Reviews

Robin Fountain

Conductor

"Guest Conductor Robin Fountain was a big part of the concert's success. Formerly assistant and resident conductor of the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Fountain returned with mature mastery of the baton and other physical aspects of conducting, an obviously keen ear and aural imagination. He was also an astute host, prompting each of the composers to comment on his or her piece."

"I was surprised by the remarkable rhythmical precision of the syncopation that was unlocked by the orchestra's conductor. . . I cannot honestly call myself an Elgar fan. However, the interpretation offered this night of the Enigma Variations could entice me to become one. What color, fine nuances, comedy, bawdiness and pathos in so many forms there were to hear. It called forth streams of enthusiasm..."

"The orchestra displayed a large amount of technical as well as artistic skill. Under Maestro Fountain's leadership, the quality of music coming from the stage has steadily increased over the last couple of seasons."

"With guest conductor Robin Fountain, of Nashville's prestigious Vanderbilt Symphony Orchestra, wielding the baton, Baldassari, the NME [Nashville Mandolin Ensemble] and the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra provided one of the most moving hour plus sets of orchestral entertainment heard locally in some time."

"Mr. Fountain's finely crafted performances were convincing and highly rewarding. They were marked by commitment, insight and an uncompromising musical integrity."

"The Williamsport Symphony Orchestra succeeded in its organizational mission to 'provide superior orchestral music' on Saturday night as it presented an all-beethoven concert... the orchestra returned after intermission with a stirring performance of Symphony No. 3, 'Eroica'. with tremendous power and conviction."