Benjamin Pionnier
Conductor
Press Reviews
Fairy Tales for Adults at Bolshoï Theater
"The main hero of the evening was the Bolshoi Orchestra under the baton of the young French conductor Benjamin Pionnier, already known in the Russian capital for having conducted there Gounod's "Romeo & Juliet" last season (Tchaikovsky Concert Hall). A very beautiful sound, softness, a very sensitive accompaniment of the singers and when necessary - power and density (especially in the Wagnerian-like spirit of the Overture from Humperdinck's "Hansel und Gretel")or when necessary also: softness, transparency, very subtle dynamics and combination of sounds (in Richard Strauss' Lieder and Ravel's "L'Enfant et les Sortileges"). Everything was very well conducted and well performed with coherence and precision in the dynamics and colors. Each piece has been then performed with such a very well balanced interpretation that the most complicated pieces (this applies especially to Ravel's opera) seemed almost simple."
- Alexander Matusovitch, Opera News (Russia), Oct 12, 2010
"French conductor Benjamin Pionnier brought the kaleidoscopic musical score to life, and an excellent cast of Russian and foreign singers performed. Although this premiere was a concert performance, the audience was so enchanted by the magical music that many left hoping to see a fully staged version soon."
- Bolshoi Progress
Faust at Teatro Argentino
"The conductor Benjamin Pionnier (France, 1977) obtained a very high performance from the orchestra. The strings especially were impressive from the remarkable refinement of the Overture... Great interpretation in the ensembles as well as the solos..."
- El Clarin, 11/23/2010
"The Teatro Argentino has presented a formidable version of the work, counting for it as fundamental pillar the Orchestra directed by the young French conductor Benjamin Pionnier...
- El Dia, 11/26/2010
"A new production of Faust moves to praise the programming of the Teatro Argentino, by the eclecticism of the chosen titles and the judicious choices of the castings. In this case, the conductor Benjamin Pionnier who let us hear from the very first moments a great wisdom in the choices of the orchestral colours, staying always below the voices, so that no singer had to have recourse to unnecessary efforts."
- La Nacion, 11/28/2010
"The French maestro Benjamin Pionnier has offered a version in perfect style, well balanced with a remarkable response from the orchestra."
- Mundoclasico, 11/28/2010
"The maestro Benjamin Pionnier has conducted in great form the stable Orchestra, who answered him at every time. Absolutely in style with a great load of dramatic tension and always taking of the balance between the pit and the singers. Great merit, thinking that it was a last minute replacement."
- Operaintheworld.com
Les Contes d'Hoffman
"The Singapore Opera Orchestra, led in its pit debut by Benjamin Pionnier, was truly excellent in its sparkling, responsive account of the score."
- The Business Times, March 2009
Orphée et Eurydice
"Dirigé par Benjamin Pionnier, l'Orchestre philarmonique de Nice est d'une lisibilité totale, bien au point, au frémissement rare, d'une vérité stylistique entière."
- Arts-spectacle.com, April 2009
(Conducted by Benjamin Pionnier, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Nice has total clarity, well developed, the rare thrill of a stylistic whole truth.)
Così fan tutte
"Il faut reconnaître par-dessus tout le grand mérite de Benjamin Pionnier, qui, malgré sa jeunesse, créa la surprise avec l'Orchestre de Cannes."
- classiqueinfo.com, June 2009
(We must recognize above all the great merit of Benjamin pioneer, who, despite his youth, created a surprise with the Orchestra of Cannes.)
"L'Orchestre Régional de Cannes PACA, dans un très bon jour, est placé sous la baguette de Benjamin Pionnier. Direction attentive et musicienne, dans une optique plutôt chambriste, de mise avec l'esprit du plateau."
- Opéra Magazine, June 2009
(The regional orchestra of Cannes, in a very good light, was conducted by Benjamin Pionnier. Careful and musical conducting, gives a quite intimate point of view, totally appropriate with the spirit of the stage.)