“Brenda’s writing is refreshing, intelligent, and inspired. Her vast knowledge of classic forms combined with her unique and colorful harmonies and rhythms help me transcend, as well as my congregation and audiences, to a loftier and more beautiful place here on earth.”
(Martin Ellis, organist/music director, Vancouver, WA)
"Always such a treat to hear Brenda Portman. I have to pick my jaw up off the floor after each piece!"
(Laurie Green-DiSabatino, friend & musician, Grand Blanc, MI)
"Brenda Portman performs this demanding program with polish, security, and esprit...she possesses solid technique and authoritative musicianship..."
(The American Organist, Nov. 2016)
"Portman delivers flawless performances throughout with plenty of flair, bringing to life Laurin's imaginative and demanding scores."
(Choir & Organ, Sept/Oct. 2016)
"Brenda Portman is an enthusiastic advocate of Laurin's music...all her performances reveal the quality of the music, the skilful writing and the myriad tone qualities available from this organ."
(Organists' Review, Sept. 2016)
"Portman plays this well-crafted music with conviction and supplies the virtuosity it often demands."
(American Record Guide, Sept. Oct. 2016)
"I've been listening to great organists play great organs for most of my life. My early memories include Virgil Fox and E. Power Biggs, who were featured on early television and popular recordings. When I heard and saw Brenda play, I knew I was in the presence of an extraordinary musician. She played within herself, with astonishing virtuosity and thrilling musicality. This lovely young mom is a rare find. I hope she understood when I dubbed her E. Power Portman."
(Larry Fillingham, Audience Member, Seattle)
“Brenda Portman’s recital in our AGO chapter recital series at Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati was a stunning combination of impeccable technique, remarkable warmth, and musical depth. Her powerful interpretations of Bach and Duruflé were equaled by her dazzling unpublished transcriptions of Brahms piano compositions into gorgeous organ works. A piece for pedals only left the audience breathless. This is a musician of the highest talent, musicianship, and creative energy. No one should miss an opportunity to hear her.”
(Robert Benson, Former Dean, Cincinnati Chapter, AGO)
“...a very gifted performer….a magnificent and brilliant interpretation….certainly one of the most talented musicians of her generation”
(Frédéric Blanc, concert organist, Paris, France)
"Brenda Portman is a major talent. She plays with a great sense of line and she has technique to burn!"
(Douglas Cleveland, University of Washington)
“That recital was the best hour of my life!”
(enthusiastic audience member, Cincinnati)
“knowledgeable in many styles and at home in all of them…one of the finest organists of this generation”
(Marilyn Mason, University of Michigan)
"Brenda Portman is a superb organist, both technically and musically. Her vast knowledge of all genres and periods of the organ literature result in satisfying performances."
(Margaret Kemper, past AGO president)
“memorable both for her firm technical command and her imaginative use of the organ's colors”
(Richard Webster, Trinity Church Boston)