“Musically this was a glorious evening. Under James Conlon’s dynamically sprung conducting, the company sang with vigor, commitment and startling beauty.” — Opera News
“From the moment the amazing James Conlon-conducted orchestra began their crisp, lively “Overture” to “Quartet Finale,” the close of Act One; this remarkable production of CANDIDE entranced the Dorothy Chandler audience.”― Broadway World
“James Conlon conducts with Verdian verve.”― Los Angeles Times
“James Conlon in the pit had total control of the motion and flow, and the LA Opera Orchestra soared.”― Bachtrack
“[Candide is] extremely entertaining, with a bubbly “Overture” conducted by James Conlon so enrapturing and ebullient that it’s one of those rare pieces of music which makes one glad to be alive – if only to be able to hear such joyous sounds.”―Hollywood Progressive
“The one artist who contributed the most to this show was conductor James Conlon. He not only led the orchestra, he wrote an article in the program, and gave the pre performance lecture. Now in his tenth year as Richard Seaver Music Director of Los Angeles Opera, he is the musical figure who holds this wide-ranging production together. Having grown up in New York in the fifties, Conlon is the perfect conductor to guide this orchestra through the many styles Bernstein used to suggest the travels of Candide and his friends. Sometimes Conlon was as much fun to watch as the singers. His complete absorption in the music and the joy he expresses in its creation are simply wonderful. Best of all, the accompaniment was substantial by an orchestra of close to fifty instruments.”― Broadway World
“…Los Angeles Opera is extremely fortunate to have condutor James Conlon who brings energy and revelatory details to all his work with the company. This Candide is no exception.”―Opera West
“From the first notes of the fantastic overture, the excitement begins! James Conlon and the LA Opera Orchestra bring out all the dizzying turns in this thrilling piece. This is some of the most exciting music…”― Splash Magazine
