The Birmingham Post
Patterson primed for the Swan
Paul Patterson talks to Terry Grimley about his new commission from the Orchestra of the Swan
8 March  2007

… Orchestra of the Swan gives the premiere of Patterson's Allusions.  Written for two solo violins and strings, Patterson says the piece was inspired by the particular strings sound of OOTS, which has performed his Sinfonia and Violin Concerto in the past… read more

Birmingham Post
Bards of a feather
26 October 2006

“…I believe passionately in the importance of conveying the spirit of the music and engaging the listener, helping the members of the audience become part of what should be a fantastically exciting collective experience that we call concerts.”  read more

Gig Magazine
26 September 2006
Wallen swans into orchestral residency

…‘Errollyn’s work has proved really enjoyable for the orchestra and for our audiences,’ Curtis told Gig. ‘We’re interested in commissioning music that while in no way dumbed down gives listeners a gateway into the world of contemporary music. Errollyn’s music does just that.’… ‘Maestro David Curtis and Oots has brought a fresh vibrancy to music-making in the UK,’ Wallen said. ‘I consider it a major honour and a high-light of this year to have been appointed composer in association.’ read more

Stratford Herald
Orchestra of the Swan
10th Anniversary Season Preview
25 September 2006
Orchestra ends its first decade and starts next

…Having built up a national reputation during the past ten years under the artistic baton of David Curtis, the Orchestra of the Swan has plenty to celebrate during its next season, writes Sandy Holt... read more

The Guardian
Simply the best
Errollyn Wallen Associate Composer – Orchestra of the Swan

…Lucy Clouting profiles the most inspiring, creative, dynamic women in Britain… read more

Gig Magazine
1 October 2005
Life is good for Orchestra of the Swan and its conductor David Curtis

…For Curtis, every piece – new or old – is approached with the same freshness, curiosity and rigour …‘I think it is important that the orchestra has a reputation for saying yes – that when we commission a new work, we go for it, we sit down to play it with a big smile on our faces… read more

Focus Magazine
June 2005
Music of our Time

…Not only has the orchestra national critical acclaim for its Music of our Time series celebrating the life and music of Sir Michael Tippett, gained a reputation for excellence in performance, innovative programming and accessible presentation, its innovative partnership with Birmingham International Airport saw the airport nominated for a prestigious Hollis Sponsorship award, along with Manchester City Gallery, the National Gallery of Scotland and the Victoria & Albert Museum… read more

Arts Professional
2 May 2004
Beyond the Concert Hall Making Music and Breaking Barriers

…to Orchestra of the Swan the most important aspect of any of our work is the active engagement of our audiences with the music and musicians, whether performing at Symphony Hall, a village hall, the airport fire-station or a private home… read more

The Birmingham Post
1 April 2004
Warming up for the fun run

Conductor David Curtis tells Christopher Morley how he intends to take the fitness plunge…On Sunday he takes part in the Stratford Marathon, raising funds for his orchestra and crowning months of dedicated training… read more