~ Armando Ghitalla, Principal Trumpet, Boston Symphony Orchestra

"The Fanfare Consort’s excellent new disc (The Intimate Sonate) should appeal to anyone with a taste for a mellow, lyrical, refined approach to this distinctive repertoire."  ~ James Reel, Fanfare Magazine, Sept/Oct. 2006 

For full text of review, click here. 

"I am a sucker for trumpet recordings . . . Thomas Freas’s The Intimate Sonate brought back many fond memories of my favorite trumpet records while providing thrills in the present tense." ~ Craig Zeichner, Early Music America  Magazine, Fall 2006

For full text of review, click here. 

"This anthology (The Intimate Sonate) is centered around works for clarino, the valveless baroque trumpet, and Thom Freas is clearly among its best performers—clearly the equal in technical facility and accuracy of intonation of Friendemann Immer, Crispian Steele-Perkins, and Gabriele Cassone . . . this would be an excellent introduction to the most subtle and melodious aspects of the baroque trumpet repertory." ~ Brewer, American Record Guide, January/February 2007

For full text of review, click here

For full text of review, click here

"At a Library of Congress concert, the conductorless period-instrument ensemble, Fanfare Consort, performed Vivaldi's popular "Gloria" with only one musician to a part: seven instrumentalists and four singers. Textures were wonderfully airy, instrumental colors piquant and balances between the instruments and voices judged to near perfection."

~ The Washington Post

"If you’re tired of the same old baroque concerto grossi, try these authentic duos for clarino and organ. The combination of attractive music, clever juxtaposition of composers, and surprisingly varied timbres from both instruments, gives the CD an appealing freshness."       ~ Robert Sherman, The New York Times

“Thom Freas combines a dark and full baroque trumpet sound with smooth, lyrical phrasing that brings to mind Armando Ghitalla . . . The strings and the harpsichord also tend towards the dark and mellow in their sound and approach, creating a unified ensemble with a gentle baroque style which is surprisingly relaxing to listen to.” 

~ Flora Newberry, Historic Brass Society Review

"I've heard many period ensembles, and the Fanfare Consort, led by baroque trumpeter Thomas Freas, sparkles with originality.  They're among the best original instrument bands, and let the music speak freshly to us across the centuries."   

~ Kate Remington, Music Director, WSHU Public Radio Group

"Fanfare Consort's appearance in the St. Stephen's Concert Series was a joy.  Their great spirit, quality, and skill led to an afternoon of wonderful music-making.  The group embraces a spirit of discovery, presenting pieces that have not been heard in centuries with great panache and vitality." ~ St. Stephen Church, Ridgefield , CT

". . . refined brilliance of the trumpet in Bach’s Cantata N°51, Jauchzet, Gott in allen Landen."

~ The Chestnut Hill Local, Philadelphia, PA

"Thomas Freas, founder of the Consort, performing on the Clarino in the bass aria, The Trumpet Shall Sound, executed difficult passages on this valveless instrument, producing the tone with only his lips in what must be called a virtuoso feat of technical excellence."   ~ The News-Times, Danbury, CT

"I am impressed with the authenticity and high level of performance of the Fanfare Consort. They are an important musical addition to our area."  ~ Kurt Anderson, General Manager, WMNR Fine Arts Radio                                                                              

"Wonderful full sound. Seven artists and instruments, wonderful musician personalities with great expression, in love with the music of the time and their instruments." ~ Port Chester, NY

"Fanfare Consort freshly unearths the splendors of the 16th and 17th centuries, from popular chestnuts to forgotten gems — always on authentic instruments. Director Thomas Freas, who studied with Armando Ghitalla (late principal trumpet of the Boston Symphony Orchestra), really shines on the difficult valveless baroque trumpet. When Fanfare Consort performs, you're transported back to the colorful great cathedrals and royal courts of Europe. Don't miss them!"

~ Peter Johnson, Music Host, Classical Public Radio Network

"It’s exciting to know we are hearing music just as people centuries ago did!" ~ Silver Springs, MD

~ Joyce Gardner, Board of Directors, Westchester AGO Chapter and

Adjunct Piano Professor, Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY

"The trumpet was delightful! I didn’t know it could have so many voices. One minute it sounded like an oboe and the next as lyrical as a human voice!" ~ NY, NY

". . . an amazing display of technical mastery over a difficult instrument as well as memorable musical sophistication."

~ The Chestnut Hill Local, Philadelphia, describing Thom Freas’ performance

of Telemann’s Suite in D major for Trumpet and Strings

"Very talented ensemble! Nice to hear period music performed on period instruments."   ~ Sauthderstown, RI

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