“One of the piece’s unique features (Tidal Concerto, Edward Hart) is a prominent, rhythmically complex piano line. The Symphony of the Americas’ Vice-President Renee LaBonte (a formidable musician and experienced teacher) displayed limpid elegance in this important solo role.”
Arpeggione Chamber Orchestra “Musical Vintages”, recorded in Palast, Hohenems, Austria
-Lawrence Budmen, international music critic
“With effervescent keyboard continuo in the Vivaldi Concerto in D minor by Symphony of the Americas Vice-President and Executive Director Renee LaBonte, the entire performance was marked by clarity of texture and the rhythmic thrust that makes Baroque music dance.”
Remenyi Ede Chamber Orchestra of Hungary at Summerfest
-Lawrence Budmen, international music critic
In Alejandro Drago’s Mysteries of Buenos Aires, “the second movement pictures a child practicing at the piano, at first bored and struggling; then suddenly enlivened by a girl walking past his window …..Drago has conceived a series of beguiling waltz melodies, picturing both the child’s piano lessons and the populist entertainment of carousels and barrel organs. Renee LaBonte, the orchestra’s multitalented Executive Director played the prominent piano line with elegance and agility, mirroring the child’s ambivalence and naiveté.”
Symphony of the Americas, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
-Lawrence Budmen, international music critic
Drago’s languorous rendition of Invierno Porteno astutely combined sentimentality with Mozartean beauty. Drago’s bravura violin technique, easy synthesis of aristocratic café suaveness and fiery zest were terrific. With LaBonte’s own brand of incendiary keyboard fireworks, Brooks-Bruzzese and his Austrian ensemble brought Piazzolla’s dazzlingly original vignettes to vivid life.
Arpeggione Chamber Orchestra of Austria at Summerfest
-Lawrence Budmen, international music critic
“The Vivaldi Concerto Grosso in F Major, was strongly supported by the elegant keyboard continuo of Renee LaBonte……….the lively orchestral support in the Albinoni (including La Bonte’s wonderfully creative continuo line) made the music team with life”
Arpeggione Chamber Orchestra of Austria “Alpine Romanze” recorded in Palast, Hohenems, Austria
-Lawrence Budmen, international music critic