THE CHRONICLE-HERALD

Sweet, warm SNS opener ends with energy of a tornado

Stephen Pederson, Arts Reporter Sept. 30, 2007

“But the Beethoven Seventh was one of the orchestra’s finest performances. There is a magic blend when the woodwind trio of Patricia Creighton (flute), Suzanne Lemieux (oboe) and Ivor Rothwell (bassoon) lead the section, their ensemble warmly filled by clarinet (John Rapson). They lock in to the very centre of pitch in a way that communicates itself to the entire orchestra. The result is an astonishingly beautiful warmth of sonority from the whole orchestra.”

THE CHRONICLE-HERALD

Violinist Hou works her magic with Symphony Nova Scotia

Stephen Pedersen, Arts Reporter; Sat. Oct 13, 2007

“The SNS musicians under Bernhard Gueller’s capable baton are no slouches either. Ivor Rothwell on bassoon, echoed warmly by Patricia Creighton on flute a note or two later, struck in with a powerfully expressive transition from the elaborate fireworks of the first movement to the poetic dreaminess of the second. “

THE CHRONICLE-HERALD

SNS masterfully re-creates Beethoven's 4th

Stephen Pedersen,Arts Reporter; October 20, 2004

“Flutist Patricia Creighton, (playing Nielsen Flute Concerto)virtuosic and sweet by  turns, created the musical version of a high-strung personality with a lyrical  soul teased beyond endurance by boisterous companions in the winds and strings. “

THE CHRONICLE-HERALD

Sweet, warm SNS opener ends with energy of a tornado

Stephen Pedersen, Arts Reporter; Sept. 30, 2007

“...principal flutist Patricia Creighton came out front to play the Mozart Concerto......Creighton approached it with a light, sweet sound, neatly executed ornaments, and original cadenzas...It is not usual anymore for soloists to write their own cadenzas...Creighton made the most of it, maintaining a classical focus while balancing tempi and transitions skillfully...she took off in the final rondo with a robust vivacity, an engaging liveliness and a virtuosic flair.”

THE CHRONICLE-HERALD

Erhu master Gao unbelievable in Far East journey with SNS

Stephen Pedersen, Arts Reporter; October 6, 2007

“They featured Chinese erhu virtuoso George Bao in Tan Dun’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon:  Concerto for erhu and chamber orchestra....Patricia Creighton, playing powerfully in the low register of the alto flute, contributed darkness and warmth and something of the mystique of ancient China....”

THE CHRONICLE-HERALD

Halifax debut solo recital at The Music Room

Stephen Pedersen, Arts Reporter, February 12, 2004

“As a musician Rokos is a thorough professional. The works on the program ranged from modestly modern to profoundly poetic, and she adapted her style as needed, playing with impressive musicality, especially in the Salzedo, Palmer, Liszt and Debussy.”

THE FREDERICTON DAILY GLEANER                                                January 19, 2002                                                                               

"Flutist blows crowd away...was a joy to listen to..."

THE CHRONICLE HERALD                                                         October 29, 2001                                                                                      

"Bach's Second Suite is a flute concerto. The writing calls for agile fingers, a clear sound and driving energy. Flutist Patricia Creighton, SNS's first chair, had it all in her brilliant playing of the solo part."

LePHARE DE LA POINT, Churchfield, NS           May 2, 1991

                                                                "...absolutely dazzling, with an unfailing virtuosity...a very gifted artist, projecting all the nuances of musical expression and sonority..."

PATRICIA CREIGHTON

KAREN ROKOS

THE XAVERIAN WEEKLY  March 25, 2010

Rokos and Creighton deliver stunning performance

by Laura Greenwood March 25, 2010 1:00 PM

Saturday night at the Antigonish Performing Arts Series started off well with a breathtaking performance from harpist Karen Rokos and flutist Patricia Creighton. With a selection of classical and modern pieces, these world-renowned musicians left the audience with a musical experience unlike any other.

An opening performance of variations of the traditional Greensleeves set spectators up for a night of soothing melodies. After several lush movements from famous composers, we had the privilege of listening to each musician perform solo.

Creighton chose a modern piece that was written to describe a scene in a book. She was able to produce sounds on her flute that I had never heard before, although she made it look effortless.

Rokos, on the other hand, chose a beautiful song by a composer whom she described as “different” from the others.

The seven tuning pedals (all with three tuning options) were maneuvered with ease as she played; something so complicated seemed second nature to her. For those who don’t know what the foot pedals are for, each one is equipped with three settings, each changing the tightness of the string to change the note from either flat, sharp or natural.

The duo ended the night with two tangos and a habanera that was arranged by Rokos.  Musical genius was apparent as they performed together, feeding off one another and each making the other shine. Flute and harp are a classic pair, and these two musicians brought out the best of these instruments.