“Friday’s program definitely had something for just about everyone: movie lovers, fans of some classic TV shows from years ago, those who like big, sweeping orchestral tunes and those who like the really great songs that came out of some of the James Bond movies. And if you walked out of Dawson Auditorium afterward humming some of those pieces, well, you wouldn’t have been the only one….It all added up to a concert with plenty of fun surprises for its audience.”
Adrian Daily Telegram, February 5, 2017 Read Full Review →
“It also has to be said that in just his short time as the ASO’s music director, Kiesling has established himself as both a fine conductor and an engaging and witty narrator, and this concert certainly showcased both his musical and his humorous sides. His remarks to open the concert and in between the pieces were a perfect and very funny counterpart to the music.”
Adrian Daily Telegram, December 17, 2016 Read full review. →
“So there was, by any measure…top-notch musicmaking coming from the Dawson Auditorium stage for this concert…between the concert’s excellent musical quality, the energy inherent in such a program, and the way Kiesling spiced things up with an engaging between-piece commentary that was nicely suited to concertgoing novices and old hands alike, the Adrian Symphony’s season — and Kiesling’s time at the orchestra’s helm — is off to a tremendous start indeed.”
Adrian Daily Telegram, October 3, 2016
“…to a note the ASO sounded spectacular all the way down to some very fine playing of various solo lines, including the second movement’s iconic horn solo. Every ounce of musical emotion definitely was there and the orchestra provided a thoroughly fulfilling rendition of this magnificent work.”
Adrian Daily Telegram, April 26, 2016
After intermission Kiesling led the [Long Beach Symphony] orchestra in Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” preceding it with a brief and humorous discussion. He revealed things about the symphony that would be heard in the performance — a winning monologue that actually improved listening to the performance afterward. He noted the work’s pedigree and, more importantly, how the orchestra deals with the demands the work requires. He also engaged in a brief Q&A session with Douglas Tornquist, the orchestra’s principal (and only) tuba player, that endeared Kiesling to his audience.
The symphony is a big work, but the orchestra responded with elan and energy to its demands. If there were a few hesitant horn passages, the overall effect was one of energy and, yes, even patriotic power.
The audience responded with a standing ovation and wouldn’t go away, even when the house lights came up after two bows by the conductor. He played a brilliant and raucous encore with the orchestra, Brahms’ Fifth Hungarian Dance. He used extreme changes of tempo, from the barely moving slow parts of the work to extremely fast dance music. It was a lively and thrilling example of what a conductor and an orchestra can do when they are just having fun.
Long Beach Press-Telegram, February 2, 2015
One of my most memorable performances ever! My favorite composition with great players, and great conducting made last night amazing! Thanks Bruce and the Tulare County Symphony!
On “Symphonie Fantastique”
“Tuesday evening, members of YOLA sat side by side with players from the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra at the cathedral for Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony (“Little Russian”) under YOLA’s conductor, Bruce Anthony Kiesling. Tchaikovsky was, in his early symphonies, still in high spirits, and the performance captured them”.
LA Times, February 27, 2014
“Another stellar performance. Bravo!”
“Impressed with the intensity played in all four movements….grand bravo to the conductor, who led without a score to guide him. That is passion and dedication….bravo!”
“Thanks for Le Sacre! Very good job on a very tough piece. My absolute drop-dead favorite piece.”
On “The Rite of Spring”
“It was thrilling — and there was the conductor – with no score in front of him – all in his head and heart.”“Impressed with the intensity played in all four movements….grand bravo to the conductor, who led without a score to guide him. That is passion and dedication….bravo!”“It was an amazing experience”“Whole concert was great–but I loved how the teenagers with me lit up.”“It was a terrific evening, we are so lucky to have the symphony.”
On Mahler: Symphony No. 1
“With the Orchestra in place, the sound moved toward pop. Backed by [Bruce Kiesling’s] effervescent arrangements, the songs grew buoyant and dappled, nudging into Elton John territory while avoiding the weightiness that often afflicts orchestral pop collaborations. The ballad “Volverte a Ver” was gracefully rising; “A Dios Le Pido” ended the first half on an insistently swaying note.” –Orange County Register, August 19, 2012
YOLA w/ Juanes at the Hollywood Bowl
“He is so full of enthusiasm, you are immediately entranced.”
Visalia Times Delta: April 14, 2012
The kids from the YOLA Orchestra backed Stevie Wonder, Ricky Minor, and all of their guests in “What’s Going On” – a big, joyous, sonically authentic performance bathed in a riot of rainbow-lit color.” -Variety, July 25, 2011
YOLA w/ Stevie Wonder at the Hollywood Bowl
“He has managed to captivate everyone”
Visalia Times-Delta: April 3, 2010
“As always, I enjoyed Dr. Kiesling’s comments about the composers and their featured works and then hearing those works performed. I was able to listen to the very familiar Dvorak with a fresh perspective. Well done. TCS!!”“Soloist, orchestra, program — outstanding!”“I took a group of five home-schooled teens who were inspired and amazing. This was our first symphony. It was exquisite and we thank you all.”“It was absolutely magnificent! The TCSO never disappoints. I look forward to the symphony season every year, and after last night the only thought that came to mind was, “Well, this season is going to be OUTSTANDING” Kudos and congratulations to the wonderful performers and the ever so gifted soloist. Bravo!”
On Dvorak: Symphony No. 9
“Impressed with the clarity and precision of the orchestra.”
“Appreciate the range of attendees, some older people, some younger people…an ‘eclectic’ audience.”
Porterville Record: October 4, 2009
“Stage Director Price and Music Director Bruce Kiesling stage the musical numbers with plenty of go-go spunk, especially when the Greek chorus of voices join the action and start boogie-ing.” –Curtainup Los Angeles
“The orchestra under Bruce Kiesling’s direction is a delight as always, spry and upbeat, finding the best moments of Hamlisch’s melodies.” –Theatermania, September 29th, 2010.
On “They’re Playing Our Song” starring Jason Alexander