“Jesús Castro-Balbi turned in a performance worthy of any concert stage in the world. […] Castro-Balbi proved himself an artist of the first rank, from the first dark, ear-grabbing notes he played in Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B minor. […] Castro-Balbi turned in a performance that will be remembered for years to come. He commanded a huge range of volume, timbre and emotions, by turn whispering, proclaiming or reminiscing.”
The Star-Telegram (Texas)

“By far the best part of a good evening was an international-class performance of Dvorák's Cello Concerto. An exceptional cellist, Jesus Castro-Balbi […] created magic with an approach that was bold when it had to be but often mellow and always subtle. His experience as a chamber musician showed in his interaction with the orchestra, most notably in some wonderful interplay in the final movement between him and [the] concertmaster.”
The Dallas Morning News (Texas)

“… an outstanding rendition of the Concerto Indio for violoncello and orchestra by Peruvian composer Edgar Valcárcel. [Castro-Balbi] masterly performed the difficult and expressive techniques of the composition. Castro-Balbi’s talent was more than evident. The dialogue between the soloist and the orchestra was brilliant.”
El Vocero (Puerto Rico)

“Castro-Balbi faced Edgar Valcárcel’s Concierto Indio, which is dedicated to him, in a brilliant manner. The cellist also gave and astounding version of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations.”
El Comercio (Peru)

“An astounding technique, and a superior control over his musical material.”
La Jornada (Mexico)

“A special artistic bearing, a presence that immediately grasps the audience’s attention, refinement and elegance.”
El Universal (Mexico)

“[Castro-Balbi and Kraggerud] achieved a perfect unity of execution. Their performance sparkled with zest and was overflowing with amazing details. […] At one and the same time the soloists established a world of their own and were an integrated part of the ‘universe’ of the work, they were one with the orchestra and the conductor.”
Arhus Stiftstidende (Denmark)

“The two soloists […] were playing with both empathy and catching musicality. A great performance by the two young talents who were rewarded with standing ovations – fully deserved.”
Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten (Denmark)

“[Castro-Balbi and Carlos Prieto] play with the natural affinity of people conversing in their native tongue. Their identification with the styles and idiomatic inflections is complete; their commitment and dedication to the music and the composer speak through every note.”
Strings Magazine (California)

“A terrific cellist.”
The Herald Times (Indiana)