Testimonials

Corinne Balliette

“This project reminds me why art matters. The way Vanessa weaves music, film, and the natural world creates an experience that’s both elegant and deeply moving. It’s not performative—it’s real, crafted, and full of meaning. Watching it makes me want to create again.”

-speech language pathologist, painter, & harpist from Reno, NV

Heather Gage

“Vanessa has a rare gift for bringing people together to make something bigger than any one person. National Park Compositions isn’t just beautiful—it’s collaborative, thoughtful, and full of heart. You can feel the care that goes into every creative decision. It’s inspiring to witness and a privilege to be connected to.”

-government employee & violinist from Reno, NV

Eithne Harley

"Oh wow. (Carlsbad video) Brava- absolutely stunning, the music, the cinematography the light and shade, or as it is really is in this, darkness into light. Beautiful execution and gorgeous gorgeous music and fab cinematography. Congratulations to all x"

-Accenture employee from Dublin, Ireland

Holly Kozan

“Vanessa creates the kind of collaboration that feels rare—grounded, generous, and genuinely human. National Park Compositions is bigger than a film project; it’s a community of artists and supporters making beauty together. Every detail feels intentional. It’s an honor to be connected to it.” 

-fiddle champion, judge, & teacher from Reno, NV

Marina Oster

What Vanessa is building is more than a music project - it’s a place to breathe. Nature is my temple, and the blend of music, landscape, and cinematic storytelling creates a perfect spiritual escape. It’s the kind of content that makes me feel connected and just wanting to be in the moment. I’m grateful that something like this exists. 

-university professor & harpist from Reno, NV

Jamila Williams

“Vanessa’s vision is uplifting and truly unique. Bringing cinematic music into the National Parks—and inviting others into the creative journey—creates a sense of wonder you don’t find online very often. This project elevates the arts community while also offering something restorative to everyone who watches. It’s a gift.”

-hair/makeup designer & dancer from Reno, NV

James Wu

Dear Ms. Porter, 
I find what you are doing to be truly inspiring. The world needs such a journey; mother nature needs it.

Too many people look to classical music as too artificial and complex... it is true that instruments such as the violin suffer when exposed to the atmosphere, but playing them within a natural environment is unspeakably beautiful, beyond the capacity of words alone, and suggests that just maybe, humans have already discovered a way to merge the synthetic with the natural, in a world where humans have become increasingly synthetic themselves.

I commend you, as your silhouette ignites against the rising sun and your music resounds across the infinite space of time and sky, where it speaks to all things, living or not, through a profound resonance that is understood without needing to be understood. Your home is wherever you are, and my spirit is lifted to know that for you, this can be true.

Humbly,
James Wu - composer

Larry Shapiro

"Your project sounds wonderful - visionary and uplifting-which is what I expect from you.

-university professor & violinist from Indianapolis, IN

Biljana Bojovic

“You are doing such a great thing for art, music, the violin world and composers. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with you. If only every composer could be so blessed”

~cellist and composer for the Sequoia National Park film from Jackson, CA