United Kingdom Janáček, The Makropulos Affair: Soloists, London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 13.1.2026. (JR)
Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO’s stunning concert performance of Janáček’s The Makropulos Affair
John Rhodes
The LSO’s British music series continues with an excellent Vaughan Williams performance
United Kingdom Musgrave, Walton, Vaughan Williams: Antoine Tamestit (viola), London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 11.12.2025. (JR)
English National Opera’s HMS Pinafore descends into crude, and often unfunny, pantomime
United Kingdom Gilbert & Sullivan, HMS Pinafore: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of English National Opera / Matthew Kofi Waldren (conductor). London Coliseum, 4.12.2025. (JR)
A perfect Sunday afternoon with the Philharmonia under Paavo Järvi and Alena Baeva’s stunning debut
United Kingdom Brahms, Bruch, Sibelius: Alena Baeva (violin), Philharmonia Orchestra / Paavo Järvi (conductor), Royal Festival Hall, London 9.11.2025. (JR)
Music-making of the highest quality: Brahms and Tchaikovsky with the LPO under Gardner with Kolesnikov
United Kingdom Brahms, Tchaikovsky: Pavel Kolesnikov (piano), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 5.11.2025. (JR)
Programme of rousing Russian fare: debuts of Ryan Bancroft and Clara-Jumi Kang with the LSO
United Kingdom Gubaidulina, Shostakovich, Stravinsky: Clara-Jumi Kang (violin), London Symphony Orchestra / Ryan Bancroft (conductor), Barbican Hall, London 30.10.2025. (JR)
Britten Sinfonia honour Sir John Tavener’s memory with an atmospheric The Protecting Veil
United Kingdom Tavener: Guy Johnston (cello), Britten Sinfonia / Thomas Gould (violin/director). Greek Orthodox Church, London, 29.10.2025. (JR)
Majestic Mahler’s Eighth to celebrate the launch of the 150th anniversary season of the Bach Choir
United Kingdom Mahler, Symphony No.8 ‘Symphony of a Thousand’: Soloists, The Bach Choir, London Youth Choir Cambiata Girls, Philharmonia Orchestra / David Hill (conductor, chorus music director). St Paul’s Cathedral, London, 9.10.2025. (JR)
