United Kingdom Haydn, Ligeti, and Beethoven: Heath Quartet (Oliver Heath, Sara Wolstenholme [violins], Gary Pomeroy [viola], Christopher Murray [cello]), Wigmore Hall, London, 16.3.2019 (MB)
A Highly Rewarding Programme from the Heath Quartet
Mark Berry
Fine Singing is the Best Feature of ENO’s Magic Flute Revival
United Kingdom Mozart, The Magic Flute: Soloists, Orchestra and Chorus of the English National Opera (chorus master: James Henshaw) / Ben Gernon (conductor). London Coliseum, 14.3.2019. (MB)
English Touring Opera’s Splendid Account of Idomeneo
United Kingdom Mozart, Idomeneo: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of English Touring Opera / Jonathan Peter Kenny (conductor). Hackney Empire Theatre, London, 8.3.2019. (MB)
Challenging Programme from Ensemble Modern and George Benjamin Yields Great Rewards at the Roundhouse
United Kingdom Boulez, Messiaen, Ustvolskaya, Ligeti, and Benjamin: Ueli Wiget (piano), Ensemble Modern / George Benjamin (conductor). Roundhouse, Camden, London, 6.3.2019. (MB)
The Royal Opera’s Così fan tutte Revival Marred by Ham-fisted Conducting and Production
United Kingdom Mozart, Così fan tutte: Soloists, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Royal Opera Chorus (chorus director: William Spaulding) / Stefano Montanari (conductor). Royal Opera House, London, 25.1.2019. (MB)
Much to Relish in Trio Zimmermann’s Wigmore Hall Performances of Schoenberg and Bach
United Kingdom Schoenberg and Bach: Trio Zimmermann (Frank Peter Zimmermann [violin], Antoine Tamestit [viola], Christian Poltéra [cello]). Wigmore Hall, London, 23.2.2019. (MB)
The Barbican Acoustic Works Against Sakari Oramo and the BBC Symphony Orchestra
United Kingdom Mozart, Larcher, and Mahler: Elisabeth Kulman (mezzo-soprano), Stuart Skelton (tenor), BBC Symphony Orchestra / Sakari Oramo (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 22.2.2019. (MB)
A Varied Diet of French Music from Simon Rattle and the LSO
United Kingdom Rameau, Ravel, Poulenc, and Jolas: Daniil Trifonov (piano), London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 17.2.2019. (MB)
