United Kingdom Chabrier, L’Étoile (The Star): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the RNCM / Martin Pickard (conductor). RNCM, Manchester, 8.12.2024. (MC)
RNCM excelled in Chabrier’s L’Étoile: the performance was admirable and full of charm and wonder
Michael Cookson
Opera North’s The Magic Flute is fresh and splendidly entertaining
United Kingdom Mozart, The Magic Flute: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North / Oliver Rundell (conductor). Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, The Quays, Salford, 15.11.2024. (MC)
At The Lowry, Opera North’s captivating Ruddigore exceeded already high expectations
United Kingdom Opera North 2024 [2] – Gilbert & Sullivan, Ruddigore (or The Witch’s Curse): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North / Anthony Kraus (conductor). Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, The Quays, Salford, 14.11.2024. (MC)
Opera North’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is superb entertainment
United Kingdom Opera North 2024 [1] – Britten, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Soloists, Children’s Chorus, Orchestra of Opera North / Garry Walker (conductor). Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, The Quays, Salford, 13.11.2024. (MC)
Three recitals with the Consone Quartet, Music at Paxton’s Associate Ensemble
United Kingdom Music at Paxton – Summer Festival of Chamber Music 2024 [3]: Picture Gallery, Paxton House, Scottish Borders, 20 & 21.7.2024. (MC)
Uplifting and engaging performances from Beth Malcolm and Heather Cartwright at Paxton
United Kingdom Music at Paxton – Summer Festival of Chamber Music 2024 [2] – A Modern Folk Music Programme: Beth Malcolm (singer, keyboard), Heather Cartwright (guitar). Marquee, Paxton House, Scottish Borders, 20.7.2024. (MC)
Mullova and Beatson at Paxton is likely the most exceptional recital I have reported on in recent years
United Kingdom Music at Paxton – Summer Festival of Chamber Music 2024 [1] – Beethoven, Schubert: Viktoria Mullova (violin), Alasdair Beatson (piano). Picture Gallery, Paxton House, Scottish Borders, 19.7.2024. (MC)
Buxton’s new and first-rate Ernani production by Jamie Manton provided captivating drama
United Kingdom Buxton International Festival [3] – Verdi, Ernani: Soloists, BIF Chorus, Orchestra of Opera North / Adrian Kelly (conductor). Buxton International Festival, Buxton Opera House, Derbyshire, 10.7.2024. (MC)
