The Gondoliers – English National Opera
Richard Balcombe conducted with lively, well-propelled rhythms, and the orchestra responded with alert and appreciative playing.
(Rodney Milnes, Opera Magazine)
Most of the fun comes from the pit, where Balcombe’s baton really sparkles in the Overture….. he clearly knows and loves his Sullivan and gets sprightly playing from the ENO Orchestra.
(Hugh Canning, The Times)
Shall we dance? Sadlers Wells Theatre
Richard Balcombe does a star turn as arranger and musical director, with some very fancy footwork through the Rodgers songbook
(Claudia Pritchard, The Independent)
The music, arranged and conducted by Richard Balcombe and played by an on-stage orchestra, swings and sparkles throughout.
(Luke Jennings, The Observer)
Carl Rosa Gilbert & Sullivan season – Gielgud Theatre
….the beautiful swell and surge of Sullivan’s score, delivered safe and sound by conductor Richard Balcombe.” (Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph)
The music, zestfully conducted by Richard Balcombe and expertly played.
(Fiona Maddocks, The Evening Standard)
Wonderful Town – Grange Park Opera
The star of the show is Richard Balcombe, who gives the score an easy flow and comes up with some pizzazz for the showstoppers.
(George Hall, The Stage)
The band is great, the style (under Richard Balcombe) in on the money, the energy is all there.
(Edward Seckerson, The Independent)
La Boheme – Travelling Opera
So vital and idiomatic the playing under Richard Balcombe.
(David Cairns, The Sunday Times)
Rigoletto – Travelling Opera
Richard Balcombe has done a masterly job in rescoring the opera.
(Hugo Cole, Country Life)
Don Pasquale – Travelling Opera
Musically it scores high marks with Richard Balcombe directing his own cleverly reduced version of the score.
(Christopher Grier, The Evening Standard)
Carmen – Travelling Opera
Richard Balcombe’s reduction is inspired. For most of the time we seemed to be listening to pure Bizet.
(Country Life)