"Armstrong and the orchestra were in glorious accord. Everything from richly blended strings to the spry and musing woodwind choir, the burnished French horns, blazing brasses and a pair of thundering timpanists combined in a singular performance. The orchestra sounded as fine as it ever has...With more performances like this one, the lights will shine in bright affirmation."

"In Kedrick Armstrong, the Oakland Symphony has found a musician who appears to be a perfect fit... Nielsen’s symphony was bursting with energy and drive as Armstrong led an unflagging performance that lifted the spirit."

"[Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5] was wrenching in its anguish but also punchy and mighty."

"A musical activist of the highest order and in the best sense." 

“Armstrong ends with a flourish, followed by a series of wide gestures in thanks to each section of the immense symphony behind him. The crowd stands in unison for the culmination of a striking debut, promising an exciting new era for the symphony.”