BBCSO/Young review – sumptuous variety but balance problems
Simone Young gave Zemlinsky’s Lyric Symphony a rare Proms outing and debuted Bayan Northcott’s Concerto for Orchestra
BBCSO/Bychkov review – faultless and furious Larcher premiere
Thomas Larcher’s formidable symphony commemorating refugees drowned in the Mediterranean builds to a climax of tremendous irony and power
The Makropulos Affair review – Karita Mattila’s diva glows with breathtaking opulence
The soprano’s performance coupled with Jiří Bělohlávek’s beautifully judged conducting confirmed them as well nigh ideal interpreters of Janáček
BBCSO/Oramo review – Bray’s restless writing is centrepiece of a varied Prom
Charlotte Bray’s cello concerto asked rather than answered questions and was played with absolute engagement by Guy Johnston
BBCSO/Knussen at the Proms review – Nächtliche Wanderer stalks the Albert Hall
Oliver Knussen and the BBC Symphony Orchestra delivered a wonderfully assured UK premiere of Reinbert de Leeuw’s epic symphonic poem
Emily Pailthorpe: Better Angels CD review – intriguing set of luscious melancholy
Oboist Emily Pailthorpe has put together an intriguing programme from the limited repertoire available. She begins with a lusciously long-breathed account of Strauss’s late concerto, then makes lyrical work of Samuel Barber’s valedictory Canzonetta, both backed by the BBC Symphony … Continue reading
Aurora O/Collon/BBCSO/Gardner review – pulling out the party tricks
The Aurora Orchestra played Mozart’s Jupiter with spirit – and from memory; and Edward Gardner confidently conducted a satirical new piece by Lera Auerbach
BBCSO/Davis at the Proms review – vivid depictions of natural illusions
Anthony Payne’s 80th birthday commission is a substantial, beautifully crafted symphonic poem and choral work in the tradition of Bax and Bridge
BBCSO / Minkowski at the Proms review – a French twist on Shakespeare
Marc Minkowski presented works with a Parisian connection by Fauré, Poulenc and Stravinsky, played with refinement by the BBC Symphony
First night of the Proms review – tribute to France opens a stirring evening
Royal Albert Hall, LondonConductor Sakari Oramo rightly began with an impromptu French national anthem, leading into Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet and a compelling Elgar concerto from cellist Sol Gabetta, among other highlights
Adelson e Salvini – a curious and uneven Bellini rarity, beautifully performed
Opera Rara’s excellent singers complemented outstanding playing from the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Daniele Rustioni
BBCSO/Oramo review – surging Bax and intense Elgar
Sakari Oramo kept Bax’s colours crystalline and delivered a fine Elgar First while Brett Dean showed the lyrical power of his Viola Concerto
BBCSO/Knussen review – a beguiling tapestry of sound
An all-female chorus and Oliver Knussen brought George Benjamin’s profoundly beautiful Dream of the Song to life
Il trittico; BBC Symphony Orchestra/ Wigglesworth – review
Ermonela Jaho is unforgettable in Royal Opera’s revival of Puccini’s Il trittico
BBCSO/Wigglesworth review – video brings unexpected riches to Britten
The BBC Symphony Orchestra’s Barbican programme under Ryan Wigglesworth included a performance of the Sea Interludes and Passacaglia from Peter Grimes with a difference: each movement was accompanied by videos by Tal Rosner, all of them being presented in London … Continue reading