Reviews/Quotes
"People
are talking!"
"Wow! Symphony's choral stunner...an
astoundingly gorgeous choral and symphonic rendition of "Let
us Break Bread Together"...the enormously gifted Hoffman,
the soulful, inspired arrangements that spill out of her fingers
constitute her new claim to fame. Terrific arrangement."
Oakland Tribune, David
Gere
"...the audience was brought
into the joyful musical milieu with brilliant arrangements and
piano accompaniments by Ellen Hoffman of "Rocka-My Soul"
and "Walk together, Children."
Oakland Tribune, Cheryl
North
"Ellen has always been a brilliant
teacher and performer, a fine arranger and composer whom I have
commissioned several times. She works quickly compositionally
and is delightful to work with."
Elizabeth Min, former
Music Director,
Women's Philharmonic
"...(Break Bread) is a series
of exquisite serenades....In Rock-a My Soul, her intertwining
of several themes with a contemporary orchestration was both unique
and beautiful."
The Montclarion Newspaper
"Her Little Dream Symphony
has an infectious air of childlike wonder and innocence about
it. As a special piece for a special occasion, it was like a clever
puzzle and most enjoyable."
The Montclarion Newspaper
"Composer Ellen Hoffman has
been an extremely valuable member of the Oakland East Bay Symphony's
extended family for about ten years. She is composed and arranged
for us on several occasions. Her works for instrumental forces,
vocal forces and combinations thereof have been well crafted,
accessible and very popular with performers and audiences. She
also works very well with this diverse community to have its various
interests reflected in her music. Her vocal writing and orchestrations
have shown increasing skill over the years and I have used several
of her compositions and arrangements with other orchestras around
the country. She has only shown great flexibility in her approach
to both this orchestra and this community and I have every confidence
you would enjoy working with her as much as we have. It is my
great pleasure to enthusiastically recommend her to you."
Michael Morgan, Music
Director, Oakland East Bay Symphony
"...(she has) sumptuous piano
voicings and assured rhythms..."
Lee Hildebrand, liner notes
to "Anna's Home Brew" CD
"I wanted to
make this composition, Little Dream Symphony - written for students
alongside symphony players - accessible, something that the whole
family could enjoy," says Hoffman, who is co-founder of and
former pianist for the Oakwood Interfaith Gospel Choir. She also
served as Artistic Director of the Oakland Jazz Choir. For her
part, Hoffman is confident that OEBS's young players will give
her symphony a grand debut. 'There may be a few wrong notes,'
she said, "but the spirit will be strong.'"
Interview with Ellen
Hoffman, Oakland Tribune, Concert Preview Feature
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