Press
Dutch cellist Lidy Blijdorp has received wide critical acclaim for the expressive depth and narrative power of her performances. Her recordings and concerts have been praised by international critics in leading publications such as BBC Music Magazine, de Volkskrant, and NRC Handelsblad. Reviewers frequently highlight her ‘exceptional lyricism’, ‘compelling storytelling’, and the intensity of her musical voice.
Blijdorp’s recordings have been recognised with major distinctions, including a five-star review in BBC Music Magazine and the Edison Klassiek Award. Critics also note the close artistic partnership with pianist Tobias Borsboom, with whom she regularly performs and records.
Below is a selection of press quotes about Lidy Blijdorp and her recordings.
BBC Music Magazine ★★★★★
26 Feb 2026
'Technically fearless, tonally radiant and emotionally forthright… a powerful, totally engaging performance, played as if forged from a single musical mind.'
(about Parisian Sonatas)
De Gelderlander ★★★★★
Feb 2026 ‘A duo that has a story to tell.’ ‘Remarkably lyrical.’ ‘Exemplary ensemble playing.’ ‘Emotional climaxes are communicated with passion, while quieter passages remain remarkably lyrical.’ ‘Compelling moments.’ (about Parisian Sonatas)
Positive Feedback
Feb 2026 'Blijdorp and Borsboom make a formidable duo: fearless, intelligent and emotionally generous, playing as if forged from a single musical mind. This is a powerful and deeply compelling album — a true treasure.' (about Parisian Sonatas)
About cd with Pascal Rogé
Feb 2026 'Blijdorp and Rogé deliver a mature, sensitive reading… expressive and dexterous playing.' Blogcritics.com8 Feb 2026 'Fabelachtig mooi gespeeld' ('Stunningly beautiful playing')Diskotabel
Review de Volkskrant ★★★★☆
Mar 2026 ' a compelling programme of French repertoire.' 'Debussy is described as ‘brilliant’, Boulanger ‘very beautiful’, and Franck ‘beautiful’. The duo ‘draws the maximum from Vermeulen’, with Blijdorp’s playing described as ‘fantasque’ – vivid, playful and strikingly expressive.
Opus Klassiek
Jan 2026 'These performances sound as if both musicians are driven by a shared artistic mission: nothing feels incidental, every phrase shaped with inner logic and conviction. This is not merely playing, but a compelling joint search for the deeper meaning of the music.'
Review Schiermonnikoog
Oct 2025 'Lidy Blijdorp, a guarantee for sensational playing.' In George Crumb’s Vox balaenae she lets her cello ‘lament softly like a whale in echoing loops’, creating a mesmerising moment within a festival known for its intense musical experiences.
Elgar with Zeeuws Orchestra
Nov 2024'Lidy Blijdorp’s performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto was deeply personal, bold, and captivating, with unique phrasing, delicate silences, and fresh interpretation—emotionally charged, profoundly intriguing, and truly unforgettable.'
BBC Music Magazine★★★★☆
'An illuminating pairing of composers as Dutch cellist Blijdorp and various duet players play a selection of their chamber works. Commendable virtuoso playing in the solo parts.'
Interview Gijs Groenteman
Interview after Lidy received two Edison awards for her cd 'Journeyers'. 'Laat het los, dan komt het naar je toe'
Interview about debut-cd
'Takes you to a colourful land of dreams.'
Review de Volkskrant ★★★★☆
‘Play Lidy Blijdorp's debut album and be perplexed’. ‘The world behind the notes, you had to rub it out of Aladin’s lamp. Blijdorp succeeds with flying colors for that tour de force.’ ‘From a hazy dream to a fierce attack: Blijdorp can do anything.’
Recital with Maria João Pires
'La holandesa estuvo convincente en la inicial 'Sonata para violonchelo nº. 3', confiada en la tupida red de seguridad que tejen las diminutas manos de la pianista lisboeta.'
Interview St-Petersburg
'The manner of her playing shows respect for the tradition and at the same time is a special blend of emotional power and quivering finesse.' (English translation included)
Review Debut CD
Blijdorp’s strength lies in her warm and tonally generous sound, which elicits immense depth and resonance from the works, while always clearly and analytically emphasizing the structure of the works.
Review concert Debussy
'The subtle softness of Debussy's sound colourings reveals a miraculous power in short staccato notes and firm twists. The music with its many shades flourishes between these two musicians' (Lidy Blijdorp and Julien Brocal).
Review Debut CD
'In the Habanera, Blijdorp pushes the limits of musical excitement' .... Kodály: 'She knows how to evoke a deep sense of loneliness and despair'
Interview ND
'Lidy with a cello is a storyteller, she relentlessly drags you through compelling musical stories. Lidy without a cello is always like searching for words, hesitating, then suddenly certain again, ...'
Cultuurpers: 'Legendary cello'
Anner Bijlsma teaching Lidy Blijdorp: 'Play it like a bear wearing socks'
Bouffes du Nord, Paris
'...magistrale, toute en rythme et en lumière : vive, clinquante et colorée sur un violoncelle fulgurant de charme et de finesse'
Diskotabel
It is so beautifully, so sincerely, real music ...