United Kingdom Berlioz, Mahler: Anu Komsi (soprano), Philharmonia Orchestra / Santtu-Matias Rouvali (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London 1.2.2024. (JR)
UK Concerts
All concert reviews from the UK.
Jac van Steen and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra give a thrilling account of Smetana’s Má vlast
United Kingdom Smetana: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra / Jac van Steen (conductor). Portsmouth Guildhall, 25.1.2024. (CK)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales: four premieres in one evening
United Kingdom BBC NOW – NOW!: Jörgen van Rijen (trombone), BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Jordan de Souza (conductor). Hoddinott Hall, Millennium Centre, Cardiff, 26.1.2024. (PCG)
Thrilling and uplifting Elijah from the London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra under Sir Antonio Pappano
United Kingdom Mendelssohn, Elijah: Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (soprano), Dame Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano), Allan Clayton (tenor), Gerald Finlay (bass), London Symphony Chorus (chorus director: Mariana Rosa), The Guildhall Singers, London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Barbican Hall, London. 28.1.2024. (JR)
Uchida, Dausgaard and the Philharmonia: brilliant Beethoven, but patchy Sibelius fails to ignite
United Kingdom Beethoven and Sibelius: Dame Mitsuko Uchida (piano), Philharmonia Orchestra / Thomas Dausgaard (conductor), Royal Festival Hall, London, 25.1.2024 (CSa)
Gershwin is celebrated in Plymouth
United Kingdom A Gershwin Celebration: Robert Taub (piano), London Gershwin Players / Mark Forkgen (conductor) Levinsky Hall, University of Plymouth, 27.1.2024. (PRB)
Outstanding chamber music-making returns to Romsey
United Kingdom Dutilleux, Weiner, Schumann, Haydn, Webern, Beethoven: RCMF Quartet (Luke Hsu and Laura Rickard [violin], Marthe Husum [viola] and Rainer Crosett [cello]). URC Church, Romsey, 19.1.2024 and 21.1.2024. (CK)
Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s dazzling Debussy at the Barbican Hall
United Kingdom Debussy: Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano). Barbican Hall, London, 24.1.2024. (JC)