"During the ebb and flow of energy and sublimity, Lees never allowed his ensemble – or his audience – to drift into doldrums, deftly insinuating the strains of the Shaker tune, "Simple Gifts," into the shifting panorama."

"In introducing [Mendelssohn Sinfonia No. 7], Conductor Christopher James Lees said 'we love this piece.' Their performance made this clear."

"Christopher James Lees, winner of the Aspen Conducting Prize...led the ensemble and got the tight rhythmic interjections to fit cleanly with the piano throughout..."

"[Jessie Montgomery's 'Starburst' was] cued by Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees with an effervescent vitality that augured well for the rest of the concert."

"Maestro Lees conducted with knowledge of [Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony] that reminded me of watching Bernstein conduct Mahler: he knew every corner and turn and approached each with an incredible amount of musicianship."

"Very genial, very precise about what he wanted, always couched in terms the musicians could accommodate...Lees' live performances must be very thrilling."

"His conducting, of both the orchestral works and the accompaniment of the singers, was precise, nuanced, and effective."

"Collectively, the pieces selected by Mr. Lees attacked me, beckoned me, mesmerized me, connected me to an imagined past, nuzzled me, astonished me, and drove me to tap my feet."