“…played passiontely by Ariel Barnes…”

      BBC Music Magazine

“The sold-out house on Tuesday was one of the quieter and certainly more attentive audiences I’ve encountered in recent months…Britten’s demands on his instrumentalist are considerable, but always well thought out and idiomatic. Writing for a performer of Rostropovich’s stature inspired Britten to create music of commensurate status. Barnes negotiated the virtuoso detail with considerable aplomb. He has a big sound—when he needs it—and an extensive palette of attractive string colours. His assimilation of Britten’s often enigmatic style was mature; there was no sense of effects for the sake of effects, no untoward theatrics or cuteness. His readings were bold and thoughtful and his spoken introductions on target. In all, an evening of serious music-making given additional lustre by a fresh and creative presentation.”

      The Vancouver Sun

“Cellist Ariel Barnes, gave the night’s most mesmerizing musical experience… The epic nature of this composition was expressed ideally by Ariel’s dazzling technique and personal connection.”

      The Live Music Report, Toronto, Ontario

“…the ability to reach deep into his listeners’ souls…”

      Music On Main

“Rising star cellist Ariel Barnes…”

      Alex Varty, The Georgia Straight

“Thought provoking…sheds new light on this work by drawing out expressive elements only hinted at in harpsichord or modern piano performance.”

      Strad Magazine 

“A great connection with the audience. A deeply spiritual cellist.”

      Marcelle Dubé, Concert Presenter, Edmundston, N.B.

“Cellist Ariel Barnes was on his own for two works by his father, the late Milton Barnes: the Lamentations of Jeremiah and La Rosa Variations.  He proved an impressive addition to the program; his luscious tone and technical prowess marks him as a musician of real stature.”

      The Vancouver Sun  

“A surprising standout on the program was Gnatalli’s Sonata, which saw Bolshoy joined by cellist Ariel Barnes, also of the Borealis String Quartet. The combination worked outstandingly. Barnes was able to exploit the differences and similarities between the two instruments for sonic delight.”

      KW Gazette

“[...] a musical evening that strays off the beaten path and is peppered with pleasant surprises, performances that can be characterized as… new wave.”

      L’Acadie Nouvelle  

“Its appeal was eclipsed when the guitarist was joined by Borealis cellist Ariel Barnes for Radames Gnattali’s Sonata for cello and guitar, a mix of Brazilian folk and classical themes.  Barnes’ yearning tones decorated an amiable Adagio and freewheeling finale.”

      Toronto Star 

“Barnes fit perfectly with the choir, as did his two solos by Milton Barnes, of which I especially liked the Zoltán Kodály–like Lamentations of Jeremiah.”

      The Georgia Straight (Lloyd Dyck)