(Clare Colvin, The Express, 8/8/2009)
'[Lore] Lixenberg's flexible soprano constantly stoked the dramatic fire with ecstatic visions, demonic outbursts and anguished meditations.'
(Geoff Brown, The Times, on 'The Song of Margery Kempe', 6/8/2009)
'The finale of the evening was by far the most impressive item, the concert premiere of Brian Inglis’ opera The Song of Margery Kempe, based on the autobiography of a medieval housewife and visionary. It is written for a single, unaccompanied singer and opens quite simply with the plainchant hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus, and that persistent little tune entwines its way through the entire piece. Life was far from unexciting in 15th century Norfolk, and Margery endures visions of demons as well as confronting a trial for heresy before her spiritual journey reaches inner peace and entry to paradise. An unaccompanied musical monologue imposes severe difficulties for the singer, but they were triumphantly surmounted by Lore Lixenberg.' (Serena Fenwick, Musical Pointers, August 2008)
'I found this a moving piece and we were delighted to have sponsored it'
(Stephen Connock, Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust on 'Without Loss')
‘the future of opera’ (Charlotte Ray, PRS Foundation director on 'The Song of Margery Kempe')
‘a unique concept’ (Paul Richard Neville on 'Invocation', British Composer Award nomination June 2007)
‘your extraordinary work Sailing To Byzantium for recorder solo…is excellent, offers a variety of ideas and sounds and is a real challenge for recorder players.’ (Franz Müller-Busch, Moeck Music)
‘Your fine composition ['Jubilee Prayer'] for the Millennium Service for Wales has received unqualified praise. The combination of the Leviticus text and the poetry of Dafydd ap Gwilym was inspired, while the original music succeeded in lifting our hearts and spirits.... Undoubtedly, your "Jubilee Prayer" was a highpoint of the service, leading the Prince of Wales to remark that he'd particularly appreciated the musical content of the occasion.' (Revd. Gethin Abraham-Williams, General Secretary, Churches Together in Wales)
‘Brian Inglis' exciting new work, 'Visions of Sorrow and Joy', heard for the first time, was a powerful experience for all concerned.’ (Bath Chronicle)
‘. . . the choir [Bath Choral Society singing 'Visions of Sorrow and Joy']. . . worked heroically, and there were moments in the orchestra which provided a welcome contrast to the permeating dark, Angst-ridden mood.’ (Roderick Dunnett, Church Times)
