Michael Stern – Press

“Under Stern’s impassioned baton, the orchestra produced teeth-rattling forte passages in the fifth movement, which turned abruptly into complete silence. The juxtaposition, which was exaggerated by Stern, emphasized Tchaikovsky’s wittiness.”

“DeYoung’s delicate placement of the final statements of “ewig” [forever] and Sterns’ careful drawing out of the orchestral response made for a breathless, contemplative fade to twilight.”

“The program was designed for popular appeal, with Ma as the chief attraction. In the end, conductor Michael Stern seemed the most interesting part of the evening. He lit up the BSO, whether accompanying Ma or going to the movies with Bernstein.”

“Then comes the big beast of the programme, but, as always, the crucial test is not so much the volume of the organ but the way in which the orchestral context of the symphony as a whole is established. Here Michael Stern impressively injects impetus into the first section’s sinewy fabric, alert to instrumental colour and the contrapuntal discipline and intrigue of the writing.”

“Michael Stern is one of America‘s finest conductors… having carved out a distinguished career for himself, Stern the Younger continues to gift the market with award-winning releases… Happily, Michael Stern chooses a tempo to open the work which ensures that nothing runs together, and he also shapes the music with uncommon attention to detail. Every crescendo is so well-caught that the drama is naturally heightened.”

“Music director Michael Stern conducted ‘The Rite of Spring‘ so demonstratively that he occasionally appeared to be practicing a frenetic form of martial arts. He maintained a deliberate pace during the meditative portions of Stravinsky’s work while embracing the chaos of its most tumultuous elements.”

“Stern brought out the best in the orchestra, in keeping with the concert’s Opulence title given to the concert, with some particularly sumptuous string playing.”

“Stern drew some fine playing and striking colours from the orchestra. He is not afraid to explore the extreme soft end of the dynamic range, but equally ready to summon up an almighty roar when needed. It all culminated in a vivid and exciting finale.”

“Stern brings the young Zubin Mehta to mind. He has a dynamic stick technique that commands rather than coaxes. Attacks are sharp and aggressive. Rhythms are clean and propulsive. He knows his way to a climax… He is someone we should be seeing more of.”