Photo by Bill Boland
Reviews
Review of Haydn Lord Nelson Mass and Poulenc Gloria - 2009
...pleased to report that enough people came out to support and enjoy the delightful event last Sunday to pretty much fill Cypress Theatre's seats and enjoy the festivities so much that many of us jumped out of those same seats to give the hard-working, highly-talented entourage of performers a standing ovation. Dr. Sheridan Ball, conductor, director and musical muse extraordinaire, admirably directed the audience praise to the chorale singers (Cypress Masterworks Chorale, Southern California Master Chorale and Meritáge), musicians (Golden State Pops Orchestra), guest performers and the two composers represented—Franz Joseph Haydn and Francis Poulenc.
The applause was merited in every aspect. From the beginning, this was a successfully planned and finely executed show. Guest soloists, Grace Lee, Maureen Lombardino, Teresa Raridan, Cynthia Navarro, Jerry Bartucciotto, Fred Crisafulli, Paul Shirts and Randy Johnson were individually and in combination wonderful sparkling additions to the evening, – with the main chorale and choir vocal solid and clearly well-prepared and able to bring to life the feelings and nuances of each musical piece. The orchestra too was consistently sharp, playing with considerable melodic heart yet crispness and rhythm – not a gaff to be felt.
The fine entertainment and emotional impact of "MUSIC OF THE MASTERS", demonstrates Dr. Sheridan Ball continues to be a true grandmaster of bringing together astutely selected talented vocalists and musicians to perform heavenly beautiful Chorale works for our delight. He's also a fine teacher as well a most personable and charming presence on stage.
- Joseph Sirota
The Event News
March 2009
Review of Long Beach Symphony Holiday Celebration - 2006
This annual holiday spectacular has become a welcome local tradition...
The performances were polished and energetic...
The chorus sounded great, no mean feat. Whether it was the quality of the group, the intelligent miking, of a little Christmas magic, this chorus succeeded where many of its predecessors had not in projecting the words as well as making a joyful noise.
- Jim Ruggerillo
Grunion Gazette
December 14, 2006
Review of Mendelssohn’s Elijah – 2003
...the performance of the oratorio by the Cypress Masterworks Chorale, Camerata and Orchestra on Saturday night at Cypress College captured the work’s scope and majesty. Unflagging, unified, with a delightfully well-balanced, even and lush tone and effective dynamic contrasts, the 130-voice chorale sang out with confidence, articulation and skillful musicality.
Kudos to conductor Sheridan Ball, who kept the massive forces together. It’s always a pleasure to watch a conductor who understands that his first job is to send unmistakable signals to the musicians, not to make gestures for the amusement of the listeners.
On several occasions, the chorus gave way to the Camerata, a smaller ensemble, whose members showed a collective warmth, brightness and collegiality in their work.
- Peter Lefevre
Orange County Register
April 7, 2003
Review of Verdi’s Requiem - 2002
It was cloudy last Sunday morning in Long Beach, but by early afternoon the overcast was broken and replaced with sunrays from the performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s haunting Requiem (The Manzoni Requiem), overflowing from within the Eldorado Park Community Church. It was absolutely scintillatingly performed by the Cypress Masterworks Chorale, Camerata, Soloists and Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Sheridan Ball...
The Requiem offers a sweeping range of emotions and musical segments – as gentle as a quiet prayer to be granted God’s eternal light in the afterlife and as powerful and intense as the bellowing warnings of the damnation in store for those wound unworthy. Soloist, Chorus and Orchestra all rose to the challenge capturing the beauty of each section...
Under the astute and moving musical direction of Dr. Sheridan Ball, the Soloists and Cypress Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra filled the church with more than beautiful sounds; they filled it with spirit.
- Joseph Sirota
The Event News
2002