Having had the opportunity to work with many of the finest composers of our times, I should say that Hatzis is, in my estimation, one of the most talented composers I have had the privilege of knowing. Nora Post (1980)

After a few years as Christos Hatzis’ major professor, there is little doubt in my mind that he is one of the top Ph.D. candidates in the history of the department. Morton Feldman (1979)

There are many people in my life that deserve my gratitude, but I would especially like to single out Christos Hatzis for his mentorship. A word like ‘inspiring’ doesn’t come close to capturing the profound impact he has had on my life, both as a composer and as a human being. He was (and still is) a wonderful composition teacher whose musical insights were invaluable to my growth. More than that, though, I feel like he made me see the world with new eyes; my life is richer and more meaningful because of him. Canadian composer Kevin Lau interviewed by Leslie Barcza on barczablog, March 2, 2016

Hatzis’ record of compositional achievement speaks for itself through his many recordings, commissions, and awards. Often, when I have mentioned his work to friends who are not musicians, they have heard his work on radio, on discs, or at concerts and are always complementary and enthusiastic in their response to it. One person said that she thought that Hatzis would turn out to be one of the most important composers of our time. Having heard many of his works, this is an assessment with which I would agree. Hatzis has the ability to write works that are brilliant, complex and intellectually and emotionally challenging but which can still touch the heart of the average listener. This is rare amongst 20th century composers. The composition Nunavut for string quartet and computer generated tape is a brilliant work bringing together such disparate elements as Inuit throat singers, railway sounds and string quartet in a synthesis that is unique to the Canadian landscape and psyche. In it I hear echoes of the expansiveness and loneliness of the Canadian north. To me, this work is a moving reflection of both the fears and hopes of our human condition in sounds that seem to be singularly Canadian in perspective. I feel that Christos Hatzis is a truly outstanding composer, and his work Nunavut is a remarkable and inspiring composition. I am pleased to nominate them for the Jean A . Chalmers National Music Award 1998. Paul Pedersen, composer (former Dean of the Faculty of Music, McGill University and the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto.)

Ki suk kyukyit/Good day. For the last several months I have been listening to your score for Going Home Star and I have to say it is amazing. In April, I was lucky enough to see two performances of the ballet in Victoria and they were so powerful to witness. I had purchased the music about a month earlier and played most of the score on my radio program Native Waves Radio on CFUV. We were also fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Joseph Boyden during that time. I have been meaning to find a way to tell you how much I enjoy your music . . . In particular, Act II: I Got to Build My Fire Up is absolutely genius, especially with the crescendo paired with Tanya Tagaq's voice. Of course, it all culminates on stage with the appearance of the Divine Louis and that was such a blissful moment for me. The absurdity of western decadence, civilization and avarice; the breakdown of the theme, the attempt to rebuild it. All of it. Wow! My family attended residential school for many generations. My father and his brothers, my brothers and sister all attended. Most of them have passed on. I was born too young to attend but it has been there all my life. Going Home Star is a powerful means of reconciling my own relationship with the pain and the absurdity of the St. Eugene Mission and that piece in particular really resonates with me. Well done, Mr Hatzis. Thank you! TAXAS Troy Sebastian, Victoria, BC, Canada

Congratulations again on your memoir! I read it within a day & a half . . . and have taken a few days to digest it. I am very glad I read it and more so that you took the time to put these thoughts and experiences down on paper and made them available to your audience. Reading it felt like I was in a very pleasant but also interesting discussion with someone that taught me quite a bit. In the days since I read it, it has felt like a companion has appeared by my side. The timing of finding and reading it is interesting, as I am currently making the final corrections on my PhD thesis after pausing for a few years because of psychosomatic anxiety manifestations. I have felt for a few months now that I am in the process of coming out of quite a long rut and your memoir feels like a bright light signaling the way to the end of a dark personal tunnel. Thank you VERY MUCH for sharing your experiences and thoughts! I've been very proactive trying to find a way out, but it makes all the difference to find something or someone's path I can relate to on so many different but familiar levels. I've been away from home . . . since 1995, but I secretly knew that it would be something from home that had the power to nudge me back to my own light. At a time when the pandemic makes it difficult for me to go home and search for it, your memoir appeared in a place I seldom ever check (Facebook of all places) —N.N., April 16, 2021. Reader of SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT KEY: The First 40 Years, Greece

A contemporary Canadian master. THE NEW YORKER (2005)

A Canadian icon and an international cultural institution. Piotr Grella-Mozejko SEE MAGAZINE (2009)

With his roots in proto-Christian spirituality, interest in world cultures and ability to mix and match musical styles, Hatzis is very much a composer of and for our time. William Littler, THE TORONTO STAR (2005)

One of Canada’s brightest lights at the height of his powers. Stephen Pedersen, THE CHRONICLE HERALD (2007)

We are fortunate to have a great master in our midst. Robert Thomas, THE WHOLE NOTE magazine (2007)

Canadian composer Christos Hatzis is a master of musical style. He not only makes a virtue of eclecticism but has developed such confidence in its use that he splits the universe with it, multiplying his musical imagery and symbolism thereby to something approaching infinity. Stephen Pedersen, THE CHRONICLE HERALD (2005)

It is undeniable that his work here in past decades has been nothing short of stupendous in beauty and sheer audacity. John S. Gray, THE WHOLE NOTE MAGAZINE (2005)

Christos Hatzis is currently enjoying a growing international reputation as one of the most important composers writing today. His works are being performed, broadcast and recorded in Canada, the US and in Europe by some of the world's best known soloists and ensembles. CBC RECORDS (2003)

...Christos Hatzis is one of Canada's most important composers. ...Canada is extremely fortunate to count this Greek-born musical savant among its citizens. Murray Gingsberg, THE INTERNATIONAL MUSICIAN (1992)

I’m seriously wondering if Hatzis hasn’t captured the essence of what it means to create music in the 21st century urban core. John Terauds, MUSICAL TORONTO (2013)