A clear affinity for lushness and naturalistic jitterings pervaded Sonic Open Orchestra’s Saturday program headed by conductor J. M. Castillo. Romanticism peeked through each piece, some recognition of light and dark within the natural world, and a certain softening around the edges...I felt only serene interest.​

-San Francisco Classical Voice

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I have been a major musician contractor in film and TV for over 30 years, and have known Castillo for over 15 years. I have seen him grow into a quality conductor who gains the trust and respect of his musicians whenever he's on the podium. His knowledge of classical repertoire, as well as modern composition, is vast and inspires confidence at every performance.”​

-Reggie Wilson (President of Pasadena Symphony & Pops and motion picture orchestra contractor)

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When Castillo listens to music, seems like his heart is being drawn into unexpected directions. I have rarely seen someone being capable of feeling sound so deeply and reacting to the slightest changes of colors. He is able to translate these emotions into movements that guide his orchestra in a totally present state.​

-Carolina Eyck (Theremin, performer, composer - National Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic, and more)

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Castillo is an extremely inspiring and wonderful conductor to work with! His passion, musicality, talent, and amazing leadership immensely shines through in his extraordinary direction. He takes the audience and musicians on a sonic exploration within his concert curation. His conducting is truly a joy and honor to experience.​

-Lara Somogyi (Harpist, Composer, London Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic)

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Castillo has the rare ability to consistently tap into the undercurrents within us, giving light to depths we had not seen. An emotionally cerebral human.​

-Jason Gudasz (Film director)