United Kingdom Prom 21 – Rihm, Strauss, and Mozart: François Leleux (oboe), Aurora Orchestra, Nicholas Collon (conductor), Royal Albert Hall, London, 31.7.2016. (MB)
Aurora Reveal Rihm as Successor to Schoenberg, Stockhausen and Stravinsky
Mark Berry
Mahan Esfahani’s Venturing Spirit Produces a Stimulating Recital
United Kingdom Bull, Kalabis, D’Anglebert, Borup-Jǿrgensen, Saariaho, Kidane, and Scarlatti: Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord). Wigmore Hall, London, 19.7.2016. (MB)
Thoughtful Mozart from Francesco Piemontesi
United Kingdom Mozart: Francesco Piemontesi (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 13.7.2016. (MB)
Deeply Satisfying Beethoven from Julia Fischer and Igor Levit
United Kingdom Beethoven: Julia Fischer (violin), Igor Levit (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 6.7.2016. (MB)
Outstanding, Definitive Hänsel und Gretel at RCM Worth Seeing Twice
United Kingdom Humperdinck, Hänsel und Gretel: Soloists, Chorus of Echoes, Angels, and Gingerbread Children, Royal College of Music Opera Orchestra, Michael Rosewell (conductor), Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music, London, 4 and 5.7.2016, (MB)
(c) Chris Christodoulou
Convincing Performances from Trinity Laban Students in Premiere of McNeff’s Banished
United Kingdom Stephen McNeff, Banished: Soloists, Vocal Ensemble, Orchestra of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Jessica Cottis (conductor). Blackheath Halls, 30.6.2016. (MB)
A Fortepiano, Expertly Played, Illuminates Lieder by Beethoven
United Kingdom Beethoven: Matthias Goerne (baritone), Kristian Bezuidenhout (fortepiano). Wigmore Hall, London, 27.6.2016. (MB)
A Varied Programme Expertly Performed by Oliver Zeffman and the Melos Sinfonia
United Kingdom Dutilleux, Haydn, and Rimsky-Korsakov: Martyn Jackson (violin), Bartholomew LaFollette (cello), Melos Sinfonia/Oliver Zeffman (conductor). Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, London, 25.6.2016. (MB)