Chats with members of the audience repeatedly highlight the admiration which Wil Salden evokes. He’s always approachable: chatting before a concert, during the interval, when he patiently gives hundreds of autographs, when he’s responsively answering journalists questions, and of course on stage. Yes, on stage, too, Wil Salden is close to his public, even in gigantic venues. The empathy is tangible. With the first strains of ”Moonlight Serenade, the traditional start to every concert, the spark ignites. Orchestra leader, orchestra and audience meld to form a single unit.
Wil Salden's stage presence is incomparable. A presence which authenticates his multitude of talents: orchestra leader, pianist, singer and compere. Does this mean that Wil sees himself as the centre of attraction, and concentrates everything on his own person? On the contrary, despite his multifaceted involvement he's rather self-effacing. The focus is on the orchestra as a whole. All his musicians are of soloist quality - and they get an opportunity to prove it.
Wil Salden gives each of his musicians a solo spot. His compering, too, is that of a true professional, never hogging the limelight. His idiosyncratically presented texts are succinct, precise and informative–exactly what concert audiences need. No more, but certainly no less.
Wil Salden gives each and every member of the audience the impression of performing solely for the individual concerned. A premiere for every listener. Never routine, never just dutifully reeling off a repertoire he knows by heart–which would be quite conceivable given his 180 performances a year.

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