"5th symphony finalist wins applause"

Seth Williamson- Roanoke times

March 19, 1996

     "...Next was RSO Composer- in-Residence Margaret Brouwer's lovely tone poem "Remembrances for Orchestra."  This was Brouwer at her best: lyrical, accessible, powerful and deeply moving.  I have heard a number of Brouwer's works in several venues, and "Remembrances" made the best impression by a long shot.  If more contemporary composers would write like Brouwer in this vein, the uneasy armed truce between audiences and modern music would quickly come to an end.

     ...In the long second section there were numerous gorgeous solos for winds, including a ravishing line from solo oboe over timpani roll and pedal tones from the double basses.  There was also a lovely soliloquy for clarinet.  The mood alternated between gentle sorrow and striving affirmation.  "Remembrances" ended on a rinsing three-note figure and the piece was quickly awarded enthusiastic applause, bravos and a standing ovation."