Reviews

Last updated January 14th, 2012

• “Waltzes, polkas and marches marked the first morning of 2012 yesterday for 2,500 people who witnessed the grand concert for the New Year by l’orchestre philharmonique de l’Opéra de Nice, under the direction of conductor, Daniel Smith, before a packed sold out Acropolis. The Strauss, from beginning to end of the program, impressed all and has been imprinted on the minds of everyone, after an hour and a half with an outburst of enthusiasm and excitement among the ranks of both the audience and orchestra for his inexhaustible and exceedingly beautiful performance of the ‘Blue Danube’ and the equally anticipated Radetzky March. It was such a success for this yearly ritual for the public, he has now made it the heart of the symphonic season.” – Nice-Matin – Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice
• “Daniel Smith is the conductor who everyone is talking about!” – Sky News Italia
• “It’s a perfect evening, at which nature seemed to be in harmony with the music. The concert sold-out, the orchestra in great shape and a young conductor of great talent, is the recipe for the success of this concert which spoke of “the Russian soul” through two iconic composers, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. Young Australian conductor, Daniel Smith, produced pages of rare richness, colour and feelings expressed through subtle tones from the Nice Philharmonic. A river of emotion, which from the outset, immersed the public. The attentive direction and responsiveness of Mr Smith impressively drew the strength of work synonymous with Renaissance of the composer. And to even better illustrate, the musicians asked Daniel to repeat the entire finale as an encore.” – Festival Antibes Génération Virtuoses – Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice
• “A dynamic, extremely bright conductor, making music with enthusiasm and excitement. He enlivened the orchestra from the very first bars of the symphony (in C major KV 550 “Jupiter” by Mozart). During the rehearsal realising that it needed no detailed comments at the start, he alone, Daniel Smith, trusted and devoted himself to sculpt using only his hands, the character of the music, bringing it many shades of emotion. Extremely musical, he gave many feelings of freshness to seemingly obvious sections. Sensitive to the dynamics of each line, by just conducting, he was present throughout the whole orchestra, listening to and appreciating the music and of the member of each section individually. “Oberon” Karl Maria Weber – he led “equipped” with his baton, strongly emphasising the dark bass register and the melody of every instrument, including those usually hidden, continuing the line. The orchestra listened very attentively to him and he also convinced the orchestra to listen to one another, “softer – first violins” (his left hand showing), “see” (he turned his head for a moment with a smile, pointing toward the woodwind group), “see how beautifully the clarinet plays now.” – Lutos?awski International Conducting Competition
• “Daniel Smith (Australia) – one of the favourites, not just from the finals, but of the entire competition. Both the orchestra and the audience is in complete connection with him – this counts towards his victory and this victory is also based on cross consultation with others. Leading the orchestra, listening attentively, he tries to be present in every note, he strengthens and becomes the image of each phrase, from time to time he moderates, he makes direct contact with the musicians when he is satisfied – it gives to know that he is pleased with their work. When someone’s phrase or note is out of tune, you cannot hide – Daniel Smith points to his ear, smiling at the same time – you immediately know that he wants attention to intonation. He speaks little, and if he does – you want to listen to him, because his words are to the point, not to discharge the tension – he never gives lectures – rather, gives a parable. For example, in one of the most important solo parts of the funeral march in “Eroica”, the melody in the trio. After sensing inattention, he changed the mood instantly – Daniel Smith stopped the orchestra and shared “this part is the only moment of hope, and all faults in life … are forgotten.” Prior to the finale – in a brief announcement of the mood: “here is completely different, here is something fun for children.” And indeed, all the children expressed joy – lightness, elasticity of sound, tempo. Accompaniment: Violin Concerto in E Minor by Felix Mendelssohn – The Australian treated it exemplary – always the soloist, Kamila W?sik–Janiak was the leader. Before her entry in the final movement, Smith perfectly prepared, in anticipation, the brass with a brilliant articulation for the first “words” of the violin. – Lutos?awski International Conducting Competition
• “The slender, young Australian Daniel Smith jumped up on the podium in his fine coat and dancing, swings his arms, perhaps to work at some higher level in the Ravel ‘La Valse’. It was certainly an experience that reaped an ecstatic ovation from the well-filled great hall in the DR Concert Hall.” – Berlingske Tidende ~ Danish National Symphony Orchestra
• “Daniel Smith lead DR SymfoniOrkestret in Ravel’s sense-tickling ‘La Valse’. Smith is 27 years and a certain youthful eagerness didn’t pass unnoticed. It was clear that both he and the orchestra were very familiar with “La Valse”. The orchestra was self-propelled, Smith stopped the musicians only one time during this dress rehearsal – after a few bars, creating an incredible opening atmosphere.” – Klassisk ~ Danish National Symphony Orchestra
• “The young Australian Daniel Smith – one of the greatest young conducting promises.” ~ Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra – The National Orchestra of Sweden
• “The next Herbert von Karajan.” – Fairfax Media ~ Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra – The National Orchestra of Sweden
• “Ormandy is back!” – Aspen Festival of Music