Composer Reviews
Dr. Francine Trester
Composer, violinist, and Professor of Composition, Berklee College of Music
I’ve very much enjoyed working with guitarist Dave McLellan. I'm grateful for his several performances of my composition, Dreamcatcher, and it’s been gratifying to hear how his interpretation of the piece has evolved over time; he plays the piece beautifully. And I was very glad to have Dave commission a new work from me, Party-Ta! Or, A Suite for the Sweet. His dedication and commitment to this composition – the time he’s invested in it and the musicianship he brings to it – makes having written this piece for him that much more meaningful.
Trevor Berens
pianist, composer
Dave McLellan was a pleasure to work with and to compose for. He was very generous with his time during the composition process, helping me edit my score to be more idiomatic when necessary, and giving me suggestions to help me achieve my desired musical goals. He is incredibly easy to work with during the rehearsal process, making changes on the fly when requested and is a consummate professional.​
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Trevor Berens, MT-BC, LMHC, MFA, MA
Pianist, Composer, Music Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Teacher
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Following the premiere of The Duck and the Kangaroo based of the poem by Edward Lear percussion, soprano and guitar with Sonic Liberation Players in Worcester, MA, February, 2024.
Leonard Ciampa
pianist, organist, composer
Dave McLellan is a true collaborator. This becomes doubly important when premiering a brand new piece of music that no one is quite sure yet what it is and how it should go. Dave is never merely a colleague – he is a trusted teammate. In addition, he simply loves to perform and loves audiences, and they sense it.
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Following the premier of A La Nanita Nana for organ and guitar at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA, December 2023.
David Owens
Organist/pianist/composer
All composers will agree that their favorite performers are those who match their playing, singing or conducting talents with a sincere commitment to the nurture of new and recent music. Guitarist Dave McLellan is just such an artist.
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Without pride, I’ll wager that I’m in good company (among composers) in my abject ignorance about writing intelligently for the guitar. Presented with a guitar work of mine, Dave began exhibiting an amazing level of tender-loving care in learning and internalizing the music, as well as an abundant generosity in coaching me in idiomatic guitar-writing. I was profoundly touched by Dave’s solicitous embrace of my score and of me. Above and beyond. His eventual performance was the acme of artistry, in all ways.
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Artists with Dave’s passion for the music of our time are treasures. I recommend grabbing every opportunity to hear one of his performances.
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After the premiere of Music To Hear - Six Renaissance Lyrics with Grant Yosenick, tenor, at the Chemlsford Center for the Arts, Chelmsford, MA, November 6, 2022
William J. Nicholson, Jr.
composer, music educator, conductor, orchestra managing director.
As a composer, you want collaborative musicians who not only can perform your works accurately, but also take an active role in the project to do so. Guitarist Dave McLellan is easy to work with, engages with other members of the ensemble, and plays with beautiful sensitivity and expression.
He understood the nature of my new work and made valuable contributions in securing a compelling and sensitive performance. I would enthusiastically work with him again.
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After the premiere of Repose for string trio and guitar, in memory of Ron Row, a founding member of the Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra, in January, 2024.