WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

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News and events     Booking    About        What People are Saying
PhotoVideoMusic     CD      Printable flyer     Workshops
Medieval Ballads     Kalevala     Indian Mythology     Folktales     Collaboration SJSJ

"Highlight of the 2009-2010 Season
Johanna Hongell-Darsee, who was born in Finland, regaled an audience of children and their parents with riddles, ballads and a story from the Kalevala. An exquisite performer, she uses voice, song, harp, and Bharatnatyam dance to enhance her varied and beautiful program." (Diane Wolkstein for Scandinavian House, NY)

"Fabulous program! You couldn't hear a pin drop (over 80 ladies in attendance). Johanna's voice and Scott's music transported you to another time and place. We will happily recommend them to future events and look forward to seeing them again." (Four Hills Neighbors, Albuquerque, NM)

"… Johanna is a professional storyteller; we in our library like to expose children and adults to the very best and "Storytelling Theater with Live Music" is it. The music creates a special mood to hear and enjoy the tales." (Loma Colorado Library, Rio Rancho, NM)

"Wonderful program, encouraged just the right level of interaction. Music, riddle, movement and a really interesting story (certainly not the usual Grimms stock) made for a wonderful, family friendly performance! 5 stars! Great use of public funds."(Corrales International School, Albuquerque, NM)

"Absolutely outstanding! Scott and Johanna are incredible performers…" (Mesa View Middle School, Farmington, NM)

"I have seen Scott and Johanna perform in several places and I knew that their program would be wonderful to have at our library. Their style is unique and extremely polished, and the storytelling is suited to a wide audience - we had everyone from young children to senior citizens, and all were rapt. Several people gave Scott ans Johanna special thanks for the show (and thanks to the library and NMHC for sponsoring)." (Loma Colorado main Library, Rio Rancho, NM)

"Scott and Johanna gave us a delightful program. It was well organized, gracefully presented and informative. Our guests were charmed!" (Landon Young, Hotel St James, Cimarron, NM)

"The Hongell-Darsees give a wonderful presentation that both entertains and mesmerizes the crowd. Everyone enjoyed the show. This event is a welcome addition to our Summer Series for the Open Space Division. The Hongell-Darsees truly represent the quality and diversity of the New Mexico Humanities Council Programs" ... (William Pentler, Albuquerque Open Space Educational Coordinator)

"This show was totally mesmerizing. The presentation worked extremely well for our multiple age levels. The combination of music and storytelling is fantastic. The performers were friendly, personable and totally enjoyable. A great show!!" (Capitan Library, MN)"

"I have heard so many compliments on the program that you gave for AAUW on Wednesday night. It was a fascinating evening and I just wanted to thank you both again for sharing it with us." (Enid Tidwell, Santa Fe American Association of University Women)

"Your performances at the Scandinavian Festival were so wonderful. I've talked and talked about the quality and creativity and magical communication of what you do." (James Koenig, American-Scandinavian Foundation of Los Angeles)

"Thank you so much for your wonderful, magical performance. The kids and teachers enjoyed it tremendously. The second story was particularly appropriate as several classes have been working hard on a Native and Vegetable Garden." (Lisa Falk, Jewish Community Center Early Childhood, Tucson, AZ)

"... your performance was definitely he highlight! (UAB Arts Committee, University of Arizona)

"Scott and Johanna gave an excellent presentation at our Gallery! They had performed at our location once before to an appreciative audience, and were well-received again this time. Their music, dance and stories were well thought out and dramatized and the audience asked a lot of questions that brought the stories and their cultural origins more to life as Scott and Johanna explained how and why they chose their material. They brought something entertaining and educational to our rural area, and we will have them come back some time in the near future! (El Morro Area Arts Council)

"Lovely speaking voice, beautiful movement, she becomes the character. Guitarist adds tremendously to the whole performance. Use stories as examples, with humanities information incorporated" (New Mexico Humanities Council)

"Lovely body movement, intonation, Like the simple questions. Include references to history, other cultural traditions, how stories are related, passed along, connection to other stories" (New Mexico Humanities Council)

"Best live performance i have seen in 25 years of booking." (Tim Wadham, Maricopa Library System, Phoenix, AZ)

"We have had many compliments about your program; In fact, one family said this was the best one yet!" (Youth service Librarian Clive Library, IA)

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