“The instrumentalists were exemplary in the seemingly unlimited sounds they elicited, with pianist Winston Choi and bass flutist Emma Hospelhorn standouts in their respective parts which ranged from the delicate to the bombastic.”
“ In Augusta Read Thomas’ Capricci, flutist Emma Hospelhorn and clarinetist Zach Good brought joyful ferocity to their musical conversation.”
“A marvel of restraint, precision and quiet....like a folktale turned oddly, surreally modern, a magical realist scenario set in the right now.”
“A scintillating solo debut.”
“Throughout the track, the backing seems to almost organically shift, rippling like a pebble skimming over a stream via waves of processed loops of flute, chanting, occultish backing vocals and even a delightful blast of droning, low-end French Horns. Intriguing, enchanting and not quite like anything you’ve ever heard before.”
“Surging tonal waves — punctuated by Emma Hospelhorn’s crisp flute — that eventually grew into a seamless conversation between the versatile instrumentalists....One of the strongest performances of the night, though, was Reencuentro, by the Mexican-British composer Hilda Paredes. Hospelhorn’s bass flute brought out rich textures, and Jimoh and Horie provided harmonics as the trio volleyed a multitude of sounds.”
Press Links:
I Care If You Listen - Review: Ensemble Dal Niente Celebrates Latin America in Season-Closing Concert
Dusted Magazine - Review: The Carillon Towers by Em Spel
Chicago Reader - Emma Hospelhorn of Ensemble dal Niente releases a scintillating solo debut as Em Spel
For The Rabbits - Review/ Track Premiere: Em Spel — Names
The New York Times - Review: Frequency Festival in Chicago Offers the Complicated and Compelling
The New York Times - Review: Ensemble Dal Niente Brings Its Intense Whimsy to the DiMenna Center
Chicago Classical Review: Dal Niente throws an exhilarating and wide-ranging musical party
Chicago Composer's Consortium Blog - function:object concert • feature: Simulacra Lingua
WBEZ 91.5 - Band Sneaks Some Learning into their Music
Chicago Classical Review: Dal Niente Shines in Cendo's Dazzling, Kinetic Music
Chicago Magazine - Rising Musicians Offer Throwback Sounds
Chicago Reader - Gossip Wolf - Classical Music for Garage Rockers
Chicago Reader - Girl Group Tunes With Knife Flashing 'Tude