“Indeed a pleasure to present Serenade on its Carnegie Hall Alumni Winners Series! It was one of the most memorable presentations in Artists International’s 26 years!”
Leo Ruiz, Founder/Director Artists International
“Serenade communicated their love of ensemble music to a sold out audience with a wonderfully thought out and exquisitely performed program.”
Lawrence Del Casale, Director Aranjuez Concert Series at Carnegie Hall, NYC
"Gerry and Michelle presented a wonderfully eclectic program that was very engaging and informative. They both play with beautiful technique and musicality. I was particularly impressed that they altered the program at the last minute to play some repertoire that had a close connection to the space in which they were performing. A delightful concert experience all around."
Vincent Carr, Associate Organist at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart Newark, NJ
“The pieces are attractive in the hands of LaPorte and Saulter.”
“Saulter has a sensitive treatment of the rhythm and particularly good control of dynamics and tone - an excellent cantabile.”
“These are performances for repeated listening.”
American Record Guide, September/October 2018 (Siempre Vivo CD)
“A gentle South American journey…Here is a nice recording which you may well file under delightful.”
“The Aria from Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 is here played with smooth clarity of LaPorte’s flute and Saulter’s steady accompaniment.”
“Sometimes it is rewarding to appreciate a recording that takes you for a gentle ride rather than a white-knuckle one, and Siempre Vivo! is just that.”
Classical Guitar Magazine, Winter 2018
“Side by side with the Debussy Syrinx, the Ibert Entr’acte, the Satie Gymnopedies, and the Faure Berceuse, there are fascinating nuggets by Francis Kleynjans and Louis Moyse…Oooh-la-la!”
“…four delicious tidbits by Kleynjans (the arias especially) and the charming three-movement Moyse Cantos. The final allegro of the Moyse, in particular, shows what LaPorte can do.”
American Record Guide Review (Postcards from Paris CD)
“Beginning with Milhaud’s Corcovado...the scene is set for a Parisian adventure.”
Music Web International
"You make the World a better place by being so incredibly nice, playing such a wonderful music and inspiring all of us."
Philippe Bertaud, International Concert Guitarist
“Spring Serenade was the title of our fundraising concert for literacy, and the audience was absolutely delighted with the program performed and introduced by the Serenade Duo. The combination of flute and guitar, both superbly played, brought out the best qualities of music by Piazzolla, Merlin, Albeniz, Granados and others. The total effect was a true spring serenade, made all the more delightful by the friendly rapport that the artists established with the audience. The success of the event was very largely due to their warm and professional performance.”
David Bouchier, Music host/WSHU Public Radio
"I'd like to say again how much I appreciated the wonderful workshop you gave to the students here. The children loved it, and it's been wonderful for me to build on the knowledge you gave them."
Barbara Kelly, Music Teacher/International School of Paris
"The musical entertainment was sublime thanks to visiting musicians Michelle LaPorte and Gerry Saulter of the chamber ensemble Serenade Duo. And Serenade they did. What an afternoon; beautiful warm sunshine, food and friends, all surrounded by lovely flute and guitar music."
Ingrid Willis, President/Women’s Organization The American Church in Paris
“The award winning team of Michelle LaPorte flutist and Gerry Saulter guitarist, are known for their unique repertoire and awe-inspiring command of their respective instruments.”
Islip Arts Council
"You reached so many people over the course of 4 days and your concerts made this celebration of the Patron Saint of Music probably one of the best in the world!"
Richard Clark, Music Director St.Cecilia's Church, Boston
"I commend the fine work of Michelle LaPorte and Gerry Saulter, flutist and guitarist, who through their duo Serenade, continue to uphold and carry on the noble tradition of these wonderfully compatible instruments"...."I wish Serenade much continued success and well deserved support in their future endeavors."
Eliot Fisk, Concert Guitarist
"The CD is lovely and excellently recorded."
Dieter Hopf, Master Luthier
"...played the entire program with a sensitive and intimate rapport."
20th Century Guitar Magazine, Concert Review
"Not merely musical technicians, they are beautiful craftsmen...Their music is rich in color and texture, and is enhanced with their obvious joy of performance."
Bradlee Bing, Chairman/Brookhaven Arts Council
“Thank you for your wonderful music performance as Serenade Duo. Your engaging renditions on flute and guitar were absolutely beautiful. Your warmth connected with members of the audience instantly.”
Laura L. Weir, Great Neck Library Director
"Their playing is outstanding and they are of the highest quality both musically and professionally. Their commitment to their art is unsurpassed."
Ellen Michelmore, Musical Director/Theatre Three Productions
"...their music making is of the highest caliber."
Jerry Willard, Guitar Faculty & Artist in Residence/SUNY Stony Brook