Photograph by Genevieve Girling.
“The audience at Opera Prelude’s latest recital was treated to outstanding performances from Dan D’Souza (baritone) and George Ireland, the accompanying pianist”
“Ireland provided an exceptionally rich, supportive accompaniment while extending the orchestral reduction by adding, for example, a hint of bells to the piano part in the Puccini excerpt”
“Ireland’s piano accompaniment was rich and so evocative of the orchestra”
“I predict sparkling futures for these musicians. What a treat to listen to both these young artists in Henley.”
— Susan Edwards, Henley Standard. Read the full review here.
“We expected good – very good – and got more than excellent! Two years ago Cutting and Ireland delighted us with a beautifully crafted programme ranging from Monteverdi to George Benjamin. This year, with Sussex bred mezzo-soprano Rebecca Leggett, they presented a winning collection of Sussex songs and poems. Some were whimsical, others passionate, all delivered with beguiling musicality and acted with great charm. Using the whole platform, with just two stools, a book and the piano as props, they evoked the breadth of Sussex, the Downs, the Weald and the sea.”.
— Andrew Connal, Latest. Read the full review here.
“An absorbing and rewarding concert experience – clinched by Ireland’s superbly voiced instrumental partnership of his singer”.
— Richard Amey, Sussex Express. Read the full review here.
“A truly magical mystery musical tour from a consummate performer | accompanied brilliantly on the piano by George Ireland”.
— Brian Butler, Scene. Read the full review here.
“George Ireland’s spectacular accompaniment was both sensitive and vivid…I look forward to hearing more from these musicians in whatever period, style or venue they choose”.
— Andrew Connal, Latest. Read the full review here.
“Caroline Taylor, and George Ireland at the piano, gelled cogently in these attractively lyrical settings, which had something of Mendelssohn’s melodic fluency to them, giving them a worthwhile outing.”
— Curtis Rogers, Seen and Heard International. Read the full review here.
“Sensitively accompanied by scholarship holder George Ireland, who is currently completing his masters degree in piano acccompaniment at the Royal College of Music in London, she penetrated with great intuition and mature skill the emotional depths of Schubert’s “Winterreise.”
Both artists broke new ground with their interpretation of the 24 songs that the composer published in 1827, a year before his death at just 31 years old. Those present experienced how the singer and pianist explored this dark and powerful cycle, and that two people had captured a timelessly significant masterpiece entirely in its core. They had not only the musical class, but also the inner relationship to interpret the “Winterreise” movingly.”
— Antje Doßmann, Neue Westfälische.