press and reviews
‘Immense musicality, intensely committed.
– Positive Feedback, USA
Lidy Blijdorp’s playing has been praised for its expressive depth,
narrative force and striking range of colour. Her recordings and concerts have received international attention in publications including BBC Music Magazine, Gramophone, de Volkskrant, NRC Handelsblad and Positive Feedback. Below is a selection of reviews, interviews and press quotes.
press and reviews
‘Immense
musicality,
intensely
committed.'
– Positive Feedback, USA
Lidy Blijdorp’s playing has been praised for its expressive depth,
narrative force and striking range of colour. Her recordings and concerts have received international attention in publications including BBC Music Magazine, Gramophone, de Volkskrant, NRC Handelsblad and Positive Feedback. Below is a selection of reviews, interviews and press quotes.
BBC Music Magazine ★★★★★
Chamber Choice of March 2026
'Technically fearless, tonally radiant and emotionally forthright… a powerful, totally engaging performance, played as if forged from a single musical mind.' (on Parisian Sonatas)
Gramophone review
May 2026
'Her sound is genuinely distinctive: a tonal graininess; a fleetly supple, buoyant technical ease ... A fascinating album in every way. Hopefully we won’t have to wait six years before Blijdorp records again.'
(on Parisian Sonatas)
On Parisian Sonatas ★★★★★
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.’ (on 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.' (on Parisian Sonatas)
Review Paris Sonatas
May 2026 Spanish magazine Scherzo praised Lidy Blijdorp and Tobias Borsboom as ‘two excellent musicians’. Blijdorp ‘opens the voice of the cello to soaring lyricism’, while Borsboom is ‘a master of contrast’. Their Vermeulen is described as ‘a brilliant, richly contrasted reading’.
Review de Volkskrant ★★★★☆
Mar 2026 ' a compelling programme of French repertoire.' 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.'
Featured in Radio România Muzical’s CDs of the Year 2026 selection.
March 2026 Romania’s national classical music station featured the album with an extensive review, praising Lidy Blijdorp and Tobias Borsboom as “'n homogeneous and balanced duo.'
Poulenc with Pascal Rogé
Mar 2026
Gramophone praised Rogé’s 'persuasive partners', including cellist Lidy Blijdorp, and noted the 'expressive intensity' of the Cello Sonata.
BBC Music Magazine
★★★★★
Chamber Choice of April 2026
Poulenc with Pascal Rogé: 'The cello figuration skits along with brilliance –flawlessly delivered by Lidy Blijdorp.'
Interview about debut-cd
'Takes you to a colourful land of dreams.'
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.'
Interview Gijs Groenteman
Interview after Lidy received two Edison awards for her cd 'Journeyers'. 'Laat het los, dan komt het naar je toe'
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.'
BBC Music Magazine★★★★☆
'An illuminating pairing of composers. Commendable virtuoso playing in the solo parts.'
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.’
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'