'Most impressive of all was the vivid conducting of another rising young talent, Toby Purser.'

David Mellor, Mail on Sunday, 12.6.11

'...conductor Toby Purser, whose keen understanding of Verdi’s score is demonstrated in every single bar.'

George Hall, Opera, 4.6.11

'Such is the musical energy under the baton of young Toby Purser, that this Rigoletto makes its own distinctive mark.'

Hilary Finch, The Times, 7.6.11

'The ensembles are well-balanced, the English Chamber Orchestra's performance under Toby Purser as vivid and precise as its Wagner was not. Purser can colour a moment without losing propulsion or line.'

Anna Picard, Independent 19.6.11

'...cast, excellent chorus and English Chamber Orchestra were incisively conducted by Toby Purser.'

Fiona Maddocks, Observer, 12.6.11

'Musically, excellent conductor Toby Purser keeps the score neat, clean, and transparent: there’s none of the lush, self-indulgent wallowing that sometimes overcooks Verdi performances. I’ve never heard the English Chamber Orchestra play better — the poignant woodwind writing, in particular, shines through.'

Giles Woodforde, The Oxford Times, 15.6.11

'The English Chamber Orchestra were conducted by Toby Purser, who made a good impression. Purser kept tempi brisk and flowing, got the rhythms and accents into the music in all the right places, and kept the balance between stage and pit well-judged at all times: he was considerate to his singers, and they followed his beat well.'

Mike Reynolds, Musicalcriticism.com, 15.6.11