"There are no words to describe the dazzling technique and bravura of American cellist Stephen Framil, as he played Dvorak's Cello Concerto. His tone, warm and glowing, is positively brilliant. Suffice is to say, he is the very best cellist I have ever heard perform - and I have heard many."

THE MANILA BULLETIN


"Stephen Framil's business card should read 'Have Cello, Will Travel.' A virtual ambassador for his instrument, this eminent concert soloist has appeared with symphony and chamber orchestras worldwide, from India to the Philippines, from Volgograd to Hanoi (where he was the first American ’cellist to perform since the Vietnam War), and from New York’s Carnegie Weill Hall to the renowned Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra in Hungary."

SAN FRANCISCO OLD FIRST CONCERTS


"The cellist, Stephen Framil, . . . The French pianist, Vincent Planès, . . . . Whether individually or in tandem, the two have considerable concert experience to their credit and form a congenial Duo.   The first purling made an auspicious impression.  Both protagonists were admirably en rapport, attentive to balancing and dovetailing their exchanges and articulating the virtuoso passagework . . . . Framil was . . . very much a Starker disciple, bowing an aristocratic line and projecting a crystalline spot-on, pure intonation.   Planès was with his partner all the way, recognizably a pianist redolent of the admired pianist of the Beaux Arts Trio.  I especially liked the plasticity occasionally introduced to temper the prevailing virtuosic brilliance with necessary repose.  This afternoon installment was one to brighten a reviewer's heart."

HARRIS GOLDSMITH, NEW YORK CONCERT REVIEW


"Framil approached the [Bach Suites] pieces respectfully and musically, adding just enough flexibility to allow the music to sing out as though improvised. That did not include exaggerations of rubato, but rather a tasteful flow of minor phrase liberties. The opening Prelude and closing Gigue were especially impressive in this regard.   [The two Haydn] three-movement concertos went quite well — if not flawlessly. The Adagio of the Second Concerto was especially memorable.

 

Heuwell Tircuit, SAN FRANCISCO CLASSICAL VOICE


"American cellist Stephen Framil rendered Dvorak's Concerto in B minor with brilliant, luminous, robust tones of considerable flexibility for all the three movements: allegro,adagio ma non troppo, finale: allegro moderato.  Lively and spirited in the allegro, the eminent soloist was movingly soulful and passionate in the adagio, his bowing gentle or powerful.  A most sensitive and lyrical artist, Framil formed the entire interpretation with the widest variety of expression, tension alternating with release.  His cadenzas were those of a virtuoso, his fleet fingers eliciting admiration.  Interaction between him and the orchestra conductor was marked by oneness of mind and spirit.  Indeed, the Framil performance was distinctive and outstanding."

THE PHILIPPINE STAR


"The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra with cellist Stephen Framil gave a remarkable interpretation of Dvorak's "Concerto in B minor op. 104 for Cello and Orchestra.   Framil's over-all interpretation of the Dvorak Concerto was marked with great skill, expression, clarity and finesse.   His face that night was actually a reflection of all the emotions that emanated from the music.  The audience gave Framil and the MPO a standing ovation. They deserved it!"

THE MANILA TIMES


"In the performance of Dvorak's Violoncello Concerto in B minor, Framil's entrance was a tower of strength.   He masterfully held audience attention through his progress between the themes.  His double-stops scales were flawless.  The "Adagio, ma non troppo" second movement was an absolute triumph for both orchestra and soloist. Framil's interpretation in the final Allegro moderato movement was similar to Jacqueline Du Pré's with the Chicago Symphony."

REDLANDS DAILY FACTS (CA)


"What was clearly the highlight of the evening came as the opening to the second half.  Tchaikovsky's stunning Pezzo Capriccioso was skillfully performed by Stephen Framil.   His technical sureness, coupled with an unassuming empathy for his audience compels one to listen carefully to each note.  He exudes a warmth and competence unusual of his age. We are certain to hear from this young cellist in the years to come."

CLINTON DAILY ITEM (MA)


"Stephen Framil is an excellent cellist.  He is highly trained as an ensemble player and is an experienced teacher on all levels.  He is dedicated to his goals and has the intelligence and cooperativeness to be an effective member of any faculty of music."

JANÓS STARKER


"Stephen Framil's refreshing performance mirrored technical superiority and highly developed soloistic qualities.  His musical thoughts, flowing with ease and spontaneity, and springing from deep within, were readily communicative."

SLOBODNA DALMACIJA (Croatia)


"A former student of Janós Starker, Framil is making a name for himself in the musical world.  The opening cello sonata allowed the talents of Framil to be brilliantly displayed.   Framil exudes a warm and well-projected tone.  Technically proficient, he can make difficult passages seem easy indeed."

THE HERALD-ARGUS (Indiana)


"Stephen Framil's artistic and virtuoso rendering of concertos by Elgar, Haydn, and Stamitz garnered warm feelings of increased international friendship."

VIETNAMESE WRITERS ASSOCIATION


"It was an evening of sheer musical fantasy as Stephen Framil played on his cello."

BANGALORE NEWS (India)


"Cellist Stephen Framil and pianist Vincent Planès, . . . outstanding talents, . . . offered an example of terrific collaboration in sonatas by Schubert and Beethoven.  Partnership playing like this deserves to make a good impression."

THE SACRAMENTO BEE (CA)


"Framil performed the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 with complete mastery, brilliance, and soul."

SHERYAR OOKERJEE (Bombay)


"Framil's Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations displayed exceptional command of technique and performing ability."

CAPE TIMES (South Africa)


"Stephen Framil is the first American cellist to perform in Hanoi."

HANOI NATIONAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC (Viêt Nam)


"Framil's stellar performance of Tchaikovsky's Pezzo Capriccioso was characterized by impressive technical agility, tonal and emotional warmth, self-assurance, and flamboyance!"

WORCESTER TELEGRAM & GAZETTE (MA)


"The Stamitz Cello Concerto sparkled. Stephen Framil set the evening alive!"

TIMES OF INDIA (Bangalore)


"In Beethoven's 'Triple' Concerto Framil elicits a very warm tone."

THE LAPORTE HERALD (IN)