"And what could be more beautiful than the haunting dawn of Peer Gynt´s irresistable Matin before the sunrise of the Concerto pour piano with Francois Dumont, which, without overflowing effects, raises the grand romantic lairs and whirlwinds of dance that, from a loving hearth, Grieg deposited in these pages. Under the impetuous baton of conducto Maria Badstue, the orchestra, with warm strings and magnificent solos, notably from the horns and flute, bathes the color and poetry of its sections in the landscapes overflowing with emotion of this concert, swallowing the bubbling first and only symphony of a young Grieg, aged 20. In the brilliance of the orchestra `The Great Norhern Sun´ warmed hearts."

- Philippe Haller / La Nouvelle Republique.fr
(translated excerpt 10/20/2025

"It must be said, that Edvard Griegs music has the evocative power that invites nostalgic reverie, not devoid of pride. Who better to lead the Central-Val de Loire Region Symphony Orchestra through this epic than Danish conductor Maria Badstue, who studied at the Norwegian National Academy of Music? A career that recalls that of Grieg..."

- Pierre Giangiobbe / Classykeo.com
Review in full

"Led by acclaimed India-born Danish conductor Maria Badstue, the orchestra performed timeless arias from three of the most beloved operas in the classical repertoire, George Bizet´s Carmen (1875), Giuseppe Verdi´s La Traviata (1853) and Charles Gounod´s Romeo et Juliette (1867). The dramatic storytelling and emotional depth of each piece transported the audience into tales of love, passion, betrayal, and redemption..."

- Bangalore Mirror / review exerpt

 "Conductor Maria Badstue, in her American debut, impressively guided the chamber orchestra, while giving precise cues to the singers...”

US debut with the Portland Opera; Kamala Sankaram’s THUMBPRINT

"Maria Badstue, who was adopted from India and grew up in Denmark conducted. Her pace was deliberate and pain-stakingly respectful of the score." - Angela Allen / Classical Voice North America

Online Merker - Die internationale Kulturplatform

“At the podium, Maria Badstue encourages the Neubrandenburg Philharmonic to colorful, rhythmically pointed handling of Barber's surprising changes in attitude, his instrumental friction, his abruptly accents and its flattering melody. Even if massively instrumented moments in the small house are inevitably too loud because the space is missing for the sound development, the impression of an overridden orchestra sound is never created. … This “Vanessa” is worth the trip to Neustrelitz and once again draws attention to a work that has proven its topicality in some productions in recent years (Frankfurt, Gera, Gießen, Hagen, Magdeburg) ”

 “The perceptive Danish conductor Maria Badstue, understands how to expressively shape the turmoil of emotions, the charm of seduction, the restless waiting, the comforting gesture, the retreat into inner loneliness with a refined intuition… A stunned silence in the audience is followed by prolonged applause.”

Theater und Orchester Neubrandenburg / Neustrelitz, Samuel Barber’s Vanessa

January 28 (premiere), February 18 , March 17, April 2 + 22 & May 13, 2023

6 star review
"The musical level was high; the 17-man large orchestra was led safely by Maria Badstue. It sounded impressive in KoncertKirken's good acoustics.

Nontardar's edition of Così is touring around the country. If possible, don't miss the chance to experience this fun, exciting show!" (translation)

Original Excerpt:
Così fan tutte i KoncertKirken
Forrygende satire over populærkulturen

"Det musikalske niveau var højt; det 17 mands store orkester blev ledet sikkert af Maria Badstue. Det lød imponerende i KoncertKirkens gode akustik.

Nontardars udgave af Così skal på turné rundt i landet. Hvis muligt, så snyd ikke Dem selv for at opleve dette brag af en forestilling!"