Ambidextranata, the Versatile Gary Schocker is a biography of Gary Schocker by Lisa McArthur.
“Schocker, a native of Easton, Pa., has earned high praise in high places. Famed flutist James Galway once said, ‘Have you heard this kid Gary Schocker? I think he’s terrific.’ In this concert, Schocker easily lived up to his fast-growing reputation. His performance of the Telemann [Suite in A minor] was immaculate and emotionally appealing. He has a big, full-bore tone and his technique and phrasing both rest solidly on the very highest virtuosic rung." - Bill Rice.
"Schocker Shines as Both Soloist, Composer." The Daily Gazette, (Schenectady, NY), January 21, 1993.
“The program notes describing Schocker as ‘one of the finest artists of his generation’ were utter nonsense. Based on this performance, Schocker is one of the best – period.” - Mark Carrington.
"Leonard & the Sinfonia." The Washington Post, November 15, 1990.
“The soloist of the evening, a flutist, was Easton’s Gary [Schocker], who has been busy carving out an impressive career for himself. He concluded the first half of the program with Mozart’s only original concerto for his instrument. (Mozart later reworked his oboe concerto for the flute.) In the last 20 years the flute has become a popular instrument and there are now dozens of famous flutists. Hearing them separately, I confess that I have a hard time distinguishing among them. Among those I have heard play the Mozart are James Galway and Jean-Pierre Rampal. [Schocker] can, I think, hold up his head in their company, and the orchestra acquitted itself well.” - David M. Greene.
"Shape, Color in [Schocker's] Sinfonia Work." The Globe Times (Bethlehem, PA),
September 27, 1988.
"Popsy in style, Green Places relies on wit, grace, light-heartedness, splashes of orchestral color, and an airy Gallic charm, all of which revolve around a phantasmagoric slow movement, smoldering with bluesy atmosphere. The writing for flute could not be more fluent and attractive. Schocker’s is not a deep piece, true, but it does not aspire to be – the music’s appeal lies in its sincerity and imaginativeness.” - Michael Redmond.
"Renowned Irish Flutist Shares Spotlight with Works by Young U.S. Composers." The Star Ledger (Newark, NJ), April 3, 1993.
