"Kedrick Armstrong's reading of the score was sympathetic, coherent, sober, earnest and rarely glum. His tempos were on the reserved side, which was ideal for the many quieter passages, which had refinement and a rather languorous dignity. He handled the typically forceful ragtime syncopation with dexterity, especially the many offbeat accents."
— Opera News

"Conductor Kendrick Armstrong skillfully led the cast across a wide variety of styles, from
music drawing on the classical operatic tradition to ragtime, folk tunes, church music and even
barbershop quartet.”
— Bachtrack

"Under the baton of Conductor Kedrick Armstrong, the Washington National Opera Orchestra
musicians successfully convey the character of Joplin’s music—especially the syncopated
ragtime energy and the warmth of spiritual-inspired passages."
— MD Theatre Guide

"The orchestra was conducted by the young, gifted Kendrick Armstrong in his WNO debut."
— DC Theater Arts