As conductor of Kurtág's  first opera

"Stenz makes the orchestra play beyond itself, and future appearances should not be missed."

“Stenz exuded endless energy from the podium. Even in moments of lyrical reflection, he kept a sense of tension going, so that the music seemed capable of sprinting off again at any moment.”

Wozzeck at the Concertgebouw - "Conductor Markus Stenz stressed the ruthless savagery of the music, but also made it glimmer with dark beauty." 

“Markus Stenz is a master of the German repertoire, as demonstrated from the first notes of Wagner’s “Parsifal,” played with beauty and clarity, through the triumphant final notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. He led without a baton, using his expressive hands to communicate to the furthest corners of the stage. The large and diverse audience responded enthusiastically throughout.”

“Sparks flew on the stage as he led the players through a performance that combined historically informed practices — minimal vibrato from the strings, snappy tempos — and striking ideas about dynamics and pacing to deliver an ear-opening experience.”

"Stenz provided sensitive support and drew wistful, loving contributions from the orchestra."

"And there was no shortage of expressive nuance from the players. They seemed firmly connected to the wavelength of principal guest conductor designate Markus Stenz, who revealed considerable sensitivity and imagination at every turn. One more sign that his association with the BSO -- the three-year principal guest tenure officially begins in the fall -- is going to be rewarding."

"Stenz led a powerful, surging performance with brilliant playing from the musicians across all sections that put across the sonic fury of Glanert's writing. Stenz also drew a wide dynamic range, the pianissimos barely audible yet registering clearly on an unusually quiet downtown evening."

At the Concertgebouw Markus Stenz and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic - "their Elektra was volcanic, seething and spitting from one terrifying eruption to the other."

“Markus Stenz made this account of a familiar staple of the concert hall choral repertory memorable. His vigorous yet completely detailed direction was clearly driven by Mozart's vibrant setting of the Requiem text, sharply illuminating its kaleidoscopic changes and chiaroscuro voicing."

"Stenz was again in his element in the work's ebullient finale, at one point dropping his arms below waist level....the orchestra's playing surged with energy… The fade to near-inaudibility at the Idyll's rapt conclusion was beautifully managed - a moment of uncomplicated placidity, like a long day ending happily, or a child slipping peacefully into deep slumber."

"One of the best things that has happened at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in recent years was Markus Stenz coming aboard as principal guest conductor. Stenz has conducted many of the Wagner operas, and his expertise shone through in his reading of the excerpts from Parsifal.”

"Under Stenz's leadership, this performance was a rediscovery of the well-known masterpiece. From the star, one felt an inner drive, an undercurrent of electricity. Even the atmospheric opening, which rises out of nothingness, shimmered in an unusual way."

"Beethoven masterpieces bookended the concert, one flawed but brilliant, the "Leonore Overture no. 2", the other the Fifth Symphony, which concluded with an anthem-like jubilation that made this performance the most goose-bump thrilling I've ever heard."

"Opting for a large ensemble by today's standards, Stenz achieved a sound that was weighty but never clogged, the BBC Symphony Orchestra playing as if confronting a thrillingly new piece."

Schoenberg Gurre-Lider (Hyperion):