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“Nicholas Schmelter’s second appearance (October 8, 2021) at Christ Lutheran Church (ELCA), Kokomo, Indiana, did not disappoint! From the opening notes of the Dupré to the final chord of the Mulet, Schmelter used skillfully and artistically the myriad of color available on the organ. An immediate standing ovation followed the concluding piece. Nicholas connects with the audience from the very beginning, and his knowledge of the pieces and composers brings the music to life in this time and this place. Schmelter’s musicianship, personality, and charm are a gift to the world. I highly recommend inviting him to perform and share his gifts as part of your concert series.” [Thomas Dearchs, Minister of Music and Founding Director of Music at Christ, Christ Lutheran Church, Kokomo, Indiana]
“This past Sunday I had the privilege of presenting the dynamic duo, Nicholas Schmelter and Tyler Kivel, who make up the remarkable ensemble All_flash, No_trash in concert at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The program that they chose was musically and technically challenging in the best sense - and they delivered a breathtaking experience to everyone who was fortunate to be there. What truly set this concert apart was when after the first movement of the first piece our organ chose to suffer a stroke leaving the combination system completely AWOL! Rather than throw in the towel, Mr. Schmelter registered the enire program by hand making lightening-quick changes throughout as needed. Their complete professionalism and musicianship made this program a joy to present from start to finish. I look forward to having them back again in the future, and I fully encourage all of you to RUN and book them for a program at your venue!” [Dr. Scott M. Hyslop, Director of Parish Music, St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, Michigan]
"Nicholas has become a valued member of the team of recitalists who play here at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Ontario, every Tuesday, and we much look forward to his inventive programming and wonderful playing. Our audiences are delighted when they see his name on the schedule, knowing that they’re bound to enjoy his offerings." [Andrew Keegan Mackriell, Director of Music & Cathedral Organist, St. Paul's Cathedral, London, Ontario]
"Nicholas Schmelter has been a much-appreciated performer in our Noonday Recital series here at Yorkminster Park since 2003. His recitals are always notable for splendid programming (including an all-Willan programme, played in the presence of Healey Willan's daughter, Mary Willan Mason), superb playing and masterful use of the 101-rank Casavant in our sanctuary. He has been the final recitalist on our series before the summer break for so many years now that our patrons eagerly await his return every year, and always comment on how thoroughly satisfying his performances are. We look forward to welcoming him here for many years to come!" [William Maddox, Organist and Director of Music, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto, Ontario]
"[...] as a recitalist: the best use and programming of a symphonic organ I have ever heard. His Bach was a tour-de-force orchestral treatment of the genre, as if Bach wrote in this period. The audience leapt to its feet at the end of the program." [Joseph R. Olefirowicz, Minister of Music, The First Church, Nashua, NH]
“The varied, captivating and culturally high program has been able to cross various eras and different styles, from the Baroque to the contemporary, managing to involve the public in a sound vortex of great beauty. The audience enthusiastically applauded a convincing performance, rigorous but at the same time expressive and musical, precise but always full of imagination and communication. From Böhm to Bach, up to the encore piece, Rubrics by Locklair, Schmelter took the audience by the hand and accompanied them on a journey of wonder and dense beauty. I can only congratulate Nicholas for his brilliant performance here in Modena, wishing him the opportunity to further expand his already brilliant career. We are very happy to have invited him and to have enjoyed his music.” [Stefano Pellini, Artistic Director, Modena Organ Festival, Modena, Italy]
"Nicholas has served as our Artist in Residence since 2007. In that capacity he has been a major influence on our chamber choir and Evensong series. His passion for accompanying is a blessing to us at Trinity Episcopal Church. He is a genius and makes any choir sound terrific. His faithful support has been a powerful witness to the organ and choral community in our area." [Robert Sabourin, Organist-Choirmaster, Trinity Episcopal Church, Bay City, MI]
"Nicholas embraced both The Basilica's instrument and acoustic with an electrifying enthusiasm. He immediately proved himself a 'musician's musician' and a sincere communicator of sound. The entire audience was engaged with the articulate delivery of program commentary via Nicholas' sharp wit, well-timed humor, and perfect economy of duration. The concert was impeccably programmed and showcased a great breadth of color and texture--even the rarest alluring color and percussion effects. Nicholas' symphonic use of the organ and technical mastery were keenly witnessed in his offering of the Piece d'Orgue and Searle Wright's Introduction, Passacaglia, and Fugue (a work that, until this concert, has no record of having been offered in The Basilica). The Leo Sowerby Carillon was so perfectly suited and musically conveyed. As a whole, the October 15 concert is a musical experience I will continue to fondly cherish. We look forward to the next opportunity to feature Nicholas' vital and engaging musicianship to Twin Cities audiences at The Basilica!" [Christopher Stroh, Basilica Organist & Liturgical Music Associate, The Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, Minnesota]
"Many thanks for presenting a top notch performance here at St. Mary. Your program was very well chosen and played to the hilt. Most important of all is that you made some more friends for the organ and the piano." [Wayne Wyrembelski, Director of Music, St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord, MI]