"The SOAP was an incredible opportunity for me, a great musical experience!  I liked the masterclasses, the teachers, and the repertoire we played.  Also the general atmosphere was the best I ever experienced in music camps.  After three years of auditioning and playing in different orchestras of the world, I wanted to THANK YOU for your help of preparing me for these difficult moments of my life.  At present, I am playing Principal Viola in my home town in Romania, and I am enthusiastically encouraging every musician to go and experience the musical training in Powell River. You won't regret it!"
Boroka Barabas (SOAP-2004)

"I had an incredible time working along with the International Faculty. There couldn't be a better location than Powell River."
Student (Percussion) USA

"Alex Klein's phenomenal understanding of music and the oboe, plus his eagerness and ability to relate this knowledge to us was truly amazing."
Student (Oboe) USA

"SOAP gave us tools for orchestral and solo playing that no amount of schooling elsewhere is able to provide. It was real 'hands on' experience"
Student (Harp) Canada

"I loved the repertoire. It was really challenging as all the pieces, especially in Concert No. 1, were of a high difficulty level."
Student (Violin) Poland

"The repertoire and orchestra were excellent. I will take all of this with me!"
Student (Violin) Germany

[SOAP 2004] was such a wonderful musical experience for me! Please keep up the wonderful work of offering such an incredible experience for young musicians!
Student (Bassoon) USA

Incredible faculty and the fact that everyone was so willing to share information — students and faculty alike.
Student (Woodwind) United Kingdom

…thank you and everyone there in SOAP… for giving me such a great two weeks there. It was amazing! I really want to go again!
Student (Double Bass) China

…very useful and informative private lessons and excellent master classes.
Student (Violin) Canada

I would really like to return to SOAP again this summer as I had such a blast last summer.
Student (Horn) USA

…the orchestral repertoire was awesome! [Also,] I really enjoyed playing in the Percussion Chamber Ensemble and the enthusiasm of the musicians.
Student(Percussion) Belgium

I had a very good time [in Powell River] and met great people! Playing in the orchestra was fun; there was great food; a nice organisation and nice people. Thanks.
Student, Netherlands

SOAP has been a dazzling experience… you are doing a fantastic job there and I have no doubt the second SOAP will be as great as the first one!
Alexander Kalashkov (Faculty)
Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra (Moscow), Concertmaster

I sincerely look forward to working with you, Don and the other dedicated staff at SOAP for another great 2 weeks. Bravo to you for organizing such a wonderful Festival!!
Gordon Cherry (Faculty)
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Principal Trombone

SOAP is a very precious memory that I hold in my heart. Your organization was so wonderful… ALL of you… and it is always the people who really make something memorable or not. Congratulations to all of you, and if there is ever anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Rita Costanzi (Faculty)
CBC Radio Orchestra, Principal Harpist

I look forward so much to coming back to SOAP!!!
Katinka Kleijn (Faculty)
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cello

I really enjoyed teaching and playing! The students were wonderful to work with, and it was very stimulating for me to get to knows such a diverse faculty.
Joan Blackman (Faculty)
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Associate Concertmaster

‘SOAP’ was truly one of the greatest experiences of my professional life. I found it to be brilliant in its concept and execution. The students were wonderful as were the faculty and staff.
Keith MacLeod (Faculty)
Victoria Symphony Orchestra, Principal Clarinet