United Kingdom Schumann, Brahms: Diana Damrau (soprano), Jonas Kaufmann (tenor), Helmut Deutsch (piano). Barbican Hall, London, 29.3.2022. (MB)
Damrau, Kaufmann and Deutsch in a memorable evening of Schumann and Brahms
Mark Berry
The Nash Ensemble’s fine celebration of Alexander Goehr at (nearly) 90
United Kingdom Goehr, Richards, and Anderson – Alexander Goehr 90th Birthday Concert: Héloïse Werner, Emilia Bertolini (sopranos), Clare Presland (mezzo-soprano), Joshua Ellicott (tenor), Nash Ensemble / Alasdair Beatson (piano/director). Wigmore Hall, London, 22.3.2022. (MB)
Terfel’s vividly communicative Brahms and Gardner and LPO’s youthful Schoenberg
United Kingdom Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Schoenberg: Sir Bryn Terfel (bass-baritone), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 19.3.2022. (MB)
Peter Grimes at the Royal Opera House: an outstanding night of theatre
United Kingdom Britten, Peter Grimes: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Royal Opera House, London, 17.3.2022. (MB)
A musically intense and dramatic performance of Wozzeck in Paris
France Berg, Wozzeck: Soloists, Maîtrise des-Hauts-de Seine/Children’s Chorus of the Opéra national de Paris (chorus master: Gaël Darchen), Chorus (chorus master: Ching-Lien Wu) and Orchestra of the Opéra national de Paris / Susanna Mälkki (conductor). Opéra Bastille, Paris, 13.3.2022. (MB)
Don Giovanni at Opéra Bastille, though well sung, is a mixed experience
France Mozart, Don Giovanni: Soloists, Chorus (chorus master: Ching-Lien Wiu) and Orchestra of the Opéra national de Paris / Bertrand de Billy (conductor). Opéra Bastille, Paris, 11.3.2022. (MB)
The Creation lifts the spirits on the fortieth anniversary of the Barbican Centre
United Kingdom Haydn: Lucy Crowe (soprano), Andrew Staples (tenor), Roderick Williams (baritone), London Symphony Chorus (chorus director: Simon Halsey), London Symphony Orchestra / Harry Christophers (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 3.3.2022. (MB)
Maurizio Pollini at eighty: an unforgettable London recital
United Kingdom Schumann and Chopin: Maurizio Pollini (piano). Royal Festival Hall, London, 1.3.2022. (MB)
