Reviews
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"The real star of the performance was the orchestra, lead [sic] with great skill by Channing Yu."
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"The production's hero was the orchestra, under the keen direction of Channing Yu. Yu was able to channel all the energy of the 80-member ensemble into moments that spanned the entire emotional spectrum—from sheer joy to complete misery. The sound produced by the orchestra was stylish, heartfelt, and on the whole, refined."
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"Channing Yu and his forces achieved a miracle in Sanders on Saturday evening, and the excellent crowd was given the great gift of listening to a group of players, singers and conductor who truly put the music first, therefore touching us in our deepest beings."
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"This particular orchestra had Channing Yu's and Mahler's visions both in sharp focus, and were able to leverage their considerable abilities to create a performance that was fluid and knowing, angry and yet at times tender, and at the end, awestruck and calling for us all to Bereite dich zu leben (prepare yourself to live). The word amateur does not convey the depth of performance, nor the talent encompassed in this group."
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"Since 2008 the Mercury Orchestra—an accomplished volunteer contingent directed by the musical polymath, Channing Yu, has more than fulfilled such expectations."
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"Yu's reading of the symphony highlighted every nuance of the work's graceful melodic turns and earthy power. The conductor drew attention to Beach's smooth shifts in orchestral color, and the Mercury Orchestra answered with playing of assurance and sensitivity."
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"Channing Yu shaped large architectural forms with inevitable expression..."
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"Yu clearly had a vision for Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, guiding the ensemble deftly through the meanders of Viktor Hartmann exhibition."
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"It appeared that conductor Channing Yu yielded to his orchestra as much as he directed it. With a minimum of gestures, Yu might have been seen as another player in a team endeavor. His poise on the podium, especially before beginning a movement, also readied his audience, often guiding it into a meditative state."
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"[Yu] has great musical ideas and he doesn't order us around."