International Concerts

All non-UK concert reviews

Tension and drama abound in the Chicago Symphony’s Tchaikovsky Fourth and Walton Viola Concerto

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United StatesUnited States Vaughan-Williams, Walton, Tchaikovsky: Antoine Tamestit (viola), Chicago Symphony Orchestra / Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider (conductor). Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 26.9.2024. (ZC)

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2021 © Todd Rosenberg/CSO

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Sir Simon Rattle conducts a Bach St Matthew Passion of great integrity in Munich

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GermanyGermany Bach, Matthäus-Passion (St Matthew Passion): Soloists, Augsburger Domsingknaben, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Herkulessaal, Munich, 26.9.2024. (ALL)

Bach’s St Matthew Passion in Munich’s Herkulessaal © Severin Vogl/BRSO

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Fabulous start to Insula’s season with Chopin and Robert Schumann from Debargue and Equilbey in Paris

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FranceFrance Chopin, R. Schumann: Lucas Debargue (piano), Insula Orchestra / Laurence Equilbey (conductor). Auditorium Patrick Devedjian, La Seine Musicale, Paris, 24.9.2024. (CC)

Laurence Equilbey conducts pianist Lucas Debargue and the Insula Orchestra © Julien Benhamou

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A blazing season opener in Cleveland with Zimmermann and Vänskä

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United StatesUnited States Prokofiev, R. Schumann, Tchaikovsky: Frank Peter Zimmermann (violin), Cleveland Orchestra / Osmo Vänskä (conductor). Mandel Concert Hall at Severance Music Center, Cleveland, 22.9.2024. (MSJ)

Frank Peter Zimmermann performs Schumann’s Violin Concert with the Cleveland Orchestra conducted by Osmo Vänskä © Aireonna McCall-Dubé/CO

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Il Pomo d’Oro remain a class act, though Bruno de Sá is a disappointing substitute at Bayreuth Baroque

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GermanyGermany Bayreuth Baroque 2024 [1] – Gala Concert: Bruno de Sá (male soprano), Il Pomo d’Oro / Alfia Bakieva (violin/director). Markgräfliches Opernhaus, Bayreuth, 6.9.2024. (CC)

Male soprano Bruno de Sá and Il Pomo D’Oro © Clemens Manser Photography

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Excellent performances from the Berlin Phil and Jonathan Nott in a varied Musikfest programme

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GermanyGermany Musikfest Berlin 2024 [5] – Mazzoli, Eötvös, and Ives: Pierre-Laurent Aimard (piano), Ernst Senff Choir (chorus master: Steffen Schubert), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Gregor A. Mayrhofer (co-conductor), Jonathan Nott (conductor). Philharmonie Berlin, 8.9.2024. (MB)

Pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard at the Philharmonie Berlin with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra © Stephan Rabold

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