ACCLAIM

“The piece is certainly well-written and well-structured”

 
– Leonard Slatkin, conductor

"The Sinfonia Concertante for Organ and Orchestra is a piece full of colour and a beautiful narration. It takes you on a journey of moods, utilising the full forces of the symphonic orchestra conversing with the organ both in imposing tuttis and intimate chamber and solo moments. It is a very interesting and valuable addition to the organ repertoire!"

 - Marta Gardolinska, conductor

“After hearing and reading the score to Sinfonia Concertante for organ and orchestra by Derek Ho, I was interested in his use of rhythmic pulse and atmospheric harmonies. He can create unique sound worlds. I believe this music should be performed…”

– John Axelrod, conductor

"...it’s not an exaggeration to say that I’ve been blown away by the majesty and epic nature of your composition. It is so full of imagination, variety, colour, space and power..."

 – Philip Scriven, concert organist

"It is an extraordinary piece! Colors, imagination, orchestration skill, all is remarkable"

 – John Giordano, conductor and composer

"...your piece for organ and orchestra...is very interesting, engaging, and well crafted"

 – Justin Bischof, conductor and concert organist

"Many congratulations on a fine piece"

 – Ian Tracey, concert organist and chorusmaster

"Derek Ho and I have known each other for over twenty years; he has continued to grow and evolve steadily and impressively during this time. Derek has excellent command of orchestration, subtlety, and nuance. His use of space, and the full range of orchestral possibilities, is compelling." 

 – Ronald Foster, composer and conductor

“...I found your piece well written, touching, and interesting”

 – Jussi Jaatinen, principal oboe, Avanti! Chamber Orchestra; oboe, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

“Derek Ho is a sensitive and inquisitive composer, whose music is skilled, diverse in its influences, and utterly unpretentious in its desire to communicate.”

 – Matthew Whittall, composer

"Derek's music is of the highest caliber, and he is a fresh voice in a sea of empty compositional chatter. His command of the orchestral ensemble and of instruments is mature, with a long-view of form, motivic development, and musical interests pervasive in his work. His musical voice is much needed in this day and age."

 – Josh D. Nichols, composer