Presenter Testimony

"... a great evening of beautiful music and exceptional musicianship!"  —John Chicherio, Huntington Arts Council, NY/ Huntington Summer Arts Festival, NY 

"The entire program was magical. The musicianship was top notch, the music beautiful and imaginative and the presentation was captivating.  The Guy Mendilow Ensemble provided a very memorable and warm experience.The [group] also provided a children’s program that was captivating.  The children were very involved, dancing, clapping and singing, the message was very positive and the music was wonderful." -Larry Rothenberg, JCC Indianapolis

"The group is truly a topflight 'world music' group … I have had the distinct pleasure of hiring this group twice for Morris County's First Night Morris, a massive New Year's Eve celebration of the arts involving approximately 300 artists featured in 92 events located in 25 venues in and around Morristown, NJ. On both occasions, the Guy Mendilow Ensemble enthralled, educated and engaged the audiences with its artistic excellence. 

I would also add that, at this past year's First Night performance, the group demonstrated truly exceptional professionalism. Despite the bitterly cold, icy weather and a van transmission that failed midway along the trip from Boston area to NJ, they kept in touch and managed to arrive, set up and perform -with distinction - for the event. After 10 hours of harrowing travel, to deliver a beautiful performance which inspired a capacity crowd of over 400 people is testament to their dedication and remarkable professionalism. I recommend the group very highly and without reservation."  — Dr. Lynn L. Siebert, Director of Arts Participation & Communications Artistic Programmer, First Night Morris, Arts Council of the Morris Area  

"They were mesmerizing…Their musicianship, versatility, and originality was most impressive. Our audience left raving about their talent and the sound of their music."  — Rich Warren, nationally syndicated broadcast, The Midnight Special/Folkstage, WFMT Chicago  

"The Guy Mendilow Ensemble's Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom is not to be missed. This innovative approach towards Ladino music offers insight to the poetic grace and gritty dynamic of a genre born in simplicity. True to the language and power of Ladino verse, oft presented stilted artsongs are thoughtfully transformed to textured arrangements which crackle and evolve. Through the pure joy of creative collaboration this ensembles breathes life into a re-imagined world of Ladino music.  

Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom tenders an incredible gift; a resurgent force of musical settings that explode with artistry, refinement, and excitement. This project is living proof that the power of art will always triumph."  — Cantor Yvon F. Shore, Director of Liturgical Arts and Music Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion  

"The Guy Mendilow Ensemble's Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom  fuses traditional forms and sounds with an expanding and exciting aural palate of musical possibilities. Guy's use of the berimbau is unconventional and enticing and adds an earthy element to music that is often mystical and transports the listener to a place far removed from the concert hall or outreach service site."  — Steven Schmidt, General Manager, City of Rochester Music Dept./Riverside Concerts