France Beethoven: Alexandra Conunova (violin), Insula orchestra / Laurence Equilbey (conductor). Le Seine Musicale, Paris, 27.9.2023. (CC)
Insula’s phenomenal evening of Beethoven performed at the highest possible level in Paris
Colin Clarke
The very epitome of chamber music at its highest level from PatKop and friends at the QEH
United Kingdom Enescu, Poulenc, PatKop, Bartók, Milhaud, Schoenfield: Patricia Kopatchinskaja (violin), Reto Bieri (clarinet), Polina Leschenko (piano). Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 24.9.2023. (CC)
Nadine Sierra is pitch-perfect as Adina in a somewhat mixed revival of L’elisir d’amore by the Royal Opera
United Kingdom Donizetti, L’elisir d’amore: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Sesto Quatrini (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 22.9.2023. (CC)
If I had five stars, I would give them to the Royal Opera’s revival of La forza del destino
United Kingdom Verdi, La forza del destino (1869 Milan version): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 19.9.2023. (CC)
Vilde Frang, Vladimir Jurowski and the BSO bring a sense of profound peace to Berg’s Violin Concerto
United Kingdom Poleva, Berg, R. Strauss: Vilde Frang (violin), Bavarian State Orchestra / Vladimir Jurowski (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 18.9.2023.(CC)
Genius programming from Barbara Hannigan and the LSO made this a season opener to remember
United Kingdom Ligeti, Vivier, Haydn, Nono, R. Strauss: Fleur Barron (mezzo-soprano), London Symphony Orchestra / Barbara Hannigan (conductor / soprano). Barbican Centre, London, 14.9.2023. (CC)
Vibrant performances of Mozart, Bartók and Beethoven in Guildford from the Concerto Budapest SO
United Kingdom Mozart, Bartók, Beethoven: Pierre-Laurent Aimard (piano), Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra / András Keller (conductor). G-Live, Guildford, Surrey, 13.9.2023. (CC)
Ensemble Modern excel in Ravel and Varèse at the Wigmore Hall
United Kingdom Varèse, Haddad, Ravel, Bach/Benjamin, Schoenberg: Anna Prohaska (soprano), Ensemble Modern / Sir George Benjamin (conductor). Wigmore Hall, London, 12.9.2023. (CC)
