“The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra under Jesse Levine, its music director, opened the new season last weekend…with their 256th concert… The star of the evening was pianist Ann Schein, featured in Brahms Piano Concerto in d minor, Opus 15. (Her) approach to this concerto was unique. She seemed to identify with the young Brahms’ composition with a depth of concentration that surpasses all intensity…she was completely immersed in the spirit of Brahms – as if in another world, not just performing. The first movement Maestoso was indeed played with majesty. Ann Schein’s whole body was deeply involved in the music…The Adagio showed tenderness and expressive sensibility…evolving in a dialogue with the orchestra…In the closing movement one could only marvel once again at the elegant power in (her) hands and her altogether masterful playing.”

Brahms Concerto No. 1 in d minor

“Guest artist Ann Schein who appeared in the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 in d minor could hardly have been better chosen. This seasoned genius at the keyboard…is among the most outstanding pianists of the world. She played the brilliant…music (with) the greatest beauty of tone, dynamic strength and tender understanding…With a vehicle like this Brahms, one of the loftiest (works) in all piano literature, Miss Schein scored in all points.”

Brahms Concerto No. 1 in d minor

“The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra had a triumphant concert and a sold-out house Saturday night with Peter Bay directing the orchestra…The program centered on the much-heralded appearance of Ann Schein, whose pianistic feats around the area and world-wide are becoming legendary. Indeed, the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 in d minor, Opus 15 was the evening’s major event. Brahms’ first concerto…holds a cauldron of stormy turmoil and passion. Bay directed the long orchestral introduction with considerable fire that made Schein’s opening chords all the more majestic. In this Maestoso movement…the oneness of piano and orchestra, could not have been played better. Miss Schein’s ability…set the pulses stirring. The second movement…was a full display of its melancholy beauty. Soloist and orchestra gave a limpid and poetic exploration of the melody. In the final movement…in vivid contrast to the more tense, reflective moods of the first two movements, soloist and orchestra played through the mounting storm to a brilliant conclusion. Ms. Schein can be counted among the super-power pianists!”

Brahms Concerto No. 1 in d minor
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Peter Bay, conductor

“In this great d minor (Brahms) concerto, orchestra and conductor are faced with one of music’s most formidable challenges – joining forces with conductor Peter Bay…was pianist Ann Schein, a much respected soloist…(she) is a performer of genuine power and force…It was an undeniably exciting performance…”

Brahms Concerto No. 1 in d minor

“The Akron Symphony saved its most challenging programs of the season for the last two concerts under music director, Ya-Hui Wang. Saturday night (we heard) the authoritative playing of pianist Ann Schein…The Brahms Concerto no 1 calls for a player who can hold her own against a thickly scored orchestra. From the outset of the concert, it was clear that Schein was that person. She played with a deep touch, authority and a clarity of rhythmic pulse and a sure sense of momentum. (With) her security and seasoned musicianship, the majesty of the writing communicated itself to the audience and they responded with a standing ovation.”

Brahms Concerto No. 1 in d minor
Akron Symphony, Ya-Hui Wang, conductor, Akron, Ohio

“Exhilarating may be the best way to describe Friday’s Lincoln Symphony Orchestra concert at Kimball Recital Hall (Edward Polochick, conducting). Patrons were treated to an energized Ann Schein, a pianist who is known on the world circuit for her strength and maturity…From her early solo exposition, it was clear that Schein would perform…a masterful show. Unhurried expression capped the slow movement…Schein’s dynamics and tempo conveyed the mood to the mesmerized audience…The orchestra’s and pianist’s interpretation of Brahm’s masterpiece was that of a priceless gem…the audience rose immediately with bravos and wild applause.”

Brahms Concerto No. 1 in d minor
Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, Edward Polochick, conductor, Lincoln, Nebraska

“The Concert Artists of Baltimore…routinely provides some of the most imaginative programming and most engaging performers in the region. There was the novelty of juxtaposing a grand war-horse, Brahms’ sweeping Piano Concerto no. 2 with rarely encountered works by 20th century Argentine composers. And there was the intensity of the music-making, so impressive that I wished more people were in the hall to hear it…When it turned to Brahms, the orchestra summoned a big, dark sound…and provided a firm foundation for the incisive playing of concert artist, Ann Schein. (She) approached the music unaffectedly and with dynamic power.”

Brahms Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major
Concert Artists of Baltimore, Edward Polochick, conductor