“Butcher guided his players through the complexities of this score with a sure hand”
Alexander Hall, 12 October 2019, Classical Source
“The Westminster Philharmonic is notably adventurous in its programming and large-scale music is widely featured.”
Antony Hodgson, 15 December 2018, Classical Source
“This is demanding music but under the positive direction of Jonathan Butcher the playing approached and often achieved that of professional standard.”
“What is even more astonishing, considering the complexities of the work, is the fact that the Westminster Philharmonic is a non-professional orchestra.”
Bob Briggs, 30th October 2010, Classic Source
“Amateur orchestras have a tendency to surprise you when you least expect it. The commitment and passion of the musicians often compensates for the relative technical shortcomings. The Westminster Philharmonic, one of the leading amateur bands in London since the seventies, proved that point with a performance of Elgar’s Second Symphony that just showed what these musicians could do under the right circumstances.”
Andrew Maisel, 24th January 2009, Classical Source
“the gods were with Frank Burgum in his trumpet solo to launch the Mahler”
Colin Anderson, 22 November 2008, Classical Source
Links to Full Reviews:
12th October 2019 – Shostakovich 9, Maxwell Davies Violin Concerto, Brahms 2
15th December 2018 – Beethoven Emperor, Johnson Symphony No 9
15th October 2011 – Walton Viola Concerto, Bax 6
29th June 2009 – Tcherepnin, Debussy, R.Strauss
WESTMINSTER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 