REVIEWS & PRESS
SHIZUE A deeply personal tribute to the victims of Hiroshima, Acclaimed by Diapason
Joseph Swensen’s Shizue received particular acclaim in Diapason following its performance with the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine on 8 October 2026.
Dedicated to Swensen’s aunt, who lost her life in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, Shizue is a deeply personal work for shakuhachi and orchestra, exploring memory, loss and the enduring human consequences of war.
In her review of the In Memoriam concert at the Auditorium de Bordeaux, Anne Ibos-Augé praised the work’s powerful narrative, distinctive musical language and the expressive dialogue between soloist Gunnar Jinmei Linder and the orchestra.
The review also highlighted the remarkable understanding between Swensen and the musicians of the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, recognising the precision, sensitivity and emotional depth of their performance.
The evening concluded with two prestigious honours for Joseph Swensen.
He was presented with the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, awarded by the French Ministry of Culture in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
He also received the Prix d’Honneur 2026 from the Académie nationale des sciences, belles-lettres et arts de Bordeaux, recognising his recording Saga Trilogy with the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, released by b•records.
Diapason described the double distinction as thoroughly deserved, particularly in light of Swensen’s work with the orchestra.
Read the full review: Diapason — In Memoriam, 12 October 2026
Shizue has also been recorded by b•records and is scheduled for release in 2027, alongside two other compositions by Joseph Swensen, Mahler in Manhattan and Langeland Reveries.
In memory of Shizue Okamoto
(7 July 1923 – 6 August 1945), who lost her life in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
HAFIZ - World Premiere Reviews
“On y entend surtout la déclaration d’amour d’un chef à son propre instrument : l’orchestre.”
“Above all, this is a conductor’s love letter to his own instrument: the orchestra.”
Erwan Gentric, Diapason
“Hafiz inhabits this tension between an acknowledged musical heritage and an attempt at continuity.”
Frédéric Lacoste, Courrier de Gironde, 17 April 2026
“The sound of Bordeaux’s legendary Grosse Cloche became one of the sonic inspirations for the score.” Joseph Swensen
“A luminous work where mysticism, poetry and orchestral colour merge into a world of profound emotional contrasts.”
Jochen Bauchart, Classykêo
FULL ARTICLE →
"A genuine poetic jewel."
Jochen Bauchart, Classykêo
SAGA TRILOGY
“The concerto bears the imprint of the Romantic tradition, in writing that embraces both modal language and evocative power.”
Gilles Charlassier, Classicagenda
“Music from another world.” “A true cosmic journey… a true cosmic saga!”
Bla Bla Blog
Selected Press
“Joseph Swensen entraîne ses troupes sur une voie dominée par les figures tutélaires de Furtwängler, Karajan ou Böhm.”
Erwan Gentric, Diapason October 2025
“Joseph Swensen leads his orchestra along a path guided by the towering musical legacies of Furtwängler, Karajan, and Böhm.”
Erwan Gentric, Diapason October 2025
“Swensen conducting with style, terrific elan, and more panache than you could pack into a stupefied grin, while the string section, in dazzling form, with endless brio and wit, delivered a thoroughly exhilarating and breathtakingly virtuosic performance of Britten’s Frank Bridge Variations.” Keith Bruce, Herald Scotland
Swensen was like a magician wielding his arms and cajoling the notes from his musicians" Seen and Heard International
“Illuminated by the subtle, shaded light of Swensen’s interpretation.” Erwan Gentric, Diapason
“To the conductor’s feline direction answered the roars and birdsong of the orchestra in a dazzling orchestral menagerie.” Philippe Venturini, Les Échos