Testimonials From Orchestras
“Saturday's program was perhaps the most touching and revealing testimony to the power of music – the power of the spirit – that I have witnessed. It was beautiful on the deepest level. I can't tell you how grateful I am that we had the opportunity to be a part of it.”
– Donald Thulean, Board Member, Seattle Symphony
“The production was beautifully written and beautifully performed. It had all of the elements I look for in children's concerts: great orchestral repertoire with the focus on the music and the orchestra, an engaging story and quality acting and presentation.”
– Jim Bartsch, Education Director, Minnesota Orchestra
“...a brilliantly constructed show. A perfect blend of entertainment and esthetic education. It delights parents as much as the young people they bring.”
– C. Stephen Smith, General Manager, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
“I was completely blown away with the Platypus Theatre show "How the Gimquat found her song". Peter Duschenes is a genius – he is engaging, talented and a true professional. I have heard nothing but great comments from the teachers about the way we are able to incorporate music education in a fun, entertaining and interactive way. If we continue to use brilliant artists such as Peter Duschenes coupled with our fantastic orchestra, it could only mean great things to come by planting a seed with this next generation of music lovers. Congrats to all!”
– Laura Weber, National Arts Centre Orchestra
“Superb...kept the audience enthralled...both magical and educational. A successful combination of drama, good repertoire, subtle education and entertainment. It's always a pleasure to re-engage a company that consistently brings productions of the highest quality to our symphony.”
– Roberta Smith, Director of Education, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
“Seeing two thousand kids sitting motionless in their seats, wide eyes glued to the stage convinced us that Platypus Theatre has the perfect recipe to reach children with the magic of music.”
– Paul Fortin, Music Administrator, Montreal Symphony Orchestra
“...left our capacity audience enthralled to the highest level! Not only is the orchestral repertoire skillfully varied and diverse ... but the spoken narration is a masterful blend of sage wisdom and youthful exuberance. The company consistently maintains the highest of standards of professionalism.”
– Paul Ferrington, Conductor, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
“One of the rare times I have conducted a family concert where the reactions among children, parents, and orchestra musicians were all equally enthusiastic. The reasons are plain enough: Platypus Theater combines a compelling story, beautifully presented with the highest quality music, resulting in a program which allows the orchestra to play what it plays best while enlightening and entertaining audience members of all ages.”
– Andrews Sill, Associate Conductor, Milwaukee Symphony.
“...entertaining, informative, beautiful and first rate in all respects. Fully professional, of high artistic quality, and extremely appealing to our audience and orchestra alike. We will definitely engage them again.”
– Ginny Garrett, Director of Education, Houston Symphony
“A wonderful, thoroughly enjoyable performance. We received a lot of feedback from the musicians of the NACO who praised the production for its effectiveness both musically and theatrically...”
– Claire Speed, Director of Education, National Arts Centre Orchestra
“I look forward to working with you again. A fabulous musical experience! First class... one of the most enjoyable productions for young people that we have ever featured”
– Alan D. Valentine, Executive Director, Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
“The response was tremendous! The high caliber of performance and educational value in this production is unique in contemporary symphonic programming. In addition, the emotional attachment the audience had to the characters by the end of the show was such that there was not a dry eye to be found anywhere! I have, and will continue to give Platypus Theatre my highest praise.”
– Sara Moody, Director of Operations, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
“I've played for countless young-people’s concerts and found your production to be the most entertaining and interesting one I've ever seen. I can't imagine a symphony in North America that wouldn't benefit from working with the folks at Platypus Theatre. Bravo to you and your capable staff. Thanks for providing a valuable and unique product to the symphonic market. May you continue to be more and more successful – and hurry back to Utah!”
– Kenny Hodges, Musician, Salt Lake City
