Reviews

NEW "Carlton R. Woods, conductor emeritus of the Midland Symphony Orchestra, led a fine performance of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly"...Woods is at his best when at the helm of opera. He has a fine sense of dramatic pacing and is sensitive to the nuances of the singers. He let the subtle color of Puccini's orchestration flourish from the pit." Saginaw News, April 2008

"BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE: The orchestra, although necessarily not the focus of attention for this event (Butterfly), was in fine form as former artistic director Carlton R. Woods returned to conduct. It was clear that he had lost none of his rapport with the players." Midland Daily News, April 2008

“It was a richly rewarding night of music, and another indicator that when Carlton Woods retires at the end of the season he will leave some very large shoes to fill. Under his baton the orchestra has grown increasingly confident and impressive” Midland Daily News, 2007

“Woods created a full palette of dynamics with the orchestra. He imparted a fine reading of this intricate and rich score.” Saginaw News, 2007

“Woods and the orchestra took an ebullient and theatrical route through the score, complete with some rather heart-tugging romantic and soothingly lyrical passages thrown in for good measure. And the audience loved it!” Saginaw News, 2002

“Conductor would have made Beethoven proud.” Mansfield New Journal, OH

“One reason for its success lies in the fact that Woods wields an eloquent baton. It attracts fine instrumentalists to the Festival Orchestra and, as artistic director, he challenges them by putting programs of unhackneyed standards works together and spices them with the right number of contemporary pieces. The combination, in turn, attracts audiences.” Tulsa Tribune, 1987

“The spirited director from guest conductor Woods was immediately apparent in the very opening of the concerto and seemed to set the pace for what was to (be) a most rewarding listening experience” The Evening Times-Globe, New Brunswick, Canada, 1991

"My concerto partnerships with Carlton Woods have been among the strongest that I have had in my career. His passion, musical integrity and total committment are infectious and I look forward to every collaboration." John O’Conor, pianist

“He knew the work intimately, and was able to handle its considerable difficulties with ease. This made it possible for the orchestra to rise to heights it probably would not have been able to achieve without Mr. Woods’ expert hand.” John Corigliano, composer

“He is a first rate musician, with a superb technique, he’s flexible, sensitive, quick – i.e. a terrific accompanist. As a colleague, I’ve rarely had as warm and mutual a collaboration…” Eugenia Zukerman, flute

“He really knew the work and conducted it with zeal and conviction. He not only got the dtails right, but, more importantly, me made real music.” Stephen Paulus, composer

“He is a serious musician who is thorough in his study and preparation. …we have admired his efficiency and ability to draw the best performances from his musicians.” Angela Cheng and Alvin Chow, pianists

“We can rate the concert as very good, due to the excellent performances of our orchestra and outstanding conducting by Maestro Woods, who possesses a very accurate command of the baton without pomposity; he makes the musicians feel sure of themselves, and the orchestra sounded compact and disciplined…He made the orchestra play with stature.” Hoy, La Paz, Bolivia, 1987

“The sure, no-nonsense conducting of Carlton Woods might demand less colorful metaphor, but is nonetheless high caliber, offering wonderfully solid, straightforward interpretations of the music…conductor and orchestra seemed to connect, eliciting strong performances across the board from all sections of the group.” Muskegon Chronicle, Michigan, 1994

"The high tech theater was a perfect place to dance, and the fantastic Midland Suymphony Orchestra and its very talented conductor, Carlton Woods, completed the experience for us...He is asuch a remarkable individual to work with, conducting like a dream, but also he took time to encourage everone in the performance.  He gets the job done on time, with the utmost creativity and is such a positive role model for the community in these very difficult times for the arts."  Jill Eathorne Bahr, Resident Choreographer, Charleston Ballet Theatre, SC