Franz Krommer's Concerto for Two Clarinets, Op. 35
February 17, 2019 with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra of Indiana
"...followed by the introduction of two more Columbus performers Samantha Johnson-Helms and Kylie Stultz-Dessent, featured clarinet soloists for the afternoon. Concerto No. 1 for Two Clarinets, Op. 35 by Franz Krommer instantly electrified the audience with its brisk tempo, confident and aggressive articulation by the CSO and the superb performance of the two soloists.
Playing in tandem with the dance like grace of synchronized swimmers, Johnson-Helms and Stultz-Dessent bobbed and weaved their way through their solo passages, providing the audience with both an aural and visual musical interpretation. Playing flawlessly through many intricate melodic patterns with great dynamic sensitivity and exquisite phrasing, the two clarinetists enjoyed their performance so thoroughly that they occasionally smiled at each other at the end of a particularly difficult moment acknowledging their own achievements.
The two worked so well in their collaboration that at times it felt as if only one person was performing. The symphony provided an outstanding accompaniment to their virtuosity, never overplaying them and working through the conducting of maestro Aerie to provide them with great rhythmic support and impeccable timing. Each of the three movements of this work were very well done and had such a positive effect on the audience that the performers received a standing ovation and the soloists were called back for a second bow." - J. Kevin Butler, The Republic - Columbus, IN
February 17, 2019 with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra of Indiana
"...followed by the introduction of two more Columbus performers Samantha Johnson-Helms and Kylie Stultz-Dessent, featured clarinet soloists for the afternoon. Concerto No. 1 for Two Clarinets, Op. 35 by Franz Krommer instantly electrified the audience with its brisk tempo, confident and aggressive articulation by the CSO and the superb performance of the two soloists.
Playing in tandem with the dance like grace of synchronized swimmers, Johnson-Helms and Stultz-Dessent bobbed and weaved their way through their solo passages, providing the audience with both an aural and visual musical interpretation. Playing flawlessly through many intricate melodic patterns with great dynamic sensitivity and exquisite phrasing, the two clarinetists enjoyed their performance so thoroughly that they occasionally smiled at each other at the end of a particularly difficult moment acknowledging their own achievements.
The two worked so well in their collaboration that at times it felt as if only one person was performing. The symphony provided an outstanding accompaniment to their virtuosity, never overplaying them and working through the conducting of maestro Aerie to provide them with great rhythmic support and impeccable timing. Each of the three movements of this work were very well done and had such a positive effect on the audience that the performers received a standing ovation and the soloists were called back for a second bow." - J. Kevin Butler, The Republic - Columbus, IN
Leroy Anderson's Clarinet Candy
December 8, 2018 with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
"In preparation for the next selection, three clarinetists — Samantha Johnson-Helms, Zachary Stump and Keith Northover — rose, donned Santa hats and began “Clarinet Candy” by Anderson...the three displayed great technique and agility while performing this briskly paced, entertaining piece." - J. Kevin Butler, The Republic - Columbus, IN
December 8, 2018 with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
"In preparation for the next selection, three clarinetists — Samantha Johnson-Helms, Zachary Stump and Keith Northover — rose, donned Santa hats and began “Clarinet Candy” by Anderson...the three displayed great technique and agility while performing this briskly paced, entertaining piece." - J. Kevin Butler, The Republic - Columbus, IN
Aaron Copland's "Letters From Home" and Appalachian Spring
April 28, 2018 with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
"The orchestra, full in texture, played the work with deep inner feeling. One would say a section of the work with solo trumpet played by principal Eddie Ludema with solo piano was simply beautiful. Beautiful clarinet solo work by Samantha Johnson-Helms along with wonderfully blended brass and winds brought the quiet, reminiscent, and nostalgic work to a close." - Henry Upper, The Republic - Columbus, IN
April 28, 2018 with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
"The orchestra, full in texture, played the work with deep inner feeling. One would say a section of the work with solo trumpet played by principal Eddie Ludema with solo piano was simply beautiful. Beautiful clarinet solo work by Samantha Johnson-Helms along with wonderfully blended brass and winds brought the quiet, reminiscent, and nostalgic work to a close." - Henry Upper, The Republic - Columbus, IN
Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major
February 4, 2017 with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
"All of the instrumental soloists gave outstanding renditions of their scores, but particular mention must be made of Kathy Dell, principal flutist, Nancy Argersinger, principal oboist, and Samantha Johnson, E-flat clarinet soloist, for their stunning exhibition of superb musicianship and technical accomplishment."- The Republic - Columbus, IN
February 4, 2017 with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic
"All of the instrumental soloists gave outstanding renditions of their scores, but particular mention must be made of Kathy Dell, principal flutist, Nancy Argersinger, principal oboist, and Samantha Johnson, E-flat clarinet soloist, for their stunning exhibition of superb musicianship and technical accomplishment."- The Republic - Columbus, IN