"As for the opening Prokofiev, with its nod to Haydn, it was everything it should have been — light, lyrical, delicate and jovial, as was the Beethoven simply sunny, light hearted and of good cheer. Both were given neat as a pin performances — clean, concise, exacting, cohesive and enthusiastic, making this an appropriately fond (and well played) farewell for Hymes and a chance for us to recall and be grateful for her valued efforts in shaping the WSO and its excellence."

WSO, Hymes open her final season beautifully "...Monday‘s opening concert in the intimate Kimball Theatre provided us the chance to begin to reflect on the years’ worth of delight she and the WSO have brought us. A strong base of musical excellence has been set, ....The evening’s high point was the Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Major, selected by the audience last season as one of its top favorites selections. And, to do it justice, the WSO featured Stefan Jackiw who appeared here in 2013 in Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2. ...Again, we have the talents of Hymes to thank for the superior work done in this opening concert. The beginning of the end of a rewarding era."

“What can you say about Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”) that hasn’t been said…. Hymes and musicians embraced it, delivering a soulful and sensitive sounding ..."(Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra)