These are some press comments on Donizetti's "Viva la Mamma" at the Aalto-Theater Essen, February 1999:

The orchestra under Patrik Ringborg plays along: During scene changes they slander about the singers, one man says "it's really time for a break". And Gehlen himself nearly makes it to the conductor's podium. Delayed Ringborg bursts in, and the stage director disappointed withdraws: "But I flattened your tyres".
The overture is accompanied with loud commands from the conductor: "violas!", "piano!" - naturally without success. But Ringborg has conjured the orchestra into a delicate amusement. They make music in a precise and colourful way, the misfortunate scenes of the opera are approached with palatable dramatic.
(Westfälischer Anzeiger, 15.02.1999)

Thereby (the music) is ripping. The orchestra sounds resilient and witty under the Swede Patrik Ringborg.
(Welt am Sonntag, 21.02.1999)

Patrik Ringborg made the Essen Philharmonic play relaxed and buoyant, conjured fluffy ensembles and choruses on stage and gave the soloists time and space to develop.
(Westfälische Rundschau, 18.02.1999)

Exquisite is the tottering chorus of the Opera in their armours and the Essen Philharmonic, bringing out all Donizetti's deliciousness under the sovereign direction of Patrik Ringborg. Enthusiastic approval!
(NRZ, 15.02.1999)

The Essen Philharmonic plays elegantly, flexibly, palatable and in accustomed first quality under the young Patrik Ringborg (he tows the delightfully confused "understudy conductor" alias Elmar Gehlen from the pit). An e flat minor that askew has to be practised!
(Westdeutsche Zeitung, 15.02.1999)

Patrik Ringborg and the Essen Philharmonic played Donizetti's colourful music with wit and the necessary accurate earnest.
(Westfalenpost, 15.02.1999)

The orchestra sparkles under Patrik Ringborg's vigourous direction, aiming at transparency, playing elegantly and with flexibility.
(WAZ, 15.02.1999)

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