Concert Performance Reviews for Jeff Dwarshuis
1.“Jeff draws the audience in with his deep knowledge of classical guitar composers and works, educating while entertaining. His passion for the music shines through during his performances.”
– Kristin Armstrong, ExecutiveDirector-SaugatuckCenter for the Arts.
2.“It has been our privilege to present Jeff Dwarshuis in concert on our Music at Mid-Day series at Park Congregational Church in Grand Rapids Mi. His programs have always been of great interest and he has performed with excellent technique. The audience has appreciated his explanations about the music he presented and about the construction of the classical guitar. We are always delighted to include him in our series.”
– Jim Metzler, Director of Music-FirstPark Congregational Church, Grand Rapids Mi.
3.“Sensitive, lyrical playing…”
– Mark Loring, Director of Music Ministries- Second Congregational Church, Grand Rapids Mi
4.“Jeff Dwarshuis plays the classical guitar with precision and artistry. His varied program demonstrated many of the different techniques used in playing the classical guitar, which Mr. Dwarshuis clearly explained to the students. I also appreciated how Jeff affirmed each student’s question with a thoughtful response. The students and faculty at JenisonChristianSchool thoroughly enjoyed the performance presented by Mr. Dwarshuis—a highlight of our annual Fine Arts Week.”
– David VanZytveld, Music Director-Jenison Christian School
5.“Jeff played with accuracy and virtuosity, but also with great sensitivity and musicality…..thoroughly beautiful playing.”
– Christopher Dekker, Director of Music-Trinity United Methodist Church, Grand Rapids Mi
6.“Jeff’s concert was delightful! His selections were great, and his performance of them was superb! Our audience greatly enjoyed him and we look forward to inviting him to come back for an encore performance in the near future.”
– John Repulski, Director of Music and Organist-Christ Church Cranbrook, Southfield Mi.
7.“Jeff is an accomplished talent and passionate about his music. His research into the history of the composers was a delightful addition. Jeff’s music brought the crowd to their feet. For it’s worth to note that our library program attendees have never given a performer a standing ovation before Jeff”
– Larry Halverson, Community Relations Coordinator-Loutit District Library
8.“Jeff Dwarshuis performed well to an enthusiastic crowd. His obvious love for the guitar and its music connected with the audience and his comments added pleasure to the performance. In addition, Dwarshuis was able to achieve many timbres and a wide range of dynamics on the guitar. These, coupled with a sure technique gave everyone a most enjoyable afternoon. It was a very successful concert!”
– Albert Bolitho, Director of Music-First Congregational Church of Battle Creek
9.“Working with Jeff Dwarshuis was a delightful experience. He opened our 2010 fine arts series, and the audience was pleased with his music, comments, and gentle demeanor. His selections were excellent.”
“We enjoyed the concert very much, and I was also impressed with how gracious he was with our patrons following the performance.”
– Carl Doubleday, Director of Music – Milwood United Methodist Church, Kalamazoo Mich
10.“The peace and joy that Jeff has as he plays, sets a nice tone for the performance”
“Informative and enjoyable performance-great for all ages”
“Explains his love and passion for the guitar very well”
– The Fine Arts Committee of West Side Christian School
11.“Jeff Dwarshuis is a consummate performer. Beautiful music with wonderful explanations before playing the music itself. He will give your performing arts series a real touch of class.”
-George Jonte – Crane, Director of Music & Worship Ministries, Berkley 1st United Methodist
Church, Berkley, Michigan
12.“Jeff’s classical guitar performances are always popular with library patrons and staff. His accomplished playing provides a relaxing and welcoming ambiance that is enjoyed by all.Jeff is a talented musician and we look forward to hosting more musical Sunday afternoons with Jeff.”
-Lisa Donner, Community Services Librarian, SpringLake District Library
13.“Jeff Dwarshuis’ passion for the classical guitar and the music he plays is obvious. His choice of music selections was varied, thoughtfully performed and thoroughly enjoyed. The explanations about the composers and the music made a nice connection to the music for the audience. The quietness and calmness of the people in attendance demonstrated a real appreciation for the musician and the music.”
-Carole McConnell, Vice President, Friends of the Tecumseh District Library, Tecumseh, MI
14.“Jeff entertained and enlightened us with both his superlative playing and intriguing commentary on the history of the classical guitar. An entirely professional performance.”
-Ken Raynor, Community Relations Department, Ann Arbor District Library
15. “A name that’s hard to pronounce, but a sound that’s ever so easy to listen to.”
– Fr. Brian Coleman, Rector, Saint Thomas Episcopal Church of Battle Creek
16.”I am proud and honored to recommend Jeff Dwarshuis. He is a truly talented musician able to captivate his audience.”
– Larry Halverson – Community Relations Coordinator at Loutit District Library
17.”Jeff’s performance for Music at Mid-day was an astounding combination of technical and artistic skill. We were transported by his music, and so impressed with his preparation and delivery.”
-Dr. Patrick Coyle – Minister of Music, FirstPark Congregational Church
18.“Jeff performed at our most recent afternoon Salon Concert to a packed house and an enraptured audience. His selections demonstrated a wide diversity of ability and technique. The introductions were witty as well as informative. All in all, Jeff is a consummate performer and a perennial favorite of ours.”
-Andrew McMechan, Chair of Music at ChristChurchCranbrook
19.“Audiences will be impressed with both Jeff’s technical skill as a classical guitarist as well as his ability to breathe fresh life into canonical compositions by adding his own inspired signature to the works. Not only will listeners enjoy Jeff’s personal renderings of some of the most significant baroque, romantic and modern pieces that feature the guitar, he’ll frame the music within its historical context by providing attendees with studied summaries of the works, their composers and the evolution of classical guitar music.”
—Ryan Gage, Audiovisual Librarian of the Kalamazoo Public Library
