“It was a wonderful experience to have you in northeast Louisiana for your residency these past few days. The comments have been overwhelmingly positive and exciting. Every presenter has sent me messages, as chairperson of the RUPAR consortia for whom you performed, no matter what the venue or type of your performance. As a presenter, your willingness to “adapt” your program for the individual presenters was most refreshing, and thus the success of your performances at each location. Even though our “out-door” POPS Concert was rained-out, our attendees were most complimentary and most impressed and entertained by your evening’s program. Thank you so much for the “dance” music—that is one of the most important inclusion for our POPS. To be fortunate enough to be in the audience for your concert at the university was a great pleasure—you served the “Fazioli” Concert Grand in a grand style. Hearing comments from several of the piano instructors from the University, only re-enforced what I had already learned about your abilities and your professionalism. Again, may I say what a privilege it was to have been associated with you and your residency. I trust that the “southern hospitality” will entice you to return.”
NAOMI CORDILL
RUPAR CHAIRPERSON
EX. DIRECTOR OF THE PRINCESS THEATRE

“On May 6, 2004, Pianist Vladimir Zaitsev performed on stage in the Biedenharn Recital Hall on the campus of the University of Louisiana -Monroe, playing one of two Fazioli Concert Grand Pianos.
As a pianist and teacher of piano, I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the performance. And the rest of the audience responded as well. There was an immediate interaction with the audience as soon as Mr. Zaitsev walked out on stage… Several original arrangements were played, from Beetles songs, to Pop, and I wished they were published and available. There was also Gershwin and Confrey - something for every taste and preference. Mr. Zaitsev interspersed each selection with a great deal of humor, mostly at his own expense. The audience, never stand-offish, was "eating out of his hand" early on in the program - a feeling that didn't leave until each car pulled into it's own driveway.
I know, our students at the university who heard him were still "buzzing" about the concert the rest of the week, and like me, bought a CD immediately after the concert. It was a wonderful experience to hear such a fine pianist, not only for me, but all who were there. I hope there will be another opportunity soon to hear him again”.
CORALIE WHITE,
PIANO FACULTY,
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

“Your technique combined with your stories and your humor, even the way you guided the audience through a menu of music is masterful. So often in concerts you cannot read what the audience is thinking, but in your concert, the audience interacts, shows emotion, and yet remains so attentive. From the very beginning, you involve the audience on your musical journey from "Baroque to Beatles."
As the audience reacts with laughter, quiet, smiles, nods, etc. the ultimate compliment is made – moving with an artist through the works. Three standing ovations and the artist with arms outstretched in a humble bow brought the performance to a close with everyone wishing the end could be postponed.”
ELAINE SMITH
CURATOR OF EDUCATION
BIEDENHARN MUSEUM AND GARDENS,
MONROE, LA
MAY 11, 2004

“The performance was excellent. The variety of selections was well chosen, especially for a general audience. I can only wish that more of the pianists I booked during the nearly three decades I handled the university series had been so aware of the need to present the audience with such a balanced program. Mr. Zaitsev's playing is superior; I felt that the Chopin was especially well done, and I had not heard the Gottschalk played with such finesse. His charm and dialogue with the audience complemented his artistic ability for what was a very fine artistic experience. In spite of all of the talent we have in the Monroe area, it is vitally important that outstanding artists from the world of the performing arts be presented here as often as possible to remind listeners of the possibilities of the various arts”.
JERRY HOLMES,
FORMER ULM FACULTY MEMBER AND DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSIRY CONCERT SERIES.
MAY 11, 2004 MONROE, LA

“The Spring Concert of the Saint Joseph Orchestra with Vladimir Zaitsev was an overwhelming success!
It was a new experience for the fledgling, volunteer orchestra to endeavor to learn the scores needed to play with Vladimir, but his wonderful artistry and communication with the conductor and the players made the experience a very positive one. From the principal cellist’s viewpoint - "It was amazing to watch Vladimir’s fingers fly in a blur of musical perfection and totally thrilling to have the honor of accompanying him in his Gershwin tribute!" Vladimir’s entertaining wit and spontaneous responses to the audience along with the unbelievable quality of his musical performance provided everyone in attendance, musicians and patrons alike, a most memorable evening. Having a world class entertainer here at home was a spectacular treat for this rural Louisiana audience!! In my position as administrator for Saint Joseph Arts, people are always giving me their critiquing of our programs. . . everyone I have talked to since Vladimir’s performance has told me that this was the best program we have had yet since our beginnings in 1997. I would highly recommend Vladimir Zaitsev as a feature or stand-alone performer to any organization that would be interested”.
CECIL LINDA EVANS, ADMINISTRATOR
SAINT JOSEPH ARTS, INC.
ST. JOSEPH, LA
MAY 8TH, 2004

“Thanks for your involvement. In addition to your entertaining performance, I was impressed with your willingness to participate in projects that expose residents of underserved areas of the state to the arts.”
KEVIN GAUTREAUX,
PRODUCER LOUISIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING
MAY 26, 2004

“Dear Vladimir and Nadia, thank you both so very much for the splendid program you gave here at the Library last Sunday.your reputation preceded you, and we had an overflow crowd who enjoyed every minute of it… The easy transitions from classical to popular music, the pacing of the selections, the easy and charming addresses to the audience all contributed to a wonderful afternoon, but best of all was the artistry and musicality displayed by you both.”
FLORA T. HIGGINS, MONMOUTH COUNTY LIBRARY, MANALAPAN, NJ
FEBRUARY 25, 2004

“You are a piano virtuoso; your magnificent playing and precise technique are great testimony to your classical training. However, it is your clever and engaging personality that makes your program both sublime and entertaining at the same time… The audience was completely captivated by your refreshing charm and talent. Your witty, amusing anecdotes concerning composers and their music made this concert a unique standout and one the audience will long remember”
FRANCES ALTEMOSE, SACHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY, HOLLBROOK, NY
APRIL 24, 2002

“People have been seeking me to tell me that they enjoyed your program as much as I did. It was a special afternoon for all of us. On the business side, your professionalism makes you perfect to work with. It was a real treat to have Nadia join you and play for us also. She is charming and so talented - we all understood why you rotate positions on the bench! her playing enhanced our listening experience and our concert enjoyment.”
FRANCES ALTEMOSE, SACHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY, HOLLBROOK, NY
FEBRUARY 23, 2004

“I wanted to... tell you how much I appreciated your performance at our Grand Opening event... I was greatly concerned that we would have staffy, boring pianist attampting to entertain. From the moment I communicated with you regarding your arrival to Bentonville, till the time you left, I couldn’t have been more pleased and gratified that you were chosen to be our premier event at the Arend Arts Center. Any theater or performance venue would be very fortunate to have you on their calendar. Your enthusiasm, energy, and talents are able to sweep across a theater and envelop the audience with, which can only be described as, magic... seldom have I seen a concert pianist with so much charisma, personality, charm, and ability to identify with an audience. If you are ever whithin the area, please let us know, there are so many people from our area that would love to see and hear you again”
GARRY M. BRUCH, SR. MANAGING DIRECTOR, AREND ARTS CENTER
BENTONVILLE, AR
FEBRUARY 26, 2003

“Dear Vladimir, we have enjoyed your second performane at Club Shalom even more than the first - if this is possible! Our audience has become your loyal fans and they have told me as the club President to bring you back soon. Your lovely wife and partner, Nadia, added a touch of beauty as well as class to the program. Your duets were a musical delight. Your choice of classical music as well as ethnic and popular repertoire created the warm atmosphere that we all appreciated. thank you for a lively and memorable performance. “
MOSHE ROSEN, PRESIDENT, CLUB SHALOM OF HERITAGE HILLS, NY
MAY 30, 2002

"Your rendition at the Royal Poinciana Theater in Palm Beach February 11, 2002 was nothing short of sensational. The accolades from the audiences were unbelievable... hats off to you!"

PROGRAM CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF VARIETY OF THE PALM BEACHES, FL

“...you brought classical music down to a level that was not only understandable, but comfortable for the college audience. You break the stereotype of the "stuffy classicist" and make fine music fun. Thank you again. I look forward to seeing you perform in the future."
WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, MA

"Mr. Zaitsev proved to be a delight. I saw a charming, sensitive, warm and serious, yet humorous and personable individual... The concert proved to be highly successful with a Millersville University audience of over 500 faculty, students and Millersville community members. The audience gave Mr. Zaitsev a standing ovation at the end of his performance."
MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

"On behalf of the High Point College Student Union and the Cultural Affairs Committee I would like to thank you for a wonderful performance. I have heard nothing but high praise from most of the 400 people who attended your concert. Your mix of subtle Soviet humor and superb mastery of the piano left everyone talking. It was amazing to watch some 300 students sit through your one and a half hour performance and be totally caught up in your playing. It was obvious that they received a great deal from your program."
HIGH POINT COLLEGE, North Carolina