Press Quotes

"...in Britten's Violin Concerto (Michael d'Arcy) was in sterling technical and expressive form in a piece which even Heifetz is reported to have considered unplayable..."

Irish Times

“…Michael d’Arcy was the soloist in Shostakovitch’s Violin Concerto…. d’Arcy’s exquisitely sweet, refined, focused tone was an absolute joy to hear. He understands this concerto so well and coveys every nuance so musically that it must have been a pleasure to accompany him.

The opening Nocturne had a spell-binding intensity and thrillingly imaginative scoring that was brilliantly realised. The mocking Scherzo was exhilarating, the Passacaglia (in which the solo horn was superb) almost overpowering. Then came the cadenza, one of the most unusually meditative cadenzas in the repertory, and d’Arcy’s dramatic playing totally captivated. The exuberant Burlesque came as a relief to spirits almost overwhelmed by Shostakovich’s introspection and disgust with the anti-Semitism of Stalin’s Soviet Union…”

“… Michael d’Arcy was the stunning soloist in Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto, particularly breathtaking in the final Burleqsue…”

“…Michael d’Arcy brought a fluent sustained intensity to the solo part of Shostakovich’s brooding, disturbing First Violin Concerto… Eri Klas and his players supporting with immense empathy and attention…”

“… in the First Violin Concerto of Shostakovich…… Michael d’Arcy found all the disturbing emotional depth, which makes this music so timeless…”

"...Martinu's Violin Concerto No.2... by any standards is demanding, especially for the soloist. Michael d'Arcy was in full command. He combined wiry, highly sprung rhythm with subtle variety of tone and a panache which was all the more winning for being quiet.... this performance was the concert's highlight..."

"... sharing the limelight with Nigel Kennedy was the leader of the ICO Michael d'Arcy... both soloists were as one... the vastness of the hall was forgotten thanks to the instant rapport between performers and audience. Seldom has one heard such a wide range of quiet dynamics from piano to the merest whisper..."

"...in Glass' Violin Concerto, Michael d'Arcy was the sweet-toned soloist, rolling his arpeggios with immense clarity and making much of very little..."

"...Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No.1 was splendidly performed by the immensely talented Michael d'Arcy... the concerto found a dedicated advocate in this unassuming young Ulsterman who earned a huge ovation..."

"...one of the most poetic readings of the Tchaikovsky concerto I have ever heard..."

"...Michael d'Arcy produces the most exquisite violin tone, and the performances of the various works were seductive without being cloying, quite a feat in such a romantic programme... he transmuted the written notes into pure song and left an unforgettable impression on the ear..."

"...in a well matched partnership with Alexandra Andrievsky the fireworks of Stravinsky's Suite Italienne were spectacular in execution... the Schubert Sonata was powerful and forceful, sounding at times more than usually introvert and intense, yet frequently illuminated with delicate touches. Saint-Saens' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso sparkled with scintillating gypsy bravado, bringing the programme to a stunning peroration..."

"...stylish technique supported by intelligent appreciation, stunning tone highlighting expressively elegant, tasteful musicianship that worked well with, and in contrast to the Ulster Orchestra..."

"...exceptional technical ability, and clearly a musician to his fingertips... a violinist who has rightly attracted much attention..."

"...in the Mendelssohn Concerto, Michael d'Arcy had copperplate-pure intonation. During the cadenza the Irish soloist gave a brilliant virtuoso performance a la Paganini... (he) endowed the cantabile of the andante with an exquisite musical spirit..."

"...in the Sonata by Leclair, the violinist seduced the audience with the lightness of his bow, the finesse of his playing and his natural phrasing. He was at once decisive and poetic in the demanding Sonata for Solo Violin by Prokofiev. His virtuosity was also manifest in the formidable Tzigane by Ravel, performed with abandon and bravura, but without the usual harshness... In the Franck Sonata, the violinist's long and ample breaths, his open and lively phrases, his suppleness and silky timbre were complimented by the breathless lyricism of Francois Killian. This very beautiful interpretation made a profound impression on the large audience which, because of its prolonged ovations, received three encores..."

"...Michael d'Arcy played the Mendelssohn Concerto not in the manner of an arrogant, austere soloist, but in perfect integration with the orchestra, which supported his playing with verve. The soloist did not seek unnecessary glitter but always played expressively using a rich palate of nuances, lending his phrasing sensitivity and inner life..."