“Phenomenal! We are very privileged to have such accomplished musicians come to the small town of Kalona. Thanks!” C.B.
“Extraordinaire!! How fortunate are those of us who attended tonight. Musicians of this caliber don’t happen often—especially in a town of five thousand people.” B.B.
“Congratulations! Exciting performance. I enjoyed the whole program. I am an admirer of the Red Cedar Chamber Music group and the way they involve their community with excellent educational concerts.” M.F.
“Sublime! I always enjoy John & Jan and the wonderful guest artists they invite. Superb!” A.F.
“Superb (as always)! We attend every Boland-Dowdall concert we can. They are wonderful musicians and delightful people.” A.F.
“This was a beautiful experience. Thanks so much for coming to this little village with your exquisite music!” E.B.
“This was an amazing experience for me to come home to Iowa and hear this wonderful chamber music in such a great setting. As wonderful as anything I’ve ever heard in Chicago, New York, D. C. – – – or even Santa Fe or Albuquerque! I am envious of the Iowans who have this wonderful Red Cedar group. I hope you get lots and lots of grant money!” MEM
“As always, it was superb! I never cease to be amazed at your innovative presentations.” C.
“From the moment the music began, it was if we were all being carried forward on an unfurled banner of musical bliss. I thank you!” B.K.
“Fabulous program! Great musicianship and technique. I have been starved for such intimate interplay. Perfect ensemble for a beautiful space. Thanks!” J.S.
“Outstanding! Very entertaining and awe-inspiring!” C. F.
“Absolutely phenomenal. I’m from NYC and have attended concerts performed by top groups, and I can’t say I’ve heard better than Red Cedar! Such sensitive interpretations and intense feeling projected. Performers truly one with the composers’ intentions. Bravo!” A.U.
“I have attended several Red Cedar concerts, and am impressed with their versatility, awed by their musical skill & sensitivity, and delighted by the playful, informal and informative presentation. Awesome!” M.K.
“I just loved it! –As did the rest of the audience from 8 to 80+. I’ve lived in cities all over the country and have never had the chance to hear such lovely music in such an intimate setting.” J.S.
“It was a spectacular performance, amazing artists.” C.S.
“Your way of interacting with the audience makes one see you as friends. I so much enjoy the concerts and the teaching you do with them – I always learn something new.” E.P.
“It’s always a joy! The performers make the music come alive in a very personal way.”f
“This is one of my most delightful music evenings. I’d never be able to travel to a large city to enjoy this. I love the music plus learn new things each time I attend. Thanks for this enrichment to the lives of those in smaller towns.” E.P.
“Red Cedar Chamber Music was a pleasure to experience. The passion and expression that each musician embodied was pure joy to experience. Thank you!!! Anon
“Bravo! Fantastic! Creative! Entertaining! Educational ! Fun!” S.H.
“I love listening to your music because you all love what you are doing! Your faces show it! Thanks for enriching our lives with your love of music!” B.B.
“What an exceptional opportunity to experience world-class chamber music in rural Iowa. We are indeed blessed.”
WOW. So much music from five people, and great music. Masters at their art.” R.A.
“Awesome! Awesome!! Awesome!!!” B.L.
“Beautiful performance! Breathtaking!!” A.M.
“Beautifully together. Closely communicated musical ideas. Absolutely delightful. I enjoyed it immensely.” Anon
“Excellent. Exciting. Innovative. Satisfying. Surprising. I am so glad I attended this concert.” K.V.
“What a treat! Just a superb blending of the music with the films, and performed in excellence. My favorite ever! I love this group of musicians!” BK
“This was great music. In can’t believe how good they are individually about as a group – awesome!
D.P.
“The intimacy of a Red Cedar Chamber Music performance allows the listener to move through time, space and emotion via the beauty and sensuousness of the music.” E.S.
“I was enamored. I never thought I’d ever enjoy music as much as I did tonight. The work by Stephen Cohn leaves me speechless.” E.D. (99-year old concertgoer)
“Jan Boland and John Dowdall are living treasures in Eastern Iowa. The joy they have brought our children and adults cannot be overstated.” R.S.
“Absolutely marvelous!! Such a treasure and discovery of the past.” A.V.
“Fabulous! I always know that there will be high quality music when I hear Red Cedar is coming to town. What a treat to be able to enjoy real chamber music this close to home. And I especially love the historical connections and musical pairing with Michael Zahs’ incredible knowledge. And to think… I can wean pigs in the morning and attend a chamber concert at night. Fantastic. Thanks!” H.G.
“I arrive stressed and in a hurry. I leave feeling calm and refreshed. This music, these evenings, are good for my soul.” Anon
“I saw how affecting the presentation was – people laughing, pondering silently, even shedding a few tears at the poignancy of the childhood pieces. A real treasure! Red Cedar continues to do itself and its audiences proud.” E.M.
“How lucky we are to have such a wonderful presentation in a unique setting. Far better than big box entertainment arenas. Thank you.” J.D.
“As always, entertaining, educational and a true Iowa treasure. Thank you for reaching out.” D.R.
Audience Comments from Seniors
“Absolutely delightful. Brought tears to my eyes and made my feet dance (not at the same time).” S.Y.
“Always such an amazing, thoughtful, challenging program – a great treat.” anon
“Fantastic concert. A perfect blend of music narration and song. I was spellbound.” Anon
“Delightful, insightful, full of mirth. Thank you!!!” E.W.
“Outstanding. Such talent. The flutist was unbelievable. Really, really enjoyed this concert. Thank you!” J.G.
“Red Cedar Chamber Music sounded superb at Oaknoll last week, but then Red Cedar always does sound superb. So nice to have concerts like that in the same place I live !!!!!” L.H.
“I love listening to Red Cedar. The quality of the musicians is exceptional and the chamber experience is unique and riveting. I also value their work with a variety of audiences and their encouragement of contemporary composers. And now magic lantern!” M.B.
“I am impressed by Red Cedar’s willingness to use their substantial talents and invest so much time and effort as they serve small audiences in humble venues. Their passion to share great music with all kinds of people is inspiring.” M.F.
“Creative beautiful music not duplicated anywhere!” L.B.
“Perfection plus – always so inclusive of the audience.” Anon
from Community Educational performances
“A total joy and delight! I deeply appreciate the less formal venue with commentators, but absolutely TOP quality.” –M.S.
“Wonderful. The instruments speak to me.” S.G.
“The combination of history and music was superb.” A.N.
“It was GREAT! I felt the longing, sadness of troops and their long, far-away families. The music made the letters ‘come alive.’ It was a moving experience.” D.G.
“What a heart-wrenching, touching presentation – never to be forgotten! God bless!” A.H.
“Fantastic performance. Moving and varied. Brought me to tears more than once. Quality, Quality, Quality and Fun.” M.K.
“The program and musicians are so PROFFESSIONAL and amazing. What a GIFT you all are to our community! Thank you! anon
from School Children
“I learned that motes art wrote the ‘ABC’ song when he was only four years old.”
”I really liked dancing to that jig, it was really fun. How can you hold a note so long on the flute?”
Audience Comments at the Premiere of New Works
“It’s a tribute to Iowa musicians that Red Cedar features Iowa Composers and promotes Iowa Arts. I learn so much at every concert.” S.C.
“Music-making of the highest artistic level. The sizeable audience at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art was spellbound by Red Cedar’s playing. Lovely programming tied in wonderfully with the historic event of the upcoming Grant Wood exhibition.” M.K.
“The manners in which the musical works are presented allow even untrained, unschooled of us to begin to understand something about each work. That leads to greater appreciation of them. The musicians are obviously very talented and accomplished. We’re so fortunate that they choose to perform in Iowa. Attended many previous concerts and thoroughly enjoyed them.” M.B.
“You have done so much for new music. The world will thank you for years to come. It is a privilege for us to be able to hear it.” J.C.
“Unique group of instruments with delightful sound and flexibility! Opportunity to hear premiere of Andrew Simpson’s work made even more enjoyable by hearing composer’s comments—great feature.” M.K.