United Kingdom Janáček, Jenůfa (concert performance): Soloists, London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Barbican, London, 11.1.2024. (AK)
London
Llŷr Williams’s Wigmore Hall Schumann shows he is equally adept in virtuoso and lyrical writing
United Kingdom R. Schumann: Llŷr Williams (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 12.1.2024. (CC)
Anna Prohaska and Phantasm’s stunning Byrd and English Song at Wigmore Hall
United Kingdom Byrd Compared: Byrd and English Song: Anna Prohaska (soprano), Phantasm (Laurence Dreyfus [treble viol/director], Jonathan Manson, Emilia Benjamin [tenor viols], Markku Luolajan-Mikkola [bass viol]). Wigmore Hall, London, 10.01.2024. (CC)
Earth-shaking Alpine Symphony from Sir Mark Elder and the National Youth Orchestra at the Barbican
United Kingdom Howard, Smetana, R. Strauss: National Youth Orchestra / Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Barbican Hall, London 4.1.2024. (CK)
Alim Beisembayev proves at the Wigmore Hall how he is a remarkable, and fully formed, talent
United Kingdom Beethoven, Scriabin, Rachmaninov, Ravel: Alim Beisembayev (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 5.1.2024. (CC)
Mozart like you’ve never heard Mozart before: Angela Hewitt at the Wigmore Hall
United Kingdom R. Schumann, Mozart: Angela Hewitt (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 19.12.2023. (JC)
The Royal Ballet’s cosily familiar The Nutcracker returns to welcome in Christmas yet again
United Kingdom Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker: Dancers of The Royal Ballet, The Schola Cantorum of The London Oratory School, London Oratory Junior Choir (director: Charles Cole), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Andrew Litton (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Peter Jones) for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 12.12.2023 and seen at Everyman Chelmsford, Essex, 18.12.2023. (JPr)
Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel score is the greatest magic of all in a fine Covent Garden revival
United Kingdom Humperdinck, Hansel and Gretel: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Mark Wigglesworth (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 16.12.2023. (CC)