In Print
“Stunning and absorbing” - MusicWeb International
“Truly an awesome performance” - Stephanie Martin
“Highly accomplished” - Cathedral Music
“A noteworthy achievement, we are fortunate to have such gifted performers” - The WholeNote Magazine
“Busiakewicz has worked the details, and it shows. The program was neatly arranged, and the conductor’s commentary between songs added just the right dose of humour. The audience loved every minute..." - John Terauds
“Obviously enjoyed themselves and had great respect for and love of the music... awash in gorgeous sound, both beautiful and powerful." - Ontario Arts Review
"The choir was masterful in sound, warm and balanced in the church, and provided an uplifting power that filled and satiated the soul... the singers of Opus 8 are stellar musicians. But it’s there, the sound that every choir, anywhere, tries to reach. Most choirs aren’t successful; Opus 8 is." - Brian Chang, The WholeNote Magazine
“Cohesive, varied and engaging” - Edmonton Podium Festival, Michael Zaugg
“Very impressive. A crisp, clear sound and impeccable balance. There is no getting around the ensemble’s precision, expert phrasing and panoply of colours and textures. Much credit must go to Robert Busiakiewicz, who teases out a surgically shaped sound that, despite all the control it displays, is wonderfully open and full. This is the sort of sound one expects from choristers who have honed their skills together over many years.” - Ludwig Van Magazine
“An elegant performance” - The National Post
“Busiakiewicz’s imaginative music truly did the Bard’s genius justice.” - Varsity review of ‘The Tempest’
“As the choir started singing Busiakiewicz’s ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’, I couldn’t stop the tears rolling down my face.” - Taking Toronto, The Star Online
Student & Colleague Testimonials
“What a fantastic talk [Busiakiewicz] gave to the singers just now. Clever, insightful, and so provocative. More comments in the chat stream than on any other talk so far... I just loved it as well. I could argue about this with you for hours! A superb presentation.” - One World Baroque
“Robert immediately impresses with a natural musicianship and artistry guided by a keen intellect. His knowledge of choral literature is profound and his ability to communicate his ideas with the utmost clarity is quite remarkable. Robert excels in his direction of all repertoire and offers his insights with warmth, humour and expertise.” - University of Toronto reference, Department of Early Music.
“[Robert’s] leadership of the Choir and encouragement have been the reason I’ve been coming every week without fail both to rehearsals and to the services for the last 2 and a half years. It’s been the first time I felt I was really learning about Christianity, although I’ve been an Anglican since birth, and the part that music plays in worship, and in my worship in particular. His talents as a musician and your obvious respect for the church music and its part in leading worship in churches has been an eye-opener for me.” - Irene (chorister)
“You have made an indelible mark on my life: your commitment; your patience has often left me astounded. I feel the love and care you have for us as a choir and as individuals.” - Elayne (chorister)
“[Robert] introduced me to the world of 'high' church music, a genre which I knew nothing about previously. Two years ago I never would have imagined that this type of music would touch me in the way that it has. Thank you, Robert, for exposing me to such a variety of this music, helping me understand the depth and complexity of this music through your direction, and offering support and encouragement as I experimented with writing my own.” - Ian (chorister)
“Your legacy will be one of such appreciation and joy for what you have given to Cathedral music, from the vast range of repertoire, to the direction of the Choir. Over the years I have attended many Cathedrals throughout the world. I have attended for many years and have seen the coming and going of many music directors. Your work is without comparison and I thank you.” - Margaret (volunteer)
“These lessons with [Robert] are the highlight of my weekends. His encouragement and fantastic tutoring this year were definitely what kept me singing.” - Nick (student)