What the critics say...
"Something of a surprise was also Canadian conductor Kerry Stratton, till now unknown on these shores. In Rossini's Silk Ladder Overture, and then in Beethoven's Symphony No. 2, he struck a brisk, invigorating tempo, fast but not over-hurried, with no swallowed notes despite the speed. Into Beethoven's often-heard symphony he injected refreshing energies ..."
"Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia was conducted for this Nov 3 2008 concert by Toronto maestro Kerry Stratton. The orchestra sported a sensational woodwind section and tight strings, and proved to be sensitive and accomplished players."
"There were more than 400 patrons out to enjoy Kerry Stratton and The Grand Salon Orchestra on Sept 28 at the Brockville Arts Centre. Their unique arrangements of popular music of the '20s/'30s helped to cheer the audience on a rainy afternoon and their mission to make music fun and accessible to all was accomplished. The professionalism of the conductor with his natural verve and wit took it to another level."
"Kerry Stratton has the pizzazz that classical music needs," says Barbara Johnston of the Brockville Concert Association, which is responsible for bringing the Grand Salon to Brockville. "We need more people like him - people who are dedicated to keeping good-quality music alive." Ask Kerry why he formed the Grand Salon, and he'll tell you that he was trying to recreate a piece of "North Americana." The Grand Salon brings to life the music of a gentler age in music when, as Kerry explains, it was cherished and wasn't a disposable commodity. "The salon era was a time before radio, and it was a time when music was consumed live."
"... laudable risk-taking on the part of Stratton... "
"Stratton has fashioned a beautiful, burnished string sound for the ensemble ..."
"The Canadian master delighted us with the overture Helios of Carl Nielsen... an estimable interpretation of the 5th Symphony of Sibelius."
"The concerts were conducted with competence and restraint by Kerry Stratton in a steady yet stirring and comprehensible manner. It was easy for the musicians to recognize and follow his directions. As such, success was a virtual inevitability."
"To win the stately audience at the Kassel state hall was a mission for the Canadian guest conductor with Bohemian affinity, Kerry Stratton,and a successful one. He was a purposeful, efficient and certain orchestra helmsman."
"The music expertly played by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Kerry Stratton conducting, is a delight throughout."
"Philharmonia delivers Turkish delight. Abduction from the Seraglio a considerable success."
Kerry was profiled in the March 2009 issue of The WholeNote Magazine
"My grandparents' farm in 1958: one of the distinct advantages of the car featured here was that it had no radio. This meant that Sunday drives were accompanied with lots of singing. I loved it when everyone sang. I still do."
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