What people are saying about the Historical Performance Ensemble

About our school presentations...

"We appreciate every minute you devoted to our project, your support, your receptivity and your flair."

Linda Ewart, , Simonds Elementary, Langely B.C. February, 2007 on "Fraser River Review"

“I can strongly recommend these performers: they are entertaining, informative and approachable.

Their presentation offers a unique way to experience and ponder cultures and manners past and present."
Catherine A Mori, Classics instructor , St. George’s School, Vancouver

"…The students watch in wonder at the costumes, the dance, the singing, the instrumentalists, and the intriguing gestures and interactions among the performers. The visiting groups…from Victoria and Calgary came as much to see your performance as to take part in the festival. You are a favourite among the teachers who bring performing groups to the festival and the parents in our audiences have asked me to pass on their appreciation for a wonderfully entertaining presentation. "
Doug Colpitts, Coordinator, Vancouver Elementary Schools Recorder Festival

"…The secondary students had never really experienced anything like it and were very interested in all aspects of the show from elaborate costumes, to drama, to music and dance. The teachers of our humanities, drama, visual arts, music and dance departments all agreed it was a truly worthwhile experience. I would highly recommend the group for educational presentations as well as special museum or art gallery shows and also evening performances." Mauryne Allan, Senior Dance Teacher, Langley Fine Arts School

"…The Dance sessions were valuable and entertaining learning experiences for the students."
Liz Munro, Coquitlam-Maple Ridge Registered Music Teachers Association, on "Music of the 19th Century"

"...well executed and very enlightening...", ".. a great way to learn a bit of history..."
Pam Johnson of the Playhouse Theatre on "le Masque Canadien " at Studio 58 (Langara College)

About Our Professional Workshops...

"…The Baroque Workshop with its emphasis on such Seventeenth century performance practices as gesture, dance and song, both challenged and engaged the skill of all who took part. Our enjoyment was augmented in no small part by the depth of research and knowledge evidenced by the hosts. Under their leadership, the workshop was not only educational, but a pleasure.

I have no reservations in recommending their organization."

Richard Sutherland, actor, singer, researcher

”Renaissance group delights audience: ..rain and an accident..didn’t stop a determined group of music lovers from enjoying a trip back in time to the days of Good Queen Bess and the Sun King. The audience became those exalted monarchs by proxy as the (performers) sang and danced their way through an intriguing program. The dances were eye openers.. people stood up to get a better view of the amazingly athletic styles… "
Lexi Bainas, Cowichan Valley Citizen, Duncan, BC, on "Delighting the Monarchs" Vancouver Island, BC

"...greatly impressed by the quality and authenticity of the performance and performers. We found the afternoon delightful, the musicianship outstanding and the vocals excellent".

S&E Copland, Mill Bay, BC on "Spirits of the Air"

"…Their excellent musicianship, exquisite costumes and rapport with the audience make them remarkable ambassadors for spreading interest in historical music. "
Hazel Cottrell, Music Director, Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay, BC on "Spirits of the Air"

"…a superb cast, wonderful costumes and simple, precise production design. In short, everything about this show is artful and excellent."
Maureen Fenniak See Magazine, Vancouver on "Les Desmoiselles"

"This exquisite production should not be rated less than five stars."
Ed Farolan 14th Annual Vancouver Fringe on "Les Desmoiselles"

"Mr Garfinkle played a light-footed, smirking rascal whose twinkling eyes betrayed a mind full of naughty thoughts. Ms. Lee (ravishing as a blond) played a more demure role, equally quick-footed and poised. Their gently comic interaction was delightful. The period costumes are exqusiite and their dancing is most deftly consummated.
Daniel Collins, Blurbs on the Edge Vancouver, BC on "Les Desmoiselles"

"Surprisingly delicate to modern eyes, tiny, mincing steps and elaborately crossing feet."
Michael Scott, Vancouver Sun

"Your performance was delightful and your costumes fabulous - it certainly set the tone for a very special evening." Starr Dalton, Chair , Vancouver Symphony Gala Committee on "Symphony Lover’s Ball"

"Catherine Lee and David Garfinkle…brought the past into the present, taking the audience to the French Court and raising our awareness of the drama and artistry of historical Dance. I want to thank them for keeping the past alive and for doing so with utmost professionalism. "
Dr. J Roger Holdstock, chair, Gala Committee on the Langara College Gala

"... transported to Italy...and the long-awaited dances... The stately and graceful moves …were surprisingly expressive. If there was any pedantry behind the scenes during the festival, it was evident neither in the joyful performance nor its enthusiastic reception from the audience. "
Robert Jordan, Georgia Straight, Vancouver on a performance at the Vancouver Early Music Festival

"Your performances were totally professional and highly enjoyable,... hundreds of members of the public experienced a completely new aspect of dance for the first time…event organisers were thrilled"
Heather Bray, Marketing Manager The Dance Centre on a performance during Chinese New Year Celebrations

"Your performers in their finery dancing …on a wharf over the water by candle light, has been treasured by thousands. It brings a wonderful sense of history to the event. The performances are very refined and magical."
Pamela McKeown, Associate Artistic Director Public Dreams Society, Vancouver, BC on "Illuminaries"

"I am always struck by the intricacies of the dance steps, the stories they tell, the skill required in their execution, the grace of the movements, the beauty of the costumes, all of which combine in a beguiling way to suspend time and provide for the audience a glimpse back into an age of elegance. "
Ted Wing, Theatre History Instructor (retired) on our Soiree