What the critics say...

If Chandler's thorough research is a multi-faceted crystal, his performances are the rainbow-hued shaft of light brightly shining through.
www.classicalradio.org, October 2007

Chandler…makes a stunning soloist in the virtuosic repertoire he's chosen - equally stunning to be sure in satin melody as in glittery technique. His violin never sounds like a modern instrument, but he displays no preference for pinched, nasal timbres or crabbed phrasing either. The recorded sound conveys all the considerable colour and excitement of the programme, an almost ideal survey of Vivaldi in his role as celebrated violinist-composer, opera composer and impresario. Strongly recommended to all listeners.
Fanfare Magazine (USA), November, 2007

…the trademark vitality of La Serenissima's sound is unmistakeable…imaginative phrasing and considerable flair…music making of the highest calibre…
Goldberg Magazine, October, 2007

Chandler picks his way intelligently through the changing textural landscape… indeed his playing throughout shows a smooth but vital tone, a fundamental likeability of sound and manner which is matched by soprano Mhairi Lawson in her five contrasted arias… Here is further proof from this young British group that the Italian orchestras need not think to have Vivaldi to themselves just yet.
Gramophone Magazine, October 2007

…this latest disc from the excellent British baroque orchestra La Serenissima fizzes with excitement. Solo fiddle and founder Adrian Chandler delivers his lines with steely assertiveness in the allegros and tender lyricism in the slow movements…stupefying.
Classic FM Magazine, September 2007, *Orchestral Record of the Month*

La Serenissima play with the kind of energy, verve and colour we have heard from the Italian ensembles mentioned earlier, and with a similar degree of apt inventiveness. In short, this British group matches up to the standards the Italian Vivaldians have set in recent years, in performances which are richly communicative and committed.
MusicWeb International, September 2007, *Record of the Month*

This is a fantastic CD…a recital to enjoy over and over again
Early Music Review, August, 2007

I know of only two previous recordings of this varied and expressively beautiful Concerto neither of which has been available for several years. Chandler's lightly bowed account brings greater charm to the music than either of them and he is given sensitive support by his string and continuo players among which the audible presence of a theorbo is welcome.
BBC Music Magazine, August, 2007 (5 star review)

…this lively and generous anthology amounts to the most entrancing of history lessons…
The Observer, 17 June, 2007

…a disc of fiery music, splendidly conveyed by Adrian Chandler's period group La Serenissima…
The Times, 15 June, 2007

La Serenissima's sound was crisp, clear, vibrant and exciting - and crucially, they drew the audience in with a real sense of fun…I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Early Music Today, April/May, 2007

...an engaging combination of keen-edged incisiveness and silky tone...amid the current welter of Vivaldi recordings, there is no doubt that with well programmed and performed releases such as this, La Serenissima are winning an important place for themselves...
Gramophone Magazine, January 2007

Mhairi Lawson sings with an intensity that conveys the lovers's plight as though he were standing before us.
Classic fM Magazine, January 2007

...his bright tones, immaculately articulated vivacity spurs a lively response from La Serenissima's crack continuo team...
BBC Music Magazine, January 2007

...Adrian Chandler's solos are involving and lively, whilst never compromising on the technical side...
MusicWeb International, January 2007

...La Serenissima play with a concise committed precision which brings out the appeal of this Baroque Italian repertoire...
Early Music Forum of Scotland News, January 2007

The closeness of the smaller ensemble is matchless.
The Independent on Sunday, December 2006

As always with La Serenissima, the performances are full-blooded and passionate - this is a Red Priest full of Mediterranean passion...
Early Music Review, December 2006

This is a disc full of rare goodies
Gramophone Magazine *Editor's Choice*, November 2006

...clear headed, no nonsense virtuosity...
International Record Review, November 2006

There can be no greater modern day proponent of this output than Adrian Chandler...
Castle Classics, November 2006

...stylish...charming...
The Scotsman, November 2006

La Serenissima play beautifully as usual...
Early Music Review, October 2006

...an immensely enjoyable programme, one you can... listen to from end to end...
 Chandler's violin playing is not just precise and stylish, it pulsates with rhythmic and melodic life.
Manchester Evening News, October 2006

Adrian Chandler... has discovered ways of making Vivaldi riveting.
The Guardian, September 2006

...exciting and lyrical...
Goldberg Magazine, August 2006

If you want to hear Vivaldi from every angle, this is the recording for you
Minnesota Public Radio, March 2006

a unique tribute to Vivaldi
ClassicfM Magazine (Best CDs of 2005), January 2006

detailed and incisive instrumental playing
Early Music Forum of Scotland News, November 2005

These performances abound in energy, freshness and imagination..
American Record Guide, September 2005

...their enthusiasm was infectious, and from where I was sitting they appeared to have David Beckham playing theorbo for them...
Early Music Today (concert review), August/September 2005

performances are lively and idiomatic...some of Adrian Chandler's violin playing is astounding
Early Music Today (record review), August/September 2005

...pure skill...
La Stampa (Italy), August 2005

Chandler is a violinist of great talent...
Goldberg (Spain), August 2005

...a Vivaldi delight...Chandler's direction is as gripping as his playing...
Gramophone Magazine, June 2005

...can switch from a fortissimo growl to... a serenissimo whisper at will... ...dazzling, eloquent technique...
ClassicfM Magazine, June 2005 *BEST BUY*

...magnificent style with a dizzyingly secure technique...
Musica Strumentale (Italy), June, 2005

...perfect technique and expressively virtuosic renditions of Vivaldi...
Musica, (Italy), May 2005

...all the rapid cut and thrust of a tennis match...hair raising panache...
International Record Review, May 2005

...lively, enthusiastic and stylish playing...is infectious and deserves to win friends ...
BBC Music Magazine, April 2005

...extraordinary skills on the violin...one of the most exciting of the 'new' groups around today...
Early Music Review, April 2005 ...this disc is a must for any lover of music...
Culture Kiosque, April 2005

...superbly stylish...sails off into the stratosphere
London Evening Standard, March 2005

...exemplary...you can't help loving it...
Classical Music Web, March 2005 (CD of the Month)

...effective and rigorous performance...
Musica Classica (Italy), March 2005

...rhythmic drive and elegance...creamy violas...
Independent on Sunday, March 2005

...inimitable artistry...
The Evening Standard, November 2004

...Adrian Chandler is a superb violinist and his band are equally brilliant...
The Sunday Express, November 2004

...my personal preference is for Adrian Chandler's superb performances...
Early Music Review, August 2004

...bucolic energy...
Early Music Today, April 2004

...some of the most confident and stylish Vivaldi playing I have heard...
International Record Review, March 2004

...virtuosity and fantasy...players who clearly revel in the music...
BBC Music Magazine, March 2004

vigorous... rhythmic... flamboyant individualism... elegant...
Diapason d'Or (France), February 2004

never lacks punchy energy or drive
Gramophone Magazine, February 2004

...beauty and power...
ClassicfM Magazine, February 2004

unique... characterful... excellent... ravishing...
The Independent on Sunday, January 2004

...agile and brilliant interpretations...great virtuosity...
Scherzo (Spain), December 2003

Dazzling ornamentation and high-wire daredevilry
The London Evening Standard, November 2003

...beautiful interpretation with great style and delicacy...
CD Compact (Spain), October 2003

boisterously bucolic
The Sunday Times, September 2003

unflagging zest and exuberance
Fanfare Magazine (USA), August 2003

(the) playing is boldly projected, fearlessly agile and full of spirit
Gramophone Magazine, August 2003

In these young musicians, the late baroque virtuoso violin repertoire has found very effective advocates
American Record Guide, July 2003

Italianate lyricism... flamboyantly articulate
BBC Music Magazine, April 2003

spontaneous and fiery violin playing...inspired music-making
Music Week, March 2003

they play with great flair and confidence...an auspicious debut
Early Music Reivew, March 2003

This is the first commercial recording - and an outstanding one
The Sunday Times, March 2003

Thrusting, gritted-teeth virtuosity by violinist Adrian Chandler
Irish Times, February 2003

string playing as fresh as a daisy
The Sunday Times, July 2001

bouncily eager to entertain, impress, astonish and delight
Independent on Sunday, November 2000

energy and intelligence
Independent, November 2000

excellent and eccentric
The London Evening Standard, August 1999