Reviews for Full Circle , Released on CD by Canadian guitarist Rob MacDonald. December 2010
“This solo work Full Circle is a welcomed addition to the Canadian repertoire and will surely be a top pick for the upcoming younger generation of professions as it highlights a modern range of rhythm and sonic capabilities of the instrument. It’s both an excellent exploration of the guitar’s abilities and a meditative composition reminding me of Adams-like minimalism, Renaissance thematic play, and a very clear and open texture. I sense an almost Japanese aesthetic of clarity and flowing angular rhythms. This is a great composition and is executed wonderfully by MacDonald. He displays both an excellent dynamic range and a masterly control over the rhythmic developments in the work. A major contribution and should not be ignored.”
- Classical Guitar Canada, December 2010
Reviews for Dark Star Requiem , premiered at Toronto’s Luminato festival June 11, 12 2010
"Artistically adventurous and intellectually provocative" and "exactly the kind of project that the Luminato festival wants to be about", comparing it to "the best executions of new music you can find anywhere in the world."
- John Terauds,The Toronto Star, June 11 2010
"Striking, beautiful, and wonderfully weird."
“The score is percussive, dissonant yet lyrical and evocative” “very powerful and haunting“
- Joseph K. So, La Scena Musicale, June 12 2010
“very deftly written”, "an ambitious work with a noble aim" which "provides a valuable jolt out of complacency."
- Tim Smith, The Baltimore Sun, June 13 2010
“A modern Carmina Burana”
“Staniland has utilized the modern orchestra and the contemporary media to produce a work of vital dramaturgy and lasting, thought-provoking power”.
- Gary R. Lemco, The Classical Music Guide, June 12 2010
“ ...a sometimes frightening portrayal of madness...”
- Kala Kaxym, The Opera Insider, July 12 2010
A review of soprano Adrienne Danrich’s performance of Calamus 6, performed at Opera Grows in Brooklyn, Galapagos Art Space, July 9 2010.
“...une oeuvre atmosphérique post-brittenienne qui prouve que Staniland est l'un des quelques compositeurs talentueux et non pré-formatés au pays.”
- Christophe Huss, Le Devoir, January 13 2010
A review of the Montreal Symphony performing Two Movements for Orchestra at Place des Arts, January 9 2010
