Acclaim

Weber's Clarinet Quintet Op 34, when played by an intellectually astute, and technically untouchable clarinetist like Richie Hawley, is like hearing a genius revealed at last.

Daniel KeplCasa Magazine

02 August 2013

His playing of the Mozart Quintet tempted the word "perfect," for, as is customary with him, everything was in place -- tonally, rhythmically and above all, musically.

Mary Ellyn HuttonMusic in Cincinnati

31 January 2011

The crowning achievement of the Lopez-Cobos recording was Hawley's gorgeous clarinet solo at the beginning of (movement) III...rarely have I heard it played with such a combination of expression and tonal beauty.

HansenAmerican Record Guide

21 March 2007

His ability to turn ebony into gold -- to impose his will on the instrument and make it sing -- was evident throughout, from rapid passages to the hushed return of the opening theme in the serene Adagio.

Mary Ellyn HuttonCincinnati Post

11 June 2003

Francis Poulenc's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano (1962) is a work of insistent good cheer, and Richie Hawley, principal clarinet of the Cincinnati Symphony, Americanized its purpose with G.I. Joe certitude, his technique stunning the room with energy and finese. Faculty pianist, Natasha Kislenko, kept up with Mr. Hawley's propulsively amazing articulation, in equal measure.

Daniel KeplSanta Barbara News-Press

03 July 2010

"When principal clarinetist Richard Hawley stepped out to play two concertos Friday morning, it was an example of the real virtuosity that lies within the ranks of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra"

Janelle GelfandCincinnati Enquirer

09 December 2001

The result was stunning, surely one of the best performances in a season fortunately full of excellent renderings of Reich's music. The intricate multiple lines bent and blended, but never blurred in a kind of musical version of Piet Mondrian's "Broadway Boogie Woogie." Hawley took three curtain calls and deserved many more for this thrilling, difficult solo.

Charles DonelanThe Santa Barbara Independant

24 July 2008

The famous Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K 622 (Mozart)... contains many long, sublime melodies that soloist Richard Hawley was able to play with the seamless flowing tone so many clarinetists long for and few can achieve.

John ToedtmanCincinnati Enquirer

12 June 2003

Jarvi stepped aside near the end and let Hawley, Marshall and the players rip, the notated "Riffs" aping true improvisation. It prompted a spontaneous ovation as well as an encore, Gershwin's witty, urbane "Walking the Dog" in which Hawley showed once again that he owns far more than classical chops.

Mary Ellyn HuttonCincinnati Post

22 April 2006