Applause

“Holly Mulcahy is well known to me as a friend and musician of stature for a number of years. Her playing is superb with an accurate sense of rhythm and lyrical quality. In addition, she has leadership qualities and works well with others. A flexible and strong personality that is very attuned to creating a good working relationship to foster a high artistic achievement. I very much recommend her to any serious ensemble looking for a leading excellent player.”

“Working with Holly Mulcahy was fantastic. She’s a superb musician and a great colleague. I always think my Piano Trio is a great way test for violinists, because it has such wildly varying moods: long and lyrical lines, delicately played, and then racing and driving rhythms, moving at top speeds with intensity. Holly nailed it all splendidly. I would work with her again any chance I could. She was wonderful.”

I said this to the audience before the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera performance of my “Tributes” Violin concerto, but I’d like the opportunity to say it again:

We composers (obviously) are happy when are music gets played. We are even happier when it gets played beautifully. But when – in the process – we also form deep meaningful friendships with those who go through the trouble of learning our (many) notes, this – THIS – is what makes life worth living.

And so, I’d like to sincerely thank Holly Mulcahy for her exquisite playing of my violin concerto last night. This will remain with me forever.

“Ms. Mulcahy possesses the musical leadership, communication skills, and innovative thinking that will enrich the Orchestra and deepen community connections in a 21st century orchestra model.”

“As a perpetually-traveling guest conductor, I am fortunate to stand in front of 30 or more major American, Canadian, and international orchestras per year. And as such, I am equally fortunate to regularly work with some of the most talented concertmasters in the symphony world.

I would consider Holly Mulcahy among the upper echelon of those concertmasters. She combines an extraordinary set of skills that I consider optimum as a concertmaster, colleague, and collaborator. It starts with her exquisite playing, which is technically extraordinary, while at the same possessed of rich musicality and a gorgeous, full-bodied tone. Her stylistic knowledge is widely diverse and unfailing correct, and she maintains a wonderful rapport with her colleagues while at the same time maintaining an astute ability to lead. She is highly respected by all who have worked with her.

She is a delight with whom to make music, and as a conductor I can unequivocally say that she makes my job easier, and infinitely more enjoyable. The conductor / concertmaster relationship is a crucial one, and I can think of nobody that I would rather have immediately to my left than Holly Mulcahy.”

“Throughout the duration of this astounding and beautiful concerto, we heard Mulcahy demonstrate extraordinary technical command, tonal sheen, intensity and refined musical taste, a delightful blend of power and intimacy, but always with her own distinctive sound.”

~ Chattanooga Times Free Press, 3/2/2017 on Mulcahy’s performance of James Stephenson’s Concerto for Violin “Tributes”

“It was consistently reassuring to have [Holly as concertmaster], leading so effortlessly, and by example, respectful yet firm when necessary, sense of humor at the ready… Let’s do more please!”

“[Holly] plays beautifully, but beyond that, [she] has an infectious enthusiasm and energy that inspires the rest of the orchestra.”

“Holly Mulcahy was not only an excellent concertmaster for the orchestra, but her “Irish Fiddle” solo in the song “Dance Your Christmas” gave the show it’s first standing ovation of the night. We were really lucky to have Holly on board!”

“Mulcahy seemed to meet the musical demands with ease and assurance. Her intonation was impeccable, and she dazzled with the mid-movement cadenza…With the final rousing chord, Mulcahy received cheers and cries of Bravo”

~ Chattanooga Times Free Press, 3/13/2015 on Mulcahy’s performance of Jennifer Higdon’s Violin Concerto