"An extremely talented violinist with exceptional potential...[She] impressed both
the orchestra and the audience with her interpretation."
- Jukka-Pekka Saraste, Former Music Director, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

"The magic moment came in a stirring performance of Khachaturian's
attractively melodic violin concerto, brilliantly performed by Catherine Manoukian.
Performing with flair and accuracy, Manoukian projected a strong,
confident presence as a soloist, her tone rich and varied, her rhythmic energy admirable."
- Keith DeLong, Calgary Herald

"The delicacy of Catherine Manoukian's phrasing and her tranquil lyricism are
full of individuality. Capturing high tension at key moments and able to
thrill with a passionate approach, she is a truly promising artist."
- Campanella Ensou, Hihyo Magazine - Japan

"Catherine Manoukian's bow technique, rhythmic feeling, full sound, sweet tone,
and immaculate intonation reveal that she is nothing short of a real wunderkind.
She was remarkably at ease with both the stage and the orchestra.
There seem to be no obstacles in her path."
- Cumhuriyet Daily (Turkey)

Chopin on Violin:

The critics say:
"For Chopin lovers this is a must, especially if you also happen to love the violin. For some reason, Chopin didn't write any fiddle music, a fact that has bothered 17-year-old Toronto violinist Catherine Manoukian.

So she followed the example of many other violinists, such as Nathan Milstein, Pablo Sarasate, Fritz Kreisler and Leopold Auer. She looked at music originally written for other media and transcribed it -- or had it transcribed by Behzad Ranjbaran.

But while these other violinists adapted Chopin's piano miniatures, Manoukian went straight to a big chamber work, the Sonata for Cello and Piano. The surprise is how beautifully it lies within the violin's compass and how little you miss the cello at all.

What will absorb you instead is Manoukian's singing line, gossamer finesse and passionate rhetorical flourishes. It's clear that she does, indeed, love Chopin, and that her accompanist Akira Eguchi does too.
The rest of the disc is taken up by arrangements of mazurkas, waltzes, nocturnes and an etude, all originally for piano, of course. Chopin's trademark rubato (little thefts of time) is harder to negotiate between two people than it is for a sole pianist, but this is still a remarkable disc."
- Lloyd Dykk, Vancouver Sun  - June 19, 1999

Fans of Chopin on Violin say:
"I highly recommend this CD. Manoukian plays beautifully. Her tone is fabulous." - John D, Sudbury ON

"During the first fifteen minutes of listening to this wonderful music, I became a devoted fan. Thanks Catherine and Co."
- Henry J, Toronto ON

"She is the best violin player EVER." - Akemi A, Toronto ON

"A marvelous transcription of the Cello Sonata and beautifully performed by Manoukian."
- Charles A, Upper Marlboro MD

"Merveilleux, excellente interprete, relaxant, Bon choix de pieces…"
- Isabelle S, Montreal QC

"Marvelous recording, wonderful performance. In short - well done."
- Frank S, Granby QC

"J'adore Catherine Manoukian, j'aime le piano, le violon et en plus, c'est du Chopin." - Diane P, St. Ambroise, QC

"A great idea - Beautiful playing." - Victor T, North York ON

"Wonderful! I’ve always thought something like this would be a great idea!"
- R.L, Cranford NJ

"Absolutely brilliant" - JNP, Pointe-Claire PQ

"Very good" - Gloria S, Burnaby, BC

Elegies and Rhapsodies

The critics say:
"The gifted Toronto violinist has been on the concert stage since age four and was only 12 in 1994 when she won top prize at the Canadian Music Competition. Since then, she's been starring with just about every major Canadian orchestra lucky enough to book her and a number of overseas ones as well.

After one hearing of this expertly programmed album, the only unsettling thought is just where will Manoukian take this diverse and seemingly effortless talent when she's emerged so near the top?

Nothing seems out of context for her artistically mature and lyrically sensitive approach, which encompasses a feast of true international flavor. The fare ranges from Canadian John Weinzweig's dramatic Dance of Masada, to an eloquent concluding group of Armenian composers.

In between there are major names like Dvorak, Brahms, Chopin and Granados, every one of them energized and rediscovered under Manoukian's warm, decisive touch.

She's expertly accompanied on this generous 72-minute CD by American pianist and Juilliard graduate, Akira Eguchi."
- Pauline Finch-Durichen, Southam Newspapers - June 11, 1998

Fans of Elegies and Rhapsodies say:
"A very beautiful CD in every way-superb artistry." - Rosemary M, London ON

"Wonderful CD. Beautifully played." - John D, Sudbury ON

"Beautiful performance, a lot of feeling, good technique, perfect chemistry between Catherine and Akiza. Mature performance." - Zareh G, Belmont MA

"Excellent - good variety of pieces - I would definitely go to see both artists if they appeared in my area."
- Virginia A, Healdsburg CA

"Very moving and enticing. We are glad that Marquis provides young talent with opportunities."
- Hrair S, Markham ON

"Excellent! I heard it on CBC’s, ‘Take 5’. I had to buy ‘Chopin On Violin’ too."
- Arnold W, Hensall ON

"1st class - Love it." - Trevor P, Brossard QC

"Excellent talent from someone so young. I look forward to hearing more from her."
- R.C, Morden MB

"A very talented Armenian musician, and I‘m sure she’s a beautiful person too. All the best."
- Dickran B, Pasadena CA

"Magnificent! Thanks!" - Patrick B, Martignas FR

"Beautiful recording!" - Maurice N, Springfield VA

"I heard Ms. Manoukian interviewed on CBC radio. This CD is beautiful."
- Maureen S, Royal Oak MI