Smithsonian Seminars Audience Comments

  • "Cecilia Dunoyer is simply outstanding. The closest to this kind of experience is Jeffrey Siegel, but I enjoyed today more. The format allows for depth in programming, making it possible to really immerse oneself in the music and the lecture."

  • "This is certainly one of the top 5 programs I have attended. Maybe The Very Best."

  • "This was one of the best, if not THE best class I have taken at the Smithsonian…a total joy. Ms. Dunoyer is a wonderful pianist."

  • "A totally delightful program—at my table, we were saying we expected it to be informative and enjoyable, but we had not expected also to laugh quite so much!"

  • "This outstanding presentation is among the very best of many courses by the Smithsonian."

  • "This course was EXCEPTIONAL in EVERY regard. Organized, informative, entertaining. Ms. Dunoyer never spoke over the head of those with lesser knowledge of music. Always clear and with humor, live performances, visual aids… the whole package was a total delight. I don’t think you could offer a finer, more perfect course."

  • "I will take any course that Ms. Dunoyer teaches. She explains difficult subjects so clearly. She was the most organized lecturer I have ever had. The live performances were very special."

  • "Excellent balance of lecture, live playing and recordings. Cecilia possesses a great sense of humor. So well researched, so engaging both as a lecturer and a pianist."

  • "Great presentation! Worth every penny."

  • "It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed such a great one-day presentation. This was superb."

  • "This has been the best Smithsonian music class I‘ve attended."

  • "What wonderful lectures and fabulous performances!"

  • "Most pleasurable Tuesday I have spent. Incredible!"

  • "Amazing personality, full of knowledge, humor and grace."

  • "She is a wonderful lecturer with a sense of humor and a thorough knowledge of her subject. This has been the best of the Smithsonian’s several series on music."

  • "Unique combination of musicianship and erudition. The live performances were fantastic and she had a great sense of humor."

  • "Absolutely fantastic!! We always read of the artistic collaborations of this period [Paris in the 20’s]—this however, brought it to life perfectly, with all senses involved. Please have Cecilia give more programs like this."

  • "Superb music! Outstanding combination of commentary, visuals and live music. I learned so much and spent a wonderful day."

  • "Absolutely exceptional. Very personable instructor, informative, accessible, intellectual, wonderful flow. Cecilia Dunoyer is a marvel!"

  • "Could not have been better. I hope we see Ms. Dunoyer at the Smithsonian again very soon."

  • "Appreciated the interweaving of music, art, ballet, literature, poetry, architecture with live music performance. A colossal undertaking for ONE day."

  • "She taught the class in an understandable way—not too technical—Intelligent, fun, upbeat! Just right."

  • "I have learned a great deal about the French music world. A tremendous amount of energy and organization must have gone into this project."