What people say about Leslie Olive

He opens windows on the music. Roger Pooler.

Your performance of Vaughan Williams' 'London' Symphony was one of the very best I have heard. Absolutely superb! Len Evans, RVW enthusiast and owner of over 40 recordings of the work.

Great music. Fabulous orchestra. It’s always a pleasure to work for Les. Crispian Steele-Perkins, distinguished trumpet soloist.

That was one of the best Verdi Requiem performances I can remember. What a fabulous choir! Member of the Philharmonia Orchestra at London's Barbican Concert Hall.

I wanted to add my congratulations for the complete perfection of the glorious concert you gave us all on Saturday in the Cathedral. Clare, Countess of Euston, H.M Lord-Lieutenant for Suffolk

I have worked with many fine conductors. The best ones transform their performances by their love of the music and affection for the performers. Leslie Olive is there in the top rank. Ian le Grice.

Your explanation of the role of the choruses, recits and arias, your humour and encouragement all combined to give people an insight into the music. Ian le Grice.

I so enjoyed the rehearsal that I thought I would say a huge thank you. I appreciate all the thought and skill, good humour and expertise. Winsome Rogers, Alto, Eye Bach Choir.

People imagine that very well known conductors are brilliant. They usually range from competent to good, occasionally very good. (X) and (Y) are nice people and talented musicians but not better as choir trainers than Leslie Olive. Ian le Grice.

Certain works which haven't always meant so much to me become totally transformed with studying and singing them with you. Simon Winter, English Arts Chorale.

Thank you from everyone involved in Messiah from scratch. Your undiminished good humour set a standard which everyone appreciated. John Kendall, Great Finborough PCC.

I really enjoyed Elgar's The Kingdom. I have sung in the three Elgar works on many occasions and under eminent conductors, and yours ranks high in the memory. Ian G.Dobson, Lingfield, Surrey.

I love the way you listen to the opening bars of the Fauré, then stop the repeated D minor chords sounding like rough-hewn bricks by working on balance, legato, ensemble and tone colour until the chords are transformed into a musical prayer of great beauty. Ian le Grice.

I've been to five performances of The Kingdom, which is my favourite work by my favourite composer. Your performance stands out as a highlight among all five "Kingdoms". The end of the first half was sung and played as powerfully as I've ever heard it. Christopher Jary.

After twelve and a half years I am still excited every week about being part of your Chorale. Your skill and dedication make it the most rewarding activity it can be. Nigel Green, English Arts Chorale.

Your ability to inspire students is second to none; it was a privilege to watch you work. You set unashamedly high standards and enthused, guided, and supported the students so that they could live up to your expectations of them. The Choir was probably the strongest team and closest community in the school. K.L.Jenkinson, Headmaster, Colchester Royal Grammar School.

Leslie always works in a spirit of friendship with professional and amateur musicians alike and the combination of that spirit with his ability to share his own emotional response to the music is what makes his concert performances so special. Ian le Grice.

Because of the distance, I have looked in on several other choirs nearer home, but can't bring myself to join any of them. The English Arts Chorale stands alone on every level - its wonderful sound and finesse, your well run rehearsals, your attention to detail and your ability to obtain the very best results from your singers.  Jan Ravens, singing teacher and EAC mezzo-soprano.