“...The University Orchestra of Valencia proved to be a strong symphonic group. [...] metal instruments shine over the perfect performance of stringed instruments. They are not only satisfied with following the orders written by the composers: they do not read or play, they perform”.
Antoni Batista. La Vanguardia, 8th March 2001
“...we stand out the large amount of audience and the performance of the musicians, especially the one of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the University and the University Choir. Both groups belong to the Universitat. In terms of music, we experience a journey from Renaissance to minimalist music, including some jazz, atonal music and arias with piano. In conclusion, an original view for the text that Joan Francesc Mira wrote for the occasion.
Antonio Vidal. Ritmo, April 2001 – No. 730
“According to the critics, the Eastern Spanish Philharmonic Orchestra was able to make their two difficult optative performances (Gerónimo Giménez’s “Las bodas de Luis Alonso” and Manuel de Falla’s “El sombrero de tres picos”) and to shine under the direction of Cristóbal Soler. I explain this without diminishing their mandatory performance: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
Ramiro Villapadierna. ABC, 15 July 1998
“...It is a professional and quality orchestra. They are clear in their interpretation and they have a lot of vitality. “With their spontaneous access to music, these young Valencian have the energy of the most genuine musicians,” said the general secretary of the Symphonic Orchestra of Vienna, Rainer Bischof, who is also president of the jury and director of the Festival, which has been conducted for 27 years in the Austrian capital...”
Julieta Rudich. El País, 15 July 1998
“...The Philharmonic Orchestra of the University of Valencia has won the 27th edition of the Young Music Festival of Vienna, the most prestigious in the world in its speciality. The victory was glimpsed after the success of the performance of the orchestra in the Austria Centre last Sunday. Although the performance was within the framework of a contest and not a music exhibition, the audience clapped enthusiastically for a long time to this orchestra formed by university students and led by Cristóbal Soler…”
Levante EMV, 15 July 1998
“The Valencian education has surpassed enthusiasm to enter the field of quality. Although for wind instruments, given to the Eastern Spanish tradition, we could expect amazing performances; this time stringed instruments were impressive and their beautiful sounds and results were much superiors. In terms of the number of music stands...Cristóbal Soler Almudéver seems to enter the to the throne room of the great Spanish composers, whose maximum exponent is Víctor Pablo Pérez and very few others”.
Víctor M. Burrell. Punto de las artes, 13th-19th June 1997
“...The young orchestra proved their enthusiastic work and showed clear possibilities for the future. Cristóbal Soler is a master who pays attention to details, ...stringed instruments are sensitive... The concert of last Thursday will always be in the memory of those who played and listened.”
Gonzalo Badenes. El País, 23 December 1995.
“...The high quality of the string performers is surprising, as it has been a traditional weakness of the orchestra; [...] metal instruments were impressive, especially the trumpets... The direction of the group has been entrusted to Cristóbal Soler Almudéver (Alcácer, 1967), who seems to be overqualified for the project... great musician and master composer with a clear concept of the models that he aims to create.
A. Brotons Muñoz. Levante EMV, 23 December 1995.
