United Kingdom Haydn, Assad, and Debussy: Takács Quartet (Edward Dusinberre, Harumi Rhodes [violins], Richard O’Neill [viola], András Fejér [cello]). Wigmore Hall, London, 24.3.2026. (MB)
The Takács Quartet on top form at Wigmore Hall
Mark Berry
Royal Academy of Music’s enjoyable, succinct production of Handel’s Rinaldo, excellently performed
United Kingdom Handel, Rinaldo: Soloists, Royal Academy Sinfonia / David Bates (conductor). Susie Sainsbury Theatre, Royal Academy of Music, London, 19.3.2026. (MB)
Bach interspersed with Hindemith, Schnittke, and Shostakovich from Antoine Tamestit and the MCO
Germany Bach, Hindemith, Schnittke, Shostakovich: Antoine Tamestit (viola), Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Kammermusiksaal, Berlin, 2.3.2026. (MB)
There was much evidence that the Staatsoper audience in Berlin enjoyed their first Janáček Vixen
Germany Janáček, The Cunning Little Vixen: Soloists, Children’s Choir of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (director: Vinzenz Weissenburger), Staatsopernchor Berlin (director: Dani Juris), Staatskapelle Berlin / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 28.2.2026. (MB)
Berlioz was a magnificent ending to a magnificent Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra evening
Germany Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Berlioz: Noah Bendix-Balgley (violin), Bruno Delepelaire (cello), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Tugan Sokhiev (conductor). Philharmonie Berlin, 27.2.2026. (MB)
Guildhall School’s committed musical performances in the operatic rarity Britten’s Owen Wingrave
United Kingdom Britten, Owen Wingrave: Soloists, Guildhall School Orchestra / Dominic Wheeler (conductor). Silk Street Theatre, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, 23.2.2026. (MB)
Tamara Stefanovich’s recital reminded us, György Kurtág is alive and writing
United Kingdom ‘Labyrinth’ – Bach, Kurtág, Debussy, and Liszt: Tamara Stefanovich (piano). Milton Court Concert Hall, London, 19.2.2026. (MB)
Weill’s Mahagonny is a properly barbed, defiant way for ENO to bid London au revoir
United Kingdom Weill, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny): Soloists, Chorus, Additional Chorus (director: Matthew Quinn) and Orchestra of the English National Opera / André de Ridder (conductor). London Coliseum, 16.2.2026. (MB)
