Reviews

"Lees led the orchestra with great expertise, as if his career contained nothing but the unique challenges this performance presents."

"It appeared the CSO's 'Celebrate America' was not just a long-overdue party. Rather, it was like an Irish wake: an opportunity to mourn as well as to celebrate, to question our identity as Americans and to recommit ourselves to an ideal that has yet to be realized."

"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"

"[Christopher James] Lees, for his part, kept close watch on the soloist (Simone Porter) and ensured that the orchestra and violinist performed with a unified vision."

"...Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees was called into action, acquitting himself quite brilliantly."

A newsworthy profile of the CSO's pandemic inspired musical activities during the 2020-2021 season

"[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."

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

The Charlotte Symphony "On Demand" demonstrates the persistence and resilience of the arts and artists and the organization's commitment to its musicians, as well as its listening community.

"Lees certainly brought all the percussive razor sharpness you could want on [Mussorgsky's] Bald Mountain, and the brass were excellent, with full-bodied trombones rocking the house."

"Conductor Christopher James Lees kept every instrument together, from saxophone to drums to viola, for a supportive balance."

"Conductor Christopher James Lees...was emboldened to offer us more than a strict Haydn-Mozart diet."

"Meet Charlote Symphony's New Resident Conductor: An 'Evangelist' for the Art Form"

"Although short, his tenure at UNCSA was inspiring to the students he directed and taught, as well as the audiences, including yours truly!"

"Music Director Christopher James Lees conducted the entire concert with a firm and buoyant hand, while the student ensemble rose brilliantly to the challenge of the complex Russian score."

"Under the baton of Christopher James Lees – and under the Belk stage – the Charlotte Symphony filled the hall rather nicely."

"Lees and the VSO delivered it with real joy."

"...Maestro Lees surprised me by moving the work along to a clear climax (with viola and cello exclamations) in a manner I have not ever heard. The intensity of that climax clearly justified the slow recapitulation of the introductory material as I had never heard it before. Bravo Maestro!"

"Christopher James Lees is also new to the show, conducting the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. He led the first act with vigor and without haste, supporting dancers buoyantly."

"[Christopher James Lees] also loves breaking down barriers. If anyone thinks there’s a dividing line between a cold beer and classical music, Lees looks forward to blurring that line at On Tap."