Natalia Lavrik,
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Ensemble Studies at the Donetsk State Music Academy named after S.S.Prokofiev:

"Marina Kuznetsova is a talented individual who obtained her professional education and training at the Donetsk State Music Academy, which is named in honour of S.S.Prokofiev between 1996-2001 . During this period she took part in many concerts in Donetsk as well as many other Ukrainian cities. She performed 4 solo programmes consisting of works of J.S.Bach, L.Bethoveen, R.Schumann, S.Rachmaninov amongst others. In 1998 she was the 3rd prize winner in the Prokofiev International Competition held in Mariupol and was also presented with an award for "High artistic interpretation of a piece of an Ukrainian composer".

Marina has a wide sphere of musical interest. In the Department of Ensemble Studies she performed several public concerts. In a duo with viola the following works were performed: J.S.Bach, Sonata in G minor BWV 1027-1029 "Gambensonaten", J.Brahms, Sonata Op.120/1 in F mionr, P.Hindemith, Sonata Op.11/4 (1939), B.Martinu, Sonata for Viola and Piano N1 (1955), D.Milhaud, "Quatro Visages", D.Schostakovich, Sonata Op.147 (1975), F.Schubert, Sonata in A minor DV 821 "Arpeggione". In a duo with violin: F.Poulenc, Sonata for Violin and Piano and W.A.Mozart, Sonata N15 in A major. In a duo with flute: S.Prokofiev, Sonata N2 in D major. We remember very well the impressive sounds of the Final of the Piano Quintet by C.Franck.

Marina Kuznetsova has got a good piano school. She is determined, hard-working and diligent. She is quick and smart in learning new programmes. During the rehearsal work she is communicative and is able to "connect" with her ensemble partner(s).

While performing publicly she is passionate and always touches the audience with the sincerity of her musical intonation. Her performance has a thought through dramaturgy of the cycle, high rhythmic organization, picturesque sounding of piano timbres and good feeling of balance in the ensemble."

Andrew R. Graham,
Cruise Director, M/S Caronia, Cunard Line, 2002-2004:

"Cunard Line has operated the most famous Ocean Liners since 1840. The Cunard fleet has a Classic British Heritage, and includes Queen Elizabeth 2 and Caronia. Both ships are renowned for their high standards of on-board service.

In the performance of her duties Marina has proven to be reliable, honest and extremely professional and talented individual, whom we regard very highly.

As a Classical artist her contribution to the onboard operation has been singularly outstanding, and she was very well respected and liked by her managers and colleagues.

We would have no hesitation in recommending her to any prospective employer, and we wish Marina every success for the future."

Patrick O'Neil,
Musical Director, RMS Queen Mary 2, 2004-2005:

"The Viva Classica Trio was contracted to perform on our flagship, Queen Mary 2, for its inaugural season.

The members of the trio are all outstanding musicians. All their performances onboard were well attended and extremely well received. The Trio always demonstrated a high sense of professionalism, and they eagerly participated in the ongoing development of our entertainment program here at Cunard. Given the opportunity, I would not hesitate to employ them again as classical artists."

David Bradshaw,
Cruise Director, RMS Queen Mary 2, 2005:

"It's my great pleasure to recommend Marina Kuznetsova. I have known Marina since the QM2's conception and maiden voyage in 2004. She is a true professional; courteous and exemplary in her attitude towards both crew and quests. Her last concerts onboard the QM2 drew large audiences who spontaneously gave her standing ovations.

I would have no hesitation in recommending she be hired onboard this ship again. It was pleasure to work with her. "

Dr. Julian Hellaby,
Associate Senior Lecturer, Performing Arts Department, Coventry University, 2008:

"As accompanist, Marina Kuznetsova was sensitive and fluent, skillfully balancing her piano sound with the soprano's voice and matching it to the acoustics of the performing space."