Hubbard Hall Opera well done, lots of fun!:
“Friday night’s capacity crowd at the opening of Hubbard Hall Opera Theater’s production of Donizetti’s ‘Don Pasquale’ couldn’t help cheering. What they saw and heard from a company that must be working on little more than a shoestring budget was close to relevatory... Pacing, which is so important in a comedy, was quicksilver fast... The orchestra worked well under the adept direction of Maria Sensi Sellner, and got into the spirit of the show.”
-- Geraldine Freeman, The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)
ASO’s Mozart Requiem:
“The chorus [prepared by Maria Sensi Sellner]... made a strong impression with their staggered entrances on Requiem aeternum, singing with fine blend and proper Viennese diction (those lispy luceat’s). The fast tempo of the Kyrie fugue seemed not to daunt them a bit... The chorus was quite hair-raising when they rolled their “R’s” for the great chords that begin Rex tremendae majestatis.”
-- Daniel Hathaway, Cleveland Classical
From orchestral musicians:
“... As a life-long orchestral musician with experience in the pit as well as on the stage, I was struck immediately by the clarity of her beat. As that first rehearsal progressed her knowledge of the score and the text, as well as the integrity with which she directed an unknown group of pick-up musicians amazed me. Her kindness in difficult situations, the gentle directness with which she guided a particular singer, her confidence as she indicated so clearly the musical ideas and desires she had for Donizetti’s music are all assets which were noticed by so many of us in the orchestra. Many in the orchestra also shared with me that it is not often that any of us works with a conductor who is able to direct instrumental and vocal musicians equally well. I was personally awed and excited by this opportunity to work with such an able, knowledgeable, and kind conductor. I sincerely hope to work with her again...”
-- Harriet Dearden Welther
Violinist, Albany Symphony
“I recently played double bass in a run of six performances of Donizetti's Don Pasquale with Maria Sellner as conductor/music director. She was impeccably well prepared from the start and ran rehearsals both professionally and efficiently while maintaining a friendly, respectful and collegial atmosphere throughout. I found her conducting technique to be not only clear and precise, but aesthetically pleasing to watch, graceful and musical as well. In the arias, tempi were consistent, yet flexible enough to allow the singers a degree of spontaneity. In recitative sections, Maria was attentive to the singers, dependable and crystal clear. As an orchestra player, I could not have asked for better direction or a more rewarding overall musical experience than Maria provided as conductor. I would welcome the opportunity to work with her again.”
-- Jeffrey Herchenroder, Bassist, Albany Symphony
Eastman School of Music, Juilliard School
LinkedIn members can view additional recommendations from artistic and administrative colleagues on Maria’s LinkedIn Profile: HERE
Reviews in the press:
Review of “Ode to Joy” with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Chorus:
“Wilkins turned the podium over to chorus master Maria Sensi Sellner for Calm Sea and Prosperious Voyage, Beethoven's concatenation of two poems by Goethe describing a ship trapped in the doldrums, then its safe voyage home when the winds come up. Chorus and orchestra painted a seascape of utter stillness in the opening passages, then heaved to with thrilling climaxes once the weather changed.”
With regard to the chorus in Beethoven 9: “The Akron Symphony Chorus was strong and responsive, singing with clear but not explosive German diction... A great piece of work by everyone on Saturday evening!”
-- Daniel Hathaway, Cleveland Classical
Review of “Opera’s Greatest Moments” with the Akron Symphony Chorus:
“Tonight, the singing and playing had more presence and resonance than we can ever recall hearing. The soloists were splendid and had flexible and sympathetic orchestral and choral collaborators.”
-- Daniel Hathaway, Cleveland Classical
Don Pasquale a feast for the eyes, ears:
“Every summer there is one production that fits ‘The Rule of the Unexpected,’ which says — when you least expect it you will discover a terrific theatrical experience. This year it is the Hubbard Hall Opera Theater production of “Don Pasquale”... This is light-hearted production that is wonderfully sung and delightfully staged. And surprise, surprise, it is well-acted... Equally as good as the performers is the 14-piece orchestra under the direction of conductor Maria Sensi Sellner. The orchestra is mix of young musicians and experienced players who form group that plays tightly and never overpowers the performers. The overtures are highlights of the evening. Don Pasquale is filled with talent, creativity and spirited fun.”
-- Bob Goepfert, The Troy Record
“The 15 piece orchestra was just perfect, the singing sensational and the production well thought out with great pacing and direction. As this article points out, the singers and conductor are simply first class all the way.”
-- Larry Murray, Berkshire on Stage
