Lucy Gijsbers

"Gijsbers' impressive power … and rich, sweet tone sung through with wonderful artistry. The beautifully crafted phrases and full throated, rich sound she drew from the lower register of the cello … showed immediately what an accomplished musician she is. Likewise as she moved up the register in the later reflective episodes, her tone was sweet and warm. Prokofiev's startling false harmonics in the coda melody were superbly executed by Lucy Gijsbers - you could have heard a pin drop as the final notes evaporated into the barrel vault."

Lucy Gijsbers' playing was quite lovely and of professional standard. She gained a most warm and attractive tone from her instrument in all parts of its wide range. Those flying, flexible fingers made the most of every note. Her cello almost talked to the audience. It is to be hoped that Lucy Gijsbers gets a chance to play this work with an orchestra. Her variety of tone was impressive, and the double-stopping in various places through the work was expertly executed; the cadenza was brilliant. (The performance) illustrated Lucy Gijsbers' command of her instrument, in all its wondrous variety of charm and drama. ...Gijsbers' playing was exquisite … These young players approached it as if they'd been living with it for years in their technical mastery and ease with the musical idiom, but judging by the spontaneity and freshness of the performance, it sounded as if they'd just discovered it."