DIANE MEREDITH BELCHER

Press Notices

DENVER “Belcher showed her brilliant technique and rhythmic drive . . .”

The American Organist

BOSTON “The greater the technical challenge, the greater she seemed to relish it. To her fleet and sure-fingered accounts of Vierne's Naïades and Toccata there was effortless brilliance.”

The American Organist

“Ms. Belcher's technical ability, often bordering on athletic agility, was brilliantly displayed....”

The Diapason

CLEVELAND “A formidable virtuoso, Belcher played....with authority and zest.”

The Plain Dealer

HALIFAX, Novi Scotia, Canada. (2006 RCCO National Convention recital)

“Belcher began with a Prelude and Fugue in A Minor by Brahms, boldly taking charge of the musical energy from the first chord, and playing with such command of imagery and design that Horowitz at the piano came to mind… “

“… anyone with even half an ear for musical elegance, clarity, projection and mastery of style could not fail to respond to Belcher’s inspiring appetite for giving composers the opportunity to take their best shot. “

“…Belcher brought not only musical understanding but a definitive sense of the style, and a thorough knowledge of what the St. Matthew’s Casavant can do.”

“…an amazing display of musical virtuosity of the highest order.”

The Chronicle Herald

NORFOLK (VA) “With such great technical command of the instrument, Belcher was able to explore – and make sense of – the most difficult musical language … she gave physical shape to every musical gesture with her perfect timing. It is a language she understands well and that she used effectively to communicate directly to the listeners.”

The Virginian-Pilot

LITTLE ROCK “Diane Meredith Belcher played an exciting recital....Ms. Belcher showed great flair and sensitivity in her playing, with a wonderful feeling of internal rhythm and movement.”

The American Organist

“. . . splendid, fully-satisfying performances . . . she is the real thing – an organist with all the technical and interpretive skills anyone could want.”

Arkansas Times

“The Wildwood Festival imports many artists each season, but I doubt that any performer brought in for the festival has the artistic integrity and power that Belcher has. This is a performer who knows how to deliver the goods.”

Arkansas Times

ORLANDO “Diane Meredith Belcher showed Tuesday evening what more experienced artistry is.”

The Orlando Sentinel

MEMPHIS “....catering to a full house....Diane Meredith Belcher proceeded to light a fire under us with a concert of 20th century compositions.”

The American Organist

GREENSBORO (NC) “inspired drama and flair. … The artist gave each movement an authoritative and profound reading. … Not a soul stirred for a long time after she released the final chord. Brava!”

Classical Voice of North Carolina

COLUMBIA (SC) “....a performance that was serious without pretense, joyous without frivolity and thoroughly captivating.”

The State

CHARLESTON (WV) "Belcher played admirably....Her definition of texture and musical line was full of finely hued detail and crisp precision."

The Charleston Gazette

ANAHEIM "....Diane Meredith Belcher turned in a brilliant account capped by the Reger Second Sonata...."

The American Organist

WILKES-BARRE "Belcher is a virtuoso organist who easily ranks with the leading organists in the United States - if not in the world."

The Times Leader

RECORDINGS

The Great Skinner Organ at Girard College

"She is a virtuoso organist to rank with any, and plays with rare poise and pacing as well as exceptional mastery."

The New Records

"Her untrammeled abandon and keen emotional sensitivity are perfectly adapted to the romantic style."

Clavier

"....whose playing is glowingly brilliant, rhythmically vibrant, consistently expressive, and full of both atmosphere and personality - in short, everything that artistic organ playing should be."

American Record Guide

The New Glatter-Götz/Rosales Organ at Claremont United Church of Christ

“Gigantic! A CD that is addictive!…Diane Meredith Belcher’s playing…is exemplary in every respect. She….masterfully expresses the essence of each composition as it unfolds.”

Orgel International

“Belcher is a solid player, displaying both technique and thorough knowledge of historic styles. Her Bach is clear and expressive….”

American Record Guide

“….the whole programme, which is played with musicianship, flair and poise, a fine ear for colour and the ability to marry the organ perfectly to every style which it is called to adopt.”

Organists’ Review

“A highly diverse programme….She plays with admirable musicianship throughout….”

Choir & Organ

“….this Diane Meredith Belcher recital….is the best.” (Golden Ear Award)

Absolute Sound