Jacques Lacombe – Press

“Mr. Lacombe illuminated deeper ties among the works on the bill, and to a broader societal sphere.”

“On Jan. 7, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, an underrated group with a history of adventurous programming, arrived at NJPAC to kick off its monthlong Winter Festival, which this season has water as its theme. The young Québécois conductor, Jacques Lacombe, who took over as music director last fall, led with a confident, swinging beat, showing a particularly keen ear in Fauré’s ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’ Suite.”

“The New Jersey SO’s own-label issue of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana was recorded live in November 2008, at the début concert with the orchestra of Canadian Jacques Lacombe, now its music director. A fresh-voiced choir from Montclair State University, with students from the Moscow Conservatory, brings out the work’s youthful exuberance…the orchestra plays with precision and verve.”

“The concert began with a taut, vividly rendered performance of the Overture from Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro.” Opera, Mr. Lacombe said from the stage, is one of his passions…The orchestra had a chance to show its mettle in Stravinsky’s “Firebird” suite, which concluded the program. The musicians played vividly for their new maestro, who led a vibrant and detailed performance.”

“The French-Canadian conductor Jacques Lacombe, making his Royal Opera debut, is supportive in pacing his music, and conducts with flair and an eye for detail throughout.”

“Robert Carsen’s new Ariadne auf Naxos has already been seen in Munich, but, judging by the cheers from the Berliners, it’s found a very welcome home at its second berth, particularly with the sensitive conducting of Jacques Lacombe.”