“Amazing and professional performance. I was so pleasantly surprised at the quality of the music and I will be looking forward to attending their next concert. It’s so rare to get a gem like the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra so local to Canterbury. I am so happy In the knowledge that me and my son have the opportunity to experience such quality music by such talented musicians.”

“On 29th September 2018, the Colyer-Fergusson Hall opened its doors for Kent Philharmonic Orchestra’s inaugural concert. The newly-formed orchestra presented a beautiful selection of works under the baton of Lithuanian-born conductor and current orchestra director, Marius Reklaitis. The programme showcased artists of the highest quality, led by Stephen Bryant – also current leader at the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

The concert presented some outstanding solo work in the woodwind, especially the oboist Emily Cockbill who played the passages in La Scala di Seta sublimely. The first half also featured flautist Christopher Green and harpist Nicolette Chin, both of whom demonstrated exceptional talent and flawless technique from the first movement cadenza, to the joyful rondo finale in Mozart’s Concerto in C major. The musical evening ended on a high note with Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony Eroica, in which the orchestra shone and delivered with plenty of vigour, passion and confidence.

But undoubtedly one of the main stars of the evening must be orchestra director Marius, who has worked tirelessly to make this new venture a prosperous reality and who should be an inspiration to any young conductor wanting to succeed. I hope everyone who attended the concert will join me in congratulating Marius and his brilliant team on an outstanding debut performance. They deserved the standing ovation they received and I very much look forward to attending the next concert.”

“A triumphant evening. The concerto for harp and flute was exceptional in the second movement, trading elegantly back and forth between themselves. The piece was brought to an exuberant conclusion under the baton of the outstanding director of the orchestra. Bravo!!”