United Kingdom Patricia Kopatchinskaja & Friends – Pierrot Lunaire: Patricia Kopatchinskaja (voice / violin), Meesun Hong Coleman (violin), Thomas Kaufmann (cello), Júlia Gállego (flute), Reto Bieri (clarinet), Joonas Ahonen (piano). Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, 3.12.2023. (CC)
Colin Clarke
Near-overwhelming Glanert and fine Brahms from Bychkov and the BBC SO
United Kingdom Glanert, Brahms: Catriona Morison (mezzo-soprano), Christian Immler (baritone), BBC Symphony Orchestra / Semyon Bychkov (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 24.11.2023. (CC)
AAM’s revelatory, richly satisfying, Command Performance: Music for an Empress
United Kingdom Command Performance: Music for an Empress: Alexandra Lowe (soprano), Academy of Ancient Music / Laurence Cummings (director). Milton Court Concert Hall, London, 23.11.2023. (CC)
Insula’s Sky Burial at the Barbican is a stunning evening, unique, and vitally important
United Kingdom Gounod, Fauré – Sky Burial: Oliver Barlow (treble), John Brancy (baritone), Amitai Pati (tenor), Mat Collishaw (filmmaker), accentus, Insula Orchestra / Laurence Equilbey (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 20.11.2023. (CC)
Covent Garden’s new production of Handel’s Jephtha is currently something of a missed opportunity
United Kingdom Handel, Jephtha, HWV 70: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Lawrence Cummings (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 8.11.2023. (CC)
ENO’s 7 Deaths of Maria Callas: a lovely set of vocal performances within a concept of limited appeal
United Kingdom Abramović/Nikodijević, 7 Deaths of Maria Callas (UK premiere): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of English National Opera / Yoel Gamzou (conductor). London Coliseum, 3.22.2023. (CC)
The ENO Orchestra is excellent in a well-sung Traviata and Konwitschny’s concept is an interesting one
United Kingdom Verdi, La traviata: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of English National Opera / Richard Farnes (conductor). London Coliseum, 2.11.2023. (CC)
The NOVO Quartet win big in this year’s Geneva Competition and has a fine future ahead
Switzerland The 77th Concours de Geneve: String Quartet final round: Victoria Hall, Geneva, Switzerland, 29.10.2023. (CC)