Germany Richard Strauss and Beethoven: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Herbert Blomstedt (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 22.9.2023. (MB)
Memorable Strauss from Herbert Blomstedt, but his ‘Eroica’ doesn’t quite hit the mark
Mark Berry
The Komische Oper, Berlin triumphantly revive Das Floss der Medusa – in an aircraft hangar
Germany Henze, Das Floss der Medusa: Soloists, Choir Soloists, Movement Choir and Children’s Extras of the Komische Oper, Berlin, Vocalconsort Berlin, Staats- und Domchor Berlin, Orchestra of the Komische Oper, Berlin / Titus Engel (conductor). Hangar 1, Tempelhof Airport, Berlin, 16.9.2023. (MB)
Persian music takes centre stage at Musikfest Berlin 2023
Germany Musikfest Berlin 2023 [5] – Schweinitz and Persian music improvisations: Helge Slaatto (violin), Frank Reinecke (double bass), Majeed Qadianie (tār, setār), Niloufar Mohseni (tombak). Kammermusiksaal, Philharmonie, Berlin, 15.9.2023. (MB)
Virtuoso performances of a challenging, stimulating programme by Kirill Petrenko and the BPO
Germany Musikfest Berlin [4] – Xenakis, Illés, Hartmann, and Kurtág: Christian Gerhaher (baritone), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Kirill Petrenko (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 14.9.2023. (MB)
Another fascinating concert by Ensemble Modern and George Benjamin at Musikfest Berlin
Germany Musikfest Berlin 2023 [3] – Chin, Ogonek, Filidei, Benjamin, and Ammann: Anna Prohaska (soprano), Ensemble Modern / Sir George Benjamin (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 3.9.2023. (MB)
Musikfest Berlin performances of concentrated riches from Ensemble Modern and George Benjamin
United Kingdom Musikfest Berlin 2023 [2] – Varèse, Haddad, Ravel, Bach-Benjamin and Schoenberg: Anna Prohaska (soprano), Ensemble Modern / Sir George Benjamin (conductor). Kammermusiksaal, Philharmonie, Berlin, 2.9.2023. (MB)
A magnificent opening to Musikfest Berlin by Iván Fischer and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Germany Musikfest Berlin 2023 [1] – Widmann and Mahler: Michael Nagy (baritone), Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra / Iván Fischer (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 26.8.2023. (MB)
Outstanding music-making as Kirill Petrenko and the Berlin Philharmonic open their season
Germany Reger and R. Strauss: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Kirill Petrenko (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 25.8.2023. (MB)
