The American Fine Arts Festival, Vladimir Agilin, Founder and Director, decided to celebrate its third anniversary with a Spring Gala Concert, bringing together the most accomplished participants from this and all the past years of the festival. The result of this heartwarming extravaganza at Weill Hall last May 27th presented thirty talented youngsters of assorted ages, shapes and colors (some wore attractive national garbs – bright red bows and wraps for their big day). … It was gratifying to encounter so many vividly individualistic musical personalities in one sitting, which resoundingly confirmed the old saying “Variety is the Spice of Life.” … Best of all, this concert sounded like a wholesomely well prepared and unvarnished affair. Not one piece we heard gave me the impression that these kids were given a hothouse kind of behind-the scenes Ivory Tower prodding by the teachers and parents. Everyone seemed to love their music and enjoy playing it: a rare circumstance.

— Harris Goldsmith, New York Concert Review