United Kingdom ‘Bach: Before and After’: Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord). Wigmore Hall, London, 21.10.2021. (MB)
Another wonderful and stimulating recital by Mahan Esfahani
Mark Berry
Fulham Opera present the long-overdue staged London premiere of Die ägyptische Helena
United Kingdom Richard Strauss, Die ägyptische Helena: Soloists, Ensemble of Fulham Opera / Ben Woodward (conductor). St John’s Church, Fulham, London, 19.10.2021. (MB)
Quatuor Ebène’s superb Wigmore Hall concert has masterly Janáček as its peak
United Kingdom Haydn, Janáček, and Schumann: Quatuor Ebène (Pierre Colombet, Gabriel Le Magadure [violins], Marie Chilemme [viola], Raphaël Merlin [cello]). Wigmore Hall, London, 15.10.2021. (MB)
Large scale Strauss launches the Santtu-Matias Rouvali era with the Philharmonia
United Kingdom Richard Strauss: Philharmonia Orchestra / Santtu-Matias Rouvali (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 30.9.2021. (MB)
The Midsummer Marriage joyously launches Edward Gardner’s tenure at the LPO
United Kingdom Tippett, The Midsummer Marriage: Soloists, London Philharmonic Choir (artistic director: Neville Creed), ENO Chorus (chorus director: Mark Biggins), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 25.9.2021. (MB)
Bampton Classical Opera successfully revive a shamefully neglected Gluck opera
United Kingdom Bampton Classical Opera – Gluck, Paride ed Elena: Soloists, CHROMA / Thomas Blunt (conductor). St John’s, Smith Square, London, 24.9.2021. (MB)
Excellent singing as the Royal Opera revives a rather tired production of Die Zauberflöte
United Kingdom Mozart, Die Zauberflöte: Soloists, Actors, Royal Opera Chorus (chorus director: William Spaulding), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Hartmut Haenchen (conductor). Royal Opera House, London, 15.9.2021. (MB)
Memorable Schumann from Argerich, Barenboim and the Staatskapelle Berlin
Germany Schumann: Martha Argerich (piano), Staatskapelle Berlin, Daniel Barenboim (conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 6.9.2021 (MB)
