Divine Press
WHYY's Art of Life visited the Divine Hand Ensemble at a rehearsal and interviewed Mano Divina to find out how the beautiful music all comes together.
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Beyond Classical: Divine Hand Explores “Aria 51”
All About Jazz Magazine reviewed Aria 51 in a special edition of From the Inside Out
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In the June 2022 episode of the Theremin 30 podcast, host Rick Reid interviews Mano Divina, the thereminist and musical director of The Divine Hand Ensemble, a chamber music group based in Philadelphia.
“There aren't many bands that could go from playing 16th century funerary music in a cemetery to opening for Pope Francis's world address on the Parkway to backing the Lady in the Radiator from David Lynch's Eraserhead all within the span of one week but the Divine Hand are no ordinary band."
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“Mano Divina stands at the center of the Theremin universe. When it comes to the Theremin, Mano Divina shows it, tells it, and most importantly, entertains you with it."
– Philadelphia Inquirer
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“Breathless entertainment that leaves you hanging on every note and gesture as Divina hypnotizes electricity to release the voices of angels from the air with his finger tips…”
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“Their music can only be described as ethereal, eloquent, and mesmerizing. Divina and company's expertise is immediately apparent. Experiencing one of their shows will be something that will be remembered for a lifetime and the powerful stage presence of Mano Divina should be seen by every music lover.”
"Divine Hand [Ensemble] bring a sense of fun, without dipping into kitch. They prefer a sexier theatricality, a hypnotic sensuality, stirred on by the purring strings and whirring theremin. Their swirling, cinematic take on ‘Ghost Town’ is particularly haunting…"
– The City Paper
"Classical music does not change very often, but we're always in for a shock when it does. The Divine Hand Ensemble has done exactly that through the works of Mano Divina and a few radical Americans. The extremely talented group from Philadelphia consists of a thereminist, string quartet, two harpists and percussion. These musicians give a flawless performance; their fine musicianship and incredible talent is ever apparent throughout the entire concert. For music lovers of all ages, The Divine Hand Ensemble is a must see experience that will leave a remarkable impression for a lifetime."
– International Review Board
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"Their cover of 'In Heaven' from David Lynch's Eraserhead is somehow even more captivating than the original. An ouroboros of oddness. Enchants and delights with music unlike any other."
– Philly Weekly
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"The Divine Hand Ensemble make ghostly, beautiful music whether they're covering Black Sabbath or paying tribute to David Lynch's Eraserhead…”
– Dan Deluca, Philadelphia Inquirer
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"A group of very talented musicians committed to shattering the stereotype that classical music is stuffy and unattainable by performing arrangements of Rock, Blues, Jazz, and even Reggae songs mixed in with opera arias, chamber music, and classical standards. They do everything from Mozart to Motorhead."
– Jump Magazine
"Wildly talented, Divina and his ensemble dazzle their audience without resorting to pretentiousness. Their musical renditions are thoroughly distinctive and hands-down dynamic–expressive at times and ethereal in others. Plus, there is something uniquely enriching in a form of musical entertainment wherein science meets magic in a daring fusion that does not only sound naturally pleasing to the ears but is also downright fun.”
– Hooked on Entertainment
"They defy easy categorization which is a rare trait in a music scene that constantly compares groups. They move beyond a genre to move an audience."
– Eric Bresler, PhilaMoca
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"If you don't like classical music, this is the band that will change your mind. This group has a strong commitment to defy the expectations of classical artists."
– The Ticket
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"They performed divinely for the world's pilgrims just prior to Pope Francis's papal mass."
– Daily News
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