United Kingdom Prom 21 – Rihm, Strauss, and Mozart: François Leleux (oboe), Aurora Orchestra, Nicholas Collon (conductor), Royal Albert Hall, London, 31.7.2016. (MB)
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)
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)