The CCOHK has developed into a versatile chamber ensemble whose repertoire covers all fields. The CCOHK members applied themselves with diligence and concentration – something that cannot be said about their counter parts at the Hong Kong Philharmonic. I was particularly impressed by Leanne Nicholl’s solo playing in Astor Piazzolla’s famous piece, Oblivion. A believe “small is beautiful”, especially in the case of a 20-member chamber group who have been working very hard to achieve excellence”
Leo Ou-fan, The Map (March 2010)

The performers responded with playing that was beautifully atmospheric. Piazzolla’s Tangazo is a gripping tango-inspired work. This performance gave it full voice, colours and moods were well matched and featured some wonderful horn playing by Joe Kirtley and Jon Chromik.
South China Morning Post (October 2009)

Michala Petri the much-lauded Danish recorder player, showed an enthralled packed City Hall what a diverse and spectacular solo instrument the recorder can be, as she took centre stage in a wonderful, florid, and joyous celebration of City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong’s first decade. Petri’s lines drifted along, both bird- and dream-like, always supremely in control of the breathless, continuous semiquaver and canyon-esque leaps. The highlight of the evening came after the interval however, with the world premiere of Richard Harvey’s Concerto Incantato, a work written specifically for this concert and for Michala Petri and five of her recorders, ranging from the deeper, rounder tenor, to the twinkling sopranino. The lengthy, five movement work, draws heavily on his background in cinematic music, particularly fantasy and sci-fi soundtracks, oozing walls of warm string harmony and a distinct story-telling quality – a highly consumable work commandingly performed. Overall, the concert was a fine tribute to the CCOHK’s first decade – a testament to what they have built over their first years, and a more than promising start to the next.
Time Out (Hong Kong) (October 2009)

The CCOHK gave their 10th anniversary season opening concert on 11 October 2009. I was both amazed and delighted by the concert and was also moved by the performance. The chief conductor, Jean Thorel, is a passionate musician from France. In his performance he strived for perfection without exaggerating. He was instrumental in leading the orchestra to give a fine, delicate and uplifting performance. In terms of technique and musicality, the CCOHK is of international standard. The climax of the concert was in the second half of the concert, which included the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by Richard Harvey, Concerto Incantato for Recorder and Astor Piazzolla's Tangazo. Harvey’s work had very much a movie feel to it. The Hong Kong audience does not always have the chance to enjoy music like Concerto Incantato for Recorder, more especially its world premiere. The audience enthusiastically applauded the phenomenal performance given by Danish recorder player, Michala Petri. The concert ended in a joyful and happy mood.
Express Weekly (Clarence Hui, Hong Kong) (October 2009)

It is to Leanne Nicholls’ credit that the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, of which she is the founder and the artistic director and principal oboist, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary at a concert next Sunday. The event bears all the hallmarks of her initial vision: to have about 30 accomplished players deliver imaginative programmes to persuade audiences that there’s life beyond the standard classics.
South China Morning Post (October 2009)

A slick and highly enjoyable presentation.
South China Morning Post (July 2009)

Since the appointment of French conductor Jean Thorel as its chief conductor in September last year, the CCOHK’s performances have been refreshing and have scaled new heights. Led by Thorel, the orchestra performed well in the “Queen of Harps” concert in September last year, the “Celestial Voice” concert in January this year and the “Li Ang Plays Chopin” concert in February, winning acclaim from audience members and music critics alike.
Tai Kung Pao (March 2009)

One of the more interesting developments on the orchestral scene this year was the appointment of Jean Thorel as chief conductor of the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, the first time the ensemble has taken on such a commitment. Early signs were encouraging with Thorel getting the best from both the music and the players.
South China Morning Post (December 2008)

The market for classical music in Hong Kong has never been big, not to mention the small portion occupied by elegant, exquisite chamber music. The CCOHK has managed to survive for nearly ten years by filling this niche in Hong Kong. This is no small feat: it calls for a combination of passion, dedication, perseverance and quest for excellence towards the art of music.
Jonathan Ho, critic (April 2008)

The orchestra produced some ravishing sounds.
South China Morning Post, (January 2008)

Another concert worth attending was the one entitled “Spirit of Two Strings” presented by the CCOHK on 30 November at the Sha Tin Town Hall. “Two Strings” referred to the erhu player Hsin Hsiao-hung and violinist Ho Hong-ying. The former is a principal of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the latter that of the CCOHK. These two superb musicians were the soloists featured in the double concerto. They complemented each other perfectly. Hsin’s technique was stunning, her playing effortless. She could even produce double notes and overtones. Erhu has only two strings but Ms Hsin played them using various fingerings and managed to bring off nearly all the “tricks” that are possible on the four strings of a violin. At the end of the concert CCOHK’s principal cellist Artem Konstantinov played an encore for solo cello. This young cellist played naturally and with ease, and his performance was comparable to that of Yo-yo Ma.
Ming Pao (December 2007)

Mao Yuan's score uses the limited resources imaginatively and the orchestra handled changes in texture and lead lines with tightness and clarity. Tan's score drew the best from everyone. Orchestral colour and a charged atmosphere supported Hsin's highly eloquent playing - her cadenza and the duet with Mo Chun-pang on hand drum were splendid.
South China Morning Post, (January 2008)

The orchestra played their heart out too, and all jammed with contrapuntal brilliance, fine tone-blending and rhythmic excitement. Even when without the star soloists, as in the opener Tangazo, the rollicking strings and finely phrased wind solos contributed to the concert’s immense enjoyment value.
South China Morning Post, (January 2007)

The CCOHK played to a packed house at the afternoon performance of this children’s Christmas concert (The Snowman & The Bear), during which many adults were quite clearly enjoying a second childhood. The orchestra’s excellent playing was directed by Richard Honner.
South China Morning Post, (December 2006)

The CCOHK’s performance was not only professional and focused but delivered from the heart. The orchestra’s technique, tone and ensembleship was first-rate. A most enjoyable and admirable performance! The energy and leadership of Leanne Nicholls deserves special commendation.
Chan Kwan-yun, Rupert, Hong Kong Economic Journal (November 2006)

Although the pieces in this concert were mostly lightweight ones, they were extremely enjoyable. The principal cellist Artem Konstantinov had a short solo passage to play, and his performance was excellent. At the end of the concert the principal oboist Leanne Nicholls gave a very moving performance of “Gabriel’s Oboe” from the film “The Mission”.
Tina Fu, RTHK Radio 4 Review, Cultural Vibes (June 2006)

The tone colour, balance and unanimity were of the highest standard.
Hong Kong Economic Journal (March 2006)

There was one fabulous concert that was not a part of the Arts Festival - that being the fabulous performance given by the British baritone Sir Thomas Allen and the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong.
Ming Pao (March 2006)

The performance was excellent. The concert featured many fascinating works, in particular “Cantus Arcticus” by the renowned contemporary Finnish composer Rautavaara. In fact the performance given that night was the Hong Kong premiere of the work – a most memorable occasion.
Pi Magazine (December 2004)

The concert included Respighi’s The Birds which benefited from limpid playing from the woodwind and horn principals as well as zestful violins.
South China Morning Post (November 2004)

The soloists and the orchestra launched into the final movement and played it magnificently from beginning to end. The short passages played by the French horn and oboe were also superb.
Tina Fu, International Association of Theatre Critics (October 2004)

The CCOHK’s performances are always professional and the players are committed and immersed in the music. The orchestra’s programmes are also especially well designed.
Tai Kung Pao (October 2004)

The small and professional-level City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong is known for its quirky classical concerts, with as much emphasis placed on the staging as on the music.
South China Morning Post (December 2003)

The CCOHK's performance was vivid and lively. The orchestra used various instruments to produce special sound effects, taking the audience into the world of fairy tales.
Chan Wai-yee, International Association of Theatre Critics (December 2003)

It was evident that the players enjoyed the music-making. The programme notes written by Leanne Nicholls, the Artistic Director of the CCOHK brimmed with interest and were more meaningful than some of the monotonous articles one encounters in other house programmes.
Vincent Mak, Tai Kung Pao (September 2003)

The performance of the CCOHK was quite splendid.
Tai Kung Pao (February 2003)

The CCOHK led by Ho Hong-ying deserves special praise. The orchestra was truly outstanding. The players displayed fine musicianship in a programme ranging from baroque concertos to Chinese compositions. Leanne Nicholls, the founding director of the orchestra should be congratulated.
Rupert Chan, Hong Kong Economic Journal (December 2002)

The innovative programming of the CCOHK has become a talking point ... beg, borrow or steal a ticket.
South China Morning Post (December 2002)

The CCOHK is making great strides. The tone colour of the orchestra is beautiful, dynamic and musical. No matter what repertoire is being presented the players perform with spirit and expression.
Hong Kong Economic Journal (July 2002)

The CCOHK is an invaluable orchestra. It performs relatively “alternative” repertoire in classical music e.g. lesser known works by famous composers, or pieces written for rare instruments in classical music (e.g. recorder). The market for classical concerts in Hong Kong is not big and many music lovers only listen to famous mainstream works. This makes CCOHK’s choice of such an adventurous path all the more admirable.
Vincent Mak, AudioLand (June 2002)

It may be a small ensemble but the CCOHK is big on sound and virtuosity. Made up of professional musicians with a taste for intimate concerts, the CCOHK has carved its niche in our own cultural scene with a diverse repertoire.
South China Morning Post (November 2001)

The CCOHK’s members are professionally trained musicians who maintain very high standards in every performance. In particular, Suk’s “Serenade for Strings” was a marvelous combination of playfulness, elegance, meditation and passion.
Chow Fan-fu, Wen Wei Po (November 2001)

The quality and colour of the orchestral sound produced was balanced and sumptuous. Although the CCOHK has only been established for eighteen months, their performance is truly remarkable. Hong Kong needs such a vibrant chamber orchestra.
Audio Technique (May 2001)

The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong is known for its innovative, off-beat approach to classical music programming.
IMAIL (March 2001)

I was delighted by the extremely high professional standard of the CCOHK under the baton of Kian Pin Hiu. Grieg’s Holberg Suite, which opened the concert, displayed the superb expressiveness of the strings, whilst the concluding piece, Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 1 featured the dazzling colour of the winds. Music lovers who missed this concert not only missed Ms. Petri’s wonderful recorder playing, but also the chance to hear a chamber orchestra of a very high standard.
Chow Fan-fu, Wen Wei Po (December 2000)

The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong’s tango concert lashes out from the idea that classical music is boring.
Hong Kong Magazine (June 2000)

The encore epitomized the spirit of the orchestra: a willingness to experiment, to explore and, above all, to have fun in the process.
South China Morning Post (December 1999)

With such innovative programming and such fine musicianship, this orchestra deserves our strongest support.
South China Morning Post (September 1999)

This orchestra’s establishment is most welcome.
Hong Kong Standard (September 1999)