Month: March 2024

In a spell-binding performance, Smetana’s The Devil’s Wall in Ostrava proves to be a neglected masterwork

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Czech RepublicCzech Republic Smetana, The Devil’s Wall (Čertova stĕna): Soloists, Ballet, Choir and Orchestra of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre / Marek Šedivý (conductor). Antonín Dvořák Theatre, Ostrava, 9.3.2024. (GT)

Smetana’s The Devil’s Wall © Martin Popelář

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Five Singers win top prizes at the Metropolitan Opera’s 2024 Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition

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Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition: Metropolitan Opera, New York, 17.3.2024. (RP)

2024 Laffont Competition Grand Final Winners – [l-r] Daniel Espinal (tenor), Meridian Prall (mezzo-soprano), Emily Richter (soprano), Lydia Grindatto (soprano) and Navasard Hakobyan (baritone) © Karen Almond/Met Opera.

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Illuminating pairing of Mason Bates and Richard Strauss from Leonard Slatkin and the Vancouver Symphony

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CanadaCanada Various: Hung-Wei Huang (viola), Henry Shapard (cello), Vancouver Symphony Orchestra / Leonard Slatkin (conductor). Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, 8.3.2024. (GN)

Leonard Slatkin conducts Principal Cellist Henry Shapard and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra © VSO

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Excitement and energy from the NYO-USA and Yannick Nézet-Séguin at Carnegie Hall

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United StatesUnited States Gershwin, Shostakovich: Daniil Trifonov (piano), Alumni of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America / Yannick Nézet-Séguin (conductor). Carnegie Hall, New York, 14.3.2024. (RP)

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts pianist Daniil Trifonov and the NYO-USA All-Stars © Chris Lee

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Pause for thought as well as enjoyment in Berlin from RSB’s Mendelssohn and Stravinsky

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GermanyGermany Mendelssohn and Stravinsky: Denis Uzun (mezzo-soprano), Berlin Radio Chorus (chorus director: Philipp Ahmann), Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Martyn Brabbins (conductor). Konzerthaus Berlin, 16.3.2024. (MB)

Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra previously in Konzerthaus Berlin © Stefan Maria Rother

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