“The concert began with six “Canciones Castellanas” by the Basque composer Jesus Guridi. As the melodies of these songs were taken from folk material, the piano part, expressively played by Ms. Cilliers, was often more interesting than the vocal part.

The most famous works by Enrique Granados were his “Goyescas” for solo piano, and Ms. Cilliers continued the concert with a brilliant rendition of one of them, “El Fandango de Candil.” It was a thrilling performance, characterized by crystal clear articulation of very difficult accompaniment figures.”

Harry Saltzman, New York Concert Review, Spring 2009

“I listened captivated by the piano poetry of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Chaconne, watched the artistry as this young woman allowed her hands to tell the story – she was her own conductor and if one was sensitive enough, would have almost seen the pictures painted in the air by hands that were moved by sheer ecstasy and deeply rooted understanding of what went into creating the music in the first place…”

The Barbados Advocate, Bridgetown, Barbados, October 2007

“No picture of a poet could measure up to the South African pianist Jeanne-Minette Cilliers, as she is herself a true poet. The way she played the Goyescas suite by Granados, so wonderfully colored and filled with life, no picture or dance was needed.”

Svenska Dagbladet, Stockholm, Sweden, July 2005

What separates Cilliers from the pack is her ability to delve the depths of emotion the music represents…”

Die Volksblad, Bloemfontein, South Africa, June 2004

“…Hearing Jeanne-Minette Cilliers perform fills you with pride, humility and satisfaction for she’s one of our own. Her technical ability is nearly unsurpassed and part of the foundation from which she builds the essence of each work.”

Die Volksblad, Bloemfontein, South Africa, June 2003

“Jeanne-Minette Cilliers brought assurance, stylistic acuity and controlled ardor to works of Beethoven, Chopin and Prokofiev.”

The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland, USA,  August 2001

“Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes, Op.13 were performed with a ringing sound, clear outlines of structure and voice leading, and exceptional self-assurance. Cilliers’ technique shows a positive and well-aimed use of energy and momentum to the advantage of tone quality and suppleness.

“Debussy’s Images, Book 1, was an attractive performance characterized by finely planned finger work and sound control which made the image of the reflections come to life (Reflets dans l’eau). Hommage a Rameau was presented with a rich sound and amazing range of tone colors.

“Cilliers delivered forceful and atmospheric playing in Liszt’s Funérailles, as well as in the closing Andante Spianato & Grand Polonaise by Chopin. Both works showcased an exceptionally large range of tone colors as well as touch. Sensitive nuances and technical flawlessness were trademarks in both works, as in the rest of the program.”

Die Volksblad, Bloemfontein, South Africa, May 2001