WDR 3 Mosaik: Vitali Alekseenok has the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra firmly in hand, leading them through this huge, richly coloured score. Musically, it's an absolute treat.
RONDO Magazin: Vitali Alekseenok leads a superbly prepared Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra with complete assurance. He has this giant score perfectly in hand — no slips, nothing out of place — everything as gripping and thrilling as Strauss demands.
Westdeutsche Zeitung: The Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra play a Strauss of fierce beauty, most enchanting in its many soft, delicate moments. Vitali Alekseenok conducts so that every detail comes through with striking clarity.
Online Merker: Vitali Alekseenok passes the test of this blazing score with flying colours. He revels in the full sound of the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra — and when it counts, he knows exactly when to hold back.
Der Opernfreund: In the pit, the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra set off real fireworks. Vitali Alekseenok throws himself into Strauss with relish: the orchestra sounds rich and beautiful, exactly how you want to hear Strauss — powerful, thrilling and great fun.
Place de l'Opera: Under Vitali Alekseenok, the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra play with real expression and a fine ear for Strauss's web of themes. The twisted waltzes and hints of his later operas are beautifully brought out.
Klassik.com: The symphonic sound rises to an overwhelming power — and Vitali Alekseenok's thoughtful essay on the score in the programme book is well worth the read.
Düsseldorf Blog: Vitali Alekseenok was warmly celebrated for his thoughtful, sensitive conducting — and the magnificent Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra proved once again that they rank among the very best in Germany.
Westdeutsche Zeitung: Superlatives aside: the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra under Vitali Alekseenok are fantastic. He never just hammers away or relies on deafening volume — he leads with a lean, clear line and telling accents, while bringing out the lyrical, tender side of Strauss too. Musically: thumbs up.
O-Ton: The 110 musicians of the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra, under the inspiring Vitali Alekseenok, earn the loudest, at times hurricane-like applause. His gift for balancing the orchestra's power against the singers' voices is exquisite.
Abenteuer Ruhrpott: Under Vitali Alekseenok, the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra take centre stage with this extraordinary score — handed the emotional lead role, and carrying it superbly.
Mundoclasico: Vitali Alekseenok, leading the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra and the entire cast of soloists, was acclaimed and cheered to the point of ecstasy by the audience.
