03.17.15 – Review: Prokofiev, Sinfonie di una vita
Review from Fawzi’s debut in Milan with the La Verdi Orchestra.
“Maestro Haimor, (…) has very clear ideas and a full and balanced sound coming from a reactive and definitely not-timid orchestra. The performance of the 7th Symphony was emotional and the ensemble showed professionalism and cohesiveness in the lighter and in the darker sections of the piece.”
07.26.14 – Review #2: Sinfonia Viva, Derby Cathedral
Here is another review for the Sinfonia Viva concert in Derby, UK.
Reviewed in the Derby Telegraph, Mike Wheeler, 07.25.14
“The first movement [of Beethoven Symphony No.1] was fast and exuberant, the second quick and playful. A buoyant but not unusually fast scherzo was followed by a runaway romp of a finale, the criss-crossing scale-patterns exhilarating in their precision and incisiveness.”
07.25.14 – Review: Sinfonia Viva, Derby Cathedral
Read a review for the Sinfonia Viva concert in Derby, UK.
“The performance [of Haydn’s Il ritorno di Tobia] caught both the gravity of the sober slow introduction opening and the vigorous drive of the main allegro. Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll was given flowing, affectionate treatment without undue lingering.”
07.11.14 – Viva conductor blown away by British talent
Article written by Lynne Brighouse of the Derby Telegraph about Fawzi.
03.28.14 – Review: Pragmatica Romantica (Italian)
Click on the link below to read the review by Roberta Pedrotti from l’Ape musicale.
“…his execution [of Bruckner’s 4th symphony] makes worth watching, with interest and curiosity, the career of Haimor…the orchestra has done well to offer him the chance to debut in Italy.”
03.09.14 – Review: Mohammed Fairouz’s world premiere and a controversial overture highlight ASO’s ‘Classical Edge’
Click on the link below to read the review by Michael Huebner of the Birmingham News.
“Haimor’s easy rapport with his former orchestra and focus on the work’s rhythmic complexity contributed to a vibrant reading.”
06.18.13 – Radio Interview with Warren Haynes and Fawzi on WESA 90.5
Warren Haynes and Fawzi were guests on Essential Pittsburgh with Paul Guggenheimer of WESA 90.5 to promote a new production celebrating the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Click on the link below to listen to the radio interview.
03.12.12 – Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Announces 2012-2013 Season of Concerts at Scottish Rite Cathedral
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) 2012-2013 season of concerts at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle will include a Beatles tribute band, the movie music of multiple Oscar-winning composer John Williams, and PSO Music Director Manfred Honeck conducting works by Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky…
03.12.12 – Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Announces 2012-2013 Season of Concerts at Scottish Rite Cathedral
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) 2012-2013 season of concerts at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle will include a Beatles tribute band, the movie music of multiple Oscar-winning composer John Williams, and PSO Music Director Manfred Honeck conducting works by Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky…
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s (PSO) 2012-2013 season of concerts at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle will include a Beatles tribute band, the movie music of multiple Oscar-winning composer John Williams, and PSO Music Director Manfred Honeck conducting works by Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky.
This will be the 12th season of the PSO performances at this venue.
Three-concert subscription prices range from $33 to $150. Student subscription packages are available for $24. Subscriptions can be purchased by calling the Heinz Hall Box Office toll-free at 1.800.743.8560, or visiting the PSO at www.pittsburghsymphony.org/src.
The season opens with the Beatles tribute concert, Classical Mystery Tour, at 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19. Jim Owen, Tony Kishman, John Brosnan and Chris Camilleri play John, Paul, George and Ringo, and pay tribute to the first rock album ever to win the Grammy for Album of the Year, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Leading the PSO in this concert will be its new assistant conductor, Fawzi Haimor.
Music Director Honeck will lead the PSO in the second concert at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2013. Russian powerhouse Denis Matsuev will be the guest soloist, performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The concert also will feature Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5.
The season concludes in grand fashion at 8 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2013, when Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh leads the orchestra in the music of John Williams. Quite possibly the most famous composer of movie music, Williams has won five Academy Awards. His legendary film work includes the music for Jaws, Schindler’s List, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Saving Private Ryan, The Accidental Tourist, War Horse, The Adventures of Tintin, JFK, Born on the Fourth of July, the first three Harry Potter movies and, of course, the unforgettable music for Star Wars and all four Indiana Jones films. In 1971, he adapted the score for the film version of Fiddler on the Roof, for which he composed original violin cadenzas for renowned virtuoso Isaac Stern.
12.12.11 – Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra names Fawzi Haimor as Assistant Conductor
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and Music Director Manfred Honeck today announced the appointment of Fawzi Haimor as assistant conductor, beginning in the 2012-2013 season.
“We are very happy to welcome a conductor as talented as Fawzi Haimor to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra,” Honeck said. “His passion for his work is undeniable. He will be a great asset to the orchestra and the community. I eagerly look forward to working with him.”
“I am thrilled and honored to be appointed the assistant conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra,” Haimor said. “The opportunity to work closely with Maestro Manfred Honeck and the remarkable musicians of the PSO is a rare and exciting privilege, and my family and I look forward to joining the Pittsburgh community.”
Haimor, 28, replaces Thomas Hong, whose term as PSO’s assistant conductor concludes at the end of the 2011-2012 season.
“It is always a wonderful experience working with Thomas,” Honeck said. “I want to thank him for his assistance and dedication, and wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
As assistant conductor, Haimor’s duties will include assisting with programming and conducting the PSO’s Education and Community Engagement concerts, and leading pre-concert talks.
06.11.11 – Review: Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Railroad Park have a bright future.
Excerpt from Phillip Ratliff: The Birmingham News, Birmingham, AL
“…the ASO, under Assistant Conductor Fawzi, performed both works with remarkable verve.”
Pieces:
-Liszt: Les Preludes
-Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 in B minor, “New World”
03.22.11 – Review: ASO Wows Crowd
Excerpt from Malia Harris: University of Montevallo Examiner, Montevallo, AL
“Standing ovations were not enough to credit the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for their performance at the University of Montevallo on Tuesday March 22.”
“Fawzi Haimor, the Assistant Conductor of the ASO and director of Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted the orchestra. He gracefully directed with strict precision and tenderness. He viciously and strategically stroked the air until the orchestra emitted beautiful notes no more.”
03.11.11 – Review of Classical EDGE: Luciana Souza and the Alabama Symphony; Haimor’s debut with the ASO
Excerpts from Michael Huebner’s blog: Birmingham News, Birmingham, AL.
“The vivid ballet suite about love and spirits in Andalusia was the centerpiece of the Latin-themed concert conducted by ASO Assistant Conductor Fawzi Haimor, which included music by Arturo Marquez, Derek Bermel and Zequinha de Abreu. The 27-year-old Haimor, who joined ASO this season, led the orchestra with control and confidence through the moody Falla score, basking in the gentle lyricism in “El circulo magico,” ramping up the volume for the “Ritual Fire Dance.” Overall, he proved a highly capable conductor with a clean, precise beat, dramatic yet easy-to-follow gestures, and overflowing with enthusiasm. He is a welcome addition to ASO’s staff.”
“The upbeat concert closer was Abreu’s familiar “Tico-Tico,” Haimor dancing, swaying and working the orchestra into a Latin frenzy.”
11.28.10 – New Alabama Orchestra brings young musicians together for fun, challenges
Excerpt from Michael Huebner: The Birmingham News, Birmingham, AL
“An Alabama Symphony milestone was reached this month when 56 musicians took the stage at the Alys Stephens Center to play music by Copland, Strauss, Holst and Sibelius.”
12.03.06 – Marilyn Mantay, Davis Classical Review
“…a sensitive, attentive conductor.”
12.20.16 – FAWZI HAIMOR ANNOUNCED AS MUSIC DIRECTOR DESIGNATE
Website of the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen
-Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen, December 20, 2016
“Fawzi Haimor has been announced as Music Director Designate of Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen (WPR), following an impressive debut with the orchestra in December 2016. He will assume the role in September 2017 and will conduct his first concert as the WPR’s MD on 18th September 2017 at the Stadthalle Reutlingen. His initial contract runs for four years, until the end of the 2020/21 season.
Mayoress Barbara Bosch is enthusiastic about the appointment, “Fawzi Haimor is a credit to the Württembergische Philharmonie and will be an asset to the orchestra, the audience and the town of Reutlingen. His artistic integrity and his absolute determination to accomplish the best have convinced me not only on stage but also in our various discussions in person. I am impressed by his cosmopolitanism and personable character and I am very much looking forward to the forthcoming years with this wonderful artist.”
Cornelius Grube, Intendant of the WPR, is equally pleased with the decision, “With Fawzi Haimor we have secured an extraordinarily versatile personality who perfectly matches the orchestra’s renowned profile of innovation and breadth, which is recognized internationally. Together with him, we will continue to develop our orchestra’s activities on all levels. I am already looking forward to working with him on the plans for our 75th anniversary season in 2020/2021. In addition, from his time as Resident Conductor in Pittsburgh, he acquired a great deal of experience in the field of music education, which is an indispensable part of any orchestra’s work nowadays. This is another example of the synergy between him and the orchestra because we have also made a distinguished name for ourselves in this area.”
Haimor also shares his delight at his new role, “Reutlingen has an orchestra of exceptional musicians and a long musical history, and I am deeply honoured to have been invited to become a member of this incredible organization. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues of the WPR in continuing to build on a vision of excellence and in presenting performances of the highest quality to the Reutlingen community and beyond.””
12.06.16 – Review: Die Philharmonie in der Stadthalle, Otto Paul Burkhardt
Review from Reutlingen, Germany with the Württembergische Philharmonie
“…the philharmonic orchestra was hardly recognizable under guest director Fawzi Haimor. The Reutlingen orchestra seldom played so lucid, so transparent, so delicate.”
“…the potential of this lucid Haimor sound, which also takes a new look at the seemingly familiar “Feuervogel” -degrees from an unfamiliar perspective, is very promising. Despite the outward coolness, Fawzi Haimor seems to have moved something very essential in the crowded city hall – rapturous applause.”
10.04.16 – Review: A Performance to Remember, Patrick Shepherd
Review from Christchurch, New Zealand with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
“Having heard and played Dvořák’s 9th Symphony “From the New World” many times, I was really here for the first half. However, I’m going to lead with the Dvořák as, in many ways, it actually made the night. I doubt you could hear a better performance, it was superb, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
“The orchestra gave us a performance to remember and conductor Fawzi Haimor provided a textbook exercise in how it should be done for any budding conductors in the audience. Not only did he do it from memory, but he knew every cue, nuance and tempo shift, and drew what I felt was a stunning performance from the orchestra.”
10.09.16 – Review: NZSO, Bold Worlds: New Frontiers, John Button
Review from Wellington, New Zealand with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
“The second half gave us a thrillingly direct performance of Dvorak’s perennial favourite – the Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” – in which conductor Haimor, who had impressed all night, gave us Dvorak without frills, abetted by some excellent, highly responsive, playing from the orchestra.”
10.09.16 – Review: NZSO’s salute to Steve Reich, William Dart
Review from Wellington, New Zealand with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
“Conductor Fawzi Haimor, expertly keeping this great orchestral locomotive on its minimalist tracks, then chatted to us while traditional seating was restored behind him. Enviably fluent and personable, his talk of dinosaurs and DJs must have made many wonder what lay ahead in the Mason Bates Violin Concerto.”
04.16.16 – Review: Debussy’s Prelude showcases the deep talent of the Florida Orchestra
Review from Tampa, Florida
“…guest conductor Fawzi Haimor had the whole ensemble, including the deeply resonant strings, billowing in voluptuous waves.”
“With stretching and flowing gestures, Haimor encouraged the entire orchestra to play with a sumptuous elasticity of line.”
“…Which makes the percussive opening of the third section (“Infernal Dance of the King Kaschei”) all the more startling. This is organized mayhem, but Haimor’s precise direction kept all the jagged pieces together…and by the end [of the performance] you feel as if you’ve just experienced a miracle.”
02.22.16 – Review: Neu-Ulmer Zeitung, Roland Mayer
Review from Ulm, Germany with the Württembergischen Kammerorchester.
“Within the effective radius of his supple conducting, Fawzi Haimor led the brilliantly arranged “King Arthur” Suite by Henry Purcell into the Baroque’s beacon with ease. The 33-year-old American of Jordanian, Libanese and Philippine descent is a dancer with the baton; yet he does not turn his performance into a show, but rather controls its placement always within the limits of the sound culture.”
02.17.16 – Review: Heilbronner Stimme, Ulrich Kneel
Review from Heilbronn, Germany with the Württembergischen Kammerorchester.
“But it must simply raise enthusiasm, the way in which WKO musicians conjure a gripping, captivating experience from an imaginative score under the clear, thoughtful baton of Fawzi Haimor […].”
“Right from the beginning with Henry Purcell’s “King Arthur” the WKO musicians demonstrated their elevated mastership – and Fawzi Haimor his inspiring conducting. The American leads with clear accentuation and suppleness […].”