Ankush Kumar Bahl... made his Carnegie debut leading an energetic reading of the Brahms overture with clear authority and enthusiasm.
Jeremy Eichler, The New York Times, 2005
By Saturday the orchestra had become as fine a Mendelssohn vehicle as any young conductor could want, and most handled it capably, though without carrying it to great heights of inspiration. One who did seem to inspire it was Ankush Kumar Bahl, in the finale of the “Reformation” Symphony. Mr. Bahl was also one of the few who, in the earlier sessions, took the lead in rehearsing the orchestra in detail rather than simply waiting for Mr. Masur to interrupt and take matters into his own hands… the "Reformation" Symphony was a great success.
James R. Oestreich, The New York Times, 2009
...a fine conductor leading his responsive musicians with alternating sensitivity and energy through a wide gamut of expressive nuances, but as an ingratiating master of ceremonies as well. ... The audience clearly loved both him and the music, responding with more standing ovations, whistles, and bravos than I can call to mind in recent RSO history.
Courtenay Caublé, The Ridgefield Press, 2006
...a consistently vibrant performance under the leadership of RSO Assistant Conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl. From the first notes of the Beethoven overture to the Brahms symphony's final chord, Maestro Bahl was in equally energetic and sensitive control, calling forth a long and well-deserved standing ovation at the program's close. Even the orchestra's players were reluctant to respond to his signal to stand to share in the audience's obvious appreciation of his performance. ... Maestro Bahl vitalized both the overture's majestic opening and the ensuing contrasting episodes with masterful attention to both balances and dynamic control. ... Mr. Bahl's management of both the music and the ensemble was exemplary. ... Mr. Bahl's close attention to balances and nuances, enhanced by an obvious awareness of the underlying motif that runs through the Brahms symphony's four movements, served to communicate both the individual loveliness of each of the separate sections and the intended unity of the work.
Courtenay Caublé, The Ridgefield Press, 2005
With his usual minimum of podium gymnastics, Bahl led the orchestra in a tightly-reined, yet robust performance. ... Bahl conducted a nicely paced performance. The strings particularly seemed richer in sound than usual. ... The sound of final applause by a near full house made it clear that the audience's approval rating for Bahl and the symphony was high indeed.
Jim Pegolotti, The News-Times, 2005
Mr. Bahl didn't just lead the orchestra; he provided a revealing interpretation that managed to be in turn both excitingly energetic and sensitively flexible in seeking out and communicating every subtle implicit nuance in the score. And the orchestra responded sensitively with arguably the most musically satisfying performance of the piece I've ever heard. Mr. Bahl's act was a hard one to follow...
Courtenay Caublé, The Ridgefield Press, 2004
The results showed that when the orchestra's board chose this energetic young conductor, they chose well. ... Bahl and the RSO gave a passionate reading of the symphony. Throughout the 50 minute work, the Ridgefield instrumentalists followed the firm, clear beat of conductor Bahl with complete attention. ... Conductor Bahl knew what he wanted, and he got it: a praiseworthy performance of a masterpiece.
Howard Tuvelle, The News-Times, 2004
Ankush Kumar Bahl, with total mastery of the evening's scores, a fine conducting technique, and the obvious respect of his musicians, led guest soloist Robert Bonfiglio and the orchestra in consistently solid performances of the evening's offerings. ... Maestro Bahl was in complete command, and the orchestra was first rate.
Courtenay Caublé, The Ridgefield Press, 2004
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