United Kingdom Beethoven, Scriabin, Rachmaninov, Ravel: Alim Beisembayev (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 5.1.2024. (CC)
Alim Beisembayev proves at the Wigmore Hall how he is a remarkable, and fully formed, talent
Colin Clarke
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)
Mozart being Mozart, Britten Sinfonia’s Messiah at the Barbican Hall had its own appeal,
United Kingdom Handel (arr, Mozart & Jonathan Manners), Messiah, HWV 56 / K 572 (sung in English): Hilary Cronin (soprano), Helen Charlston (alto), Laurence Kilsby (tenor), Morgan Pearse (bass), BBC Singers, Britten Sinfonia / Sofi Jeannin (conductor). Barbican Hall, 12.12.2023. (CC)
An abridged Messiah was another terrific evening from Laurence Equilbey, her choir and orchestra
France Handel, Messiah (abridged): Marie Lys (soprano), Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian (countertenor), Stuart Jackson (tenor), Alex Rosen (bass), accentus, Insula Orchestra / Laurence Equilbey (conductor). Auditorium Patrick Devedjian, La Seine Musicale, Paris, 5.12.2023. (CC)
PatKop’s Pierrot Lunaire in the Queen Elizabeth Hall was truly an extraordinary experience
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)
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)
