“Principal clarinet Bharat Chandra is both resident philosopher and rock star with a following. The audience clearly loves him whether while delivering a charming stream-of-consciousness introduction or playing the clarinet like no other being on this earth. I mean that. He is an all-around exceptional artist ... brilliant technique, control of even the most minute musical nuance, and soulful musical instincts.”

“Chandra’s performance of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto literally ‘stopped the show’ in its outstanding display of virtuosity and musicality...In the long cadenza that joined the two movements, Chandra moved slowly about the stage, a contemplative and improvising Pied Piper, bringing all of us along with every note...At the end the audience leapt to their feet with bravos and applause.”

“Warm tone and flawless execution”

“Plenty of great contributions, but Bharat Chandra, stepping in as guest principal clarinet after the retirement of Yoshinori Nakao, was a standout. With bright tone, gorgeous liquid phrasing and acute sensitivity to the rest of the winds in the Smetana, he sounded as though he was a seasoned member of the ensemble.”

“An excellent clarinetist”

“The spectacularly gorgeous adagio was brought to life, particularly by the splendid playing of clarinetist Bharat Chandra who positively sang his solo, making it sound like the composer’s famous ‘Vocalise,’ milking the richness without ever pulling its long line out of shape. The aggregate result Sunday afternoon brought a spontaneous burst of applause from the audience, something that doesn’t often happen after a slow movement.”

“[Mozart’s] Clarinet Concerto turned out to be the standout performance of the afternoon, showcasing the prodigious talents of Bharat Chandra, principal clarinet for the orchestra. The delightful swoops and distinctive burbles of the clarinet danced lightly above the full orchestra in the Allegro before moving into an achingly lovely Adagio supported and echoed by the orchestra. In the third movement, Chandra returned to a more celebratory motif. The performance earned Chandra and the orchestra an instant standing ovation...”

“The provocative experience showcased remarkably assured, prismatic playing by clarinetist Bharat Chandra, whose teacher, Richard Stoltzman, was involved in the score’s first performance.”

“The concert continued after intermission with Bharat Chandra’s performance of Indian-American composer Reena Esmail’s Clarinet Concerto. Bharat’s performance was warm, soulful, and colorful, which perfectly augmented the intricate embellishments and meditative melodies that alluded to Indian classical music.”

“The musicians are excellent. The Lincoln Trio, along with clarinet soloist Bharat Chandra, convey the torment of this child and her family as their lives oscillate between hope and despair, leading up to their tragic end.”

“Bharat Chandra played Copland’s Clarinet Concerto in a way that was worthy of Charles Neidich, Richard Stoltzman, or just about any other front-rank solo clarinetist. Chandra’s superbly drawn out, intense phrasing was refreshing and his evocation of the Stravinsky-ish elements and perky jazz of the finale was excellent.”

“Mark Anthony’s Riffs and Refrains brought festival orchestra clarinetist Bharat Chandra front and center as soloist for the U.S. premiere of this two-movement mini-concerto. Chandra’s clear tone and clean technique graced the works jazzy, atonal phrases and lyrical gestures.”

“I was particularly taken with the Turnage and Adams works. Turnage’s concerto ‘Riffs and Refrains’ featured spectacular clarinet playing by Cabrillo principal Bharat Chandra”

“Chandra’s liquid phrasing is already a local legend...”

“Bharat Chandra, a brilliant New World clarinetist, made the tricky ‘Dante Dances’ seem child’s play and in ‘Phaedra’ found the ecstasy of line to match Jason Horowitz’s violin and Joshua Nemiths’s piano”