“After the deftly orchestrated slow introduction, the instruments of the string quartet enter one at a time with frenetic flourishes that shoot up the scale, which sets the restless first section in motion. In the slow central episode, Mr. Itoh shows an ear for writing thick, pungent chords bursting with notes. In its impressionistic colorings, the bracing concluding section sounds like updated Ravel, but in a brashly youthful and fresh way. ”

Anthony Tommasini

The New York Times, 5/23/2006

(complete review)

Takuma Itoh Piece Enlivens Symphony

“Itoh... showed he can write a score that excites an audience. At the end, many subscribers rose to their feet to deliver a standing ovation to the composer. From a pulsing opening, Itoh's shimmering score expands into an affecting slow section before exploding into a vibrant finale. Director Milanov guided the orchestra through a vivid performance that roused the audience.”

Robert Baxter

Courier-Post, 3/14/2007

“His Concerto for Orchestra finds its sense of progression...with pools of color that morph from one appearance to another....Not often does one encourage a composer to expand.”

David Patrick Stearns,

Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/14/2007

“Takuma Itoh's West Coast premiere of his Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra was beautifully rendered by St. Lawrence Quartet and the Stanford Philharmonic under Jindong Cai.”

Mort Levine

San Jose Mercury News, 2/17/2010

(complete review)

“On the program I attended, they performed Echolocation by Takuma Itoh and Chasing Silence by Roger Petersen. Both of these intriguing and beautiful pieces were composed for H2 Quartet and were flawlessly performed. The opening to the Itoh was a stunning section of short echoes reverberating around the quartet. ”

Susan Fancher

Saxophone Journal, Nov./Dec. 2009