More comments, Fall 2007


Max Wyman, writer, critic and commentator

"The music has a delicate, impressionistic perfume to it - mysterious, with a hint of poison in the air . and, emerging from the swirl like a shining dagger, an aria [Emma's aria Orchard] of spectacular beauty."

Donna Wong-Juliani, General Director, Opera Breve

"I found the excerpts by the Chorus were particularly exciting; they lifted the whole opera into a whole other orbit of artistry!"

Here's what people are saying about The Dream Healer, Spring 2007


Sylvia L’ Écuyer, Réalisatrice/Senior Music Producer, Espace Musique Radio-Canada

" ...the work had matured into a powerful drama and the stirring quality of the music reached out to the small invited audience. ...new works of such a scope are few and apart."

Hilary Clark, Contributing Writer, North Shore News

"The music is approachable, evocative and emotionally encompassing. Rhythms vary from sustained lyricism to bouncy waltz. The conflicts among the character are expressed both subtly and overtly. The audience is swept up into the passion of the piece."

Robert Sunter, former CBC, Regional Director of Radio for BC

"I saw the work-in-progress concert performance and was very impressed with both the libretto and the music.
...I worked closely with Don Mowatt and learned first-hand his lucid and powerful ability as a writer. They(Burritt/Mowatt) make a formidable team."

Donna Wong-Juliani, General Director, Opera Breve

" ...its premiere will mark the launch of a major and significant addition to the Canadian operatic canon."

Here's what Vancouver critics said about the Act One reading on July 27, 2002.


David Watmough (writer, critic)

"succeeded brilliantly...caught the theatricality of Findley's text with extraordinary precision...total poignancy...
a stroke of genius."

Harold Brown (retired accompanist Vancouver Opera Association -- VOA )

"remarkable melodic line...full of emotional impact."

Alma Lee (former Director, Vancouver's Writers Festival)

"Tiff (Findley) would have been so very proud. He would be sorry to miss this...It is simply fabulous."

Jurgen Gothe (CBC Radio Music Critic)

"I have not written about it (Pilgrim), but I will write about it; and, what I'll say about it will be glowing."

Randy Smith (former Director of Artistic Administration, VOA)

"Achingly beautiful writing...very memorable tunes...Bravo for the work to date."