Testimonials & Critical Reviews

Below you’ll find a collection of notable testimonials and critical reviews of iPalpiti (formerly Young Artists International) over the last decade.

Great Artists

“Young Artists International is an organization that consists of active and practicing musicians following the dictates of their conscience; i.e., their responsibility to the younger generations. I endorse it with all my heart.”
–Lord Yehudi Menuhin, Founding member

“How wonderful that Young Artists International is reaching out to give young musicians a chance.”
–Lynn Harrell

“Young Artists International is a concept of great importance to the musical scene… I therefore applaud and support this project with great enthusiasm and hope that all those who have genuine interest in music will give their support and encouragement to this exciting event.”
–Ida Haendel, CBE

iPalpiti Young Artists

“Young Artists International makes you a star.”
–Valentina Lisitsa, concert pianist currently under management with CAMI

“I had heard of different similar organizations, but none of them had such generous and broad ideas for its members: organizing the annual Laureates Festival, awards and master classes, promotion and publicity for the promising ones. All of these things are so often promised, but so seldom seen. YAI has done it for me and therefore I consider that its future development is vital for the young musicians and for saving classical music. I would like to express my deepest thanks and gratitude for all that has been done for me by YAI. I shall always remember that.”
–Alexandru Tomescu, Concert violinist, currently under Valmalette Management

“I’m writing to tell you how happy I was in Los Angeles, I met excellent musicians, I learned a lot from Mr. Schmieder, I really loved to play in the orchestra. This experience changed my live, so I just want to say thank you very much. Thank you again.”
–Sincerely, Agnieszka Dziubak (Poland)

“I just write you to congratulate you for this year’s festival, I think it was the best one. You really choose wonderful people and I had great fun playing as you know, specially in the sextet. You know that I don’t like very much to play in orchestra, but even if it was hard work, I was happy because the atmosphere was really good. Thank you.”
–Love, Adolfo Gutierrez (Spain)

“I just cannot stop dreaming about the wonderful time I had this year. I wish the festival hasn’t started yet and I am just getting ready to fly over to LA! It was really so great this year. I thank you from all my heart for the great, unforgettable time you gave me in California this summer.”
–Yours, Evgeni Sakakuschev (Bulgaria)

Audience

“I am still in a state of ecstasy over last night’s concert! I know that all who experienced the YAI music hope that this series will become an institution…an event which we will all eagerly anticipate year after year. You can’t be thanked enough for bringing this event. Thank you, thank you!”
–Theodor Grossman

“I can’t remember being more transfixed by classical music and the performers themselves than I was this past week. I had never heard of this group, but I was amazed what sounds a collection of prodigies can produce! Rarely do I hear music so fine that it moves me the way it did on Thursday. I was incredibly impressed.”
–Tess Taylor, President
National Association of Record Industry Professionals

“If you’re at all interested in chamber music, run (do not walk), to the performances featuring the I Palpiti Ensemble of International Laureates. These young performers brought a packed house to its feet for ten eminently-deserved minutes on 30 July. They’re in town until the first weekend in August…”
–Ravi Narasimhan
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, UCLA

Leaders

“Los Angeles congratulates Young Artists International and salutes its remarkable festival that has grown in international prestige each year, highlighting Los Angeles’ growing role as the world center for the arts. Young Artists is to be congratulated for its success in carrying out its mission of seeking out the most gifted young musicians in the world and providing them much needed support, both financial and artistic. We are proud to host the International Laureates Music Festival.”
–Mayor Richard J. Riordan

“Los Angeles County is honored indeed to host [YAI events]…Please join me in welcoming Young Artists International and savoring their contribution to the artistic life of our community.”
–Hon. Zev Yaroslavsky, Supervisor

“Her Majesty strongly supports the aim of Young Artists International and especially the purpose of creating a spiritual contact with the audience. Her Majesty really hopes that the classical music played by these young musicians will bring together different cultures and promote peace and unity.”
–La Reine Fabiola, Queen of Belgium

Board Members and Volunteers

“The festival this year was the best ever. Verklarte Nacht, I believe, has never had a finer performance–an impression underlined by listening to John Ross’ capture of the event. And that was not all, by a long shot. The Bartok was also superb, and we especially fortunate to be participating in creating important new repertoire. Just to pick another example, who can forget our soloists in the Tchaikovsky Sextet?? And, and………….”
–Jonathan Steinberg

“Laura, the concert was superb.”
–Monte Lemann

“I was also thrilled to see such good audiences both at the Ford and the Zipper. The concerts were marvelous — a fine, fine group.”
–Barbara Capell

“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this Festival’s events. There are many “good” causes that can bore one to stiffness. But this endeavor…This was fun. In spite of the “Ad-Hoc Volunteerism”, it is an effort of great artistry. I enjoyed myself.”
–Thanks, Avi Grigoresku

“Congratulations again on another successful festival! The musicians and pieces were superb, full of exciting discoveries (Enescu, Chausson and more!). I’m so pleased and grateful to have been a part of this worthwhile event once again.”
–Flo Selfman