International Chamber Music Academy returns to Ochsenhausen’s idyllic paths and gardens

GermanyGermany Second International Chamber Music Academy at the Landesakademie in Ochsenhausen [2]: in partnership with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Faculty members Matthias Buchholz (viola), Hillel Zori (cello), François Benda (clarinet), Elina Gotsouliak and Sun Hee Kim (pianos), and students. Kloster Bibliothekssaal, Ochsenhausen, 15.7.2023. (LV)

Oboist Leonid Surkov, bassoonist Luca Dovalina and pianist Jascha Silverstein play Poulenc © Saxton Rose

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Freshly conceived, brilliant reading of Beethoven’s Ninth performed at the Proms to the highest standard

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Prom 12 – Helen Grime, Beethoven: Eleanor Dennis (soprano), Karen Cargill (mezzo-soprano), Nicky Spence (tenor), Michael Mofidian (bass-baritone), BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra / Ryan Wigglesworth (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London, 23.7.2023. (CC)

Ryan Wigglesworth conducts the BBC SSO © BBC/Sisi Burn

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Riveting performances crowned the last day of the Vattnäs Chamber Music Festival

SwedenSweden Vattnäs Chamber Music Festival 2023 [3] – From Here to Eternity – Music That Survives Everything: Anna Sjögren (recitation), Lovisa Huledal (mezzo-soprano), Karin Mobacke (soprano), Amelia Jakobsson (soprano), Anna Larsson (contralto), Göran Eliasson (tenor), Kristoffer Töyrä (bass-baritone), Johannes Marmén (violin), Amalie Stalheim (cello), Eelis Malmivirta (French horn), Octavian Leyva Dragomir (piano), Martin Sturfält (piano), Michael Engström (piano), Marmén Quartet, Vattnäs Strings, Earendel Quintet / Fredrik Burstedt (conductor). Vattnäs Concert Barn, 15.7.2023. (GF)

Johannes Marmén, Martin Sturfält, Amelia Jakobsson and Amalie Stalheim performing Shostakovich © Göran Forsling

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A varied, stimulating and very long Vattnäs Chamber Music Festival day

SwedenSweden Vattnäs Chamber Music Festival [2] – From Stenhammar to Bernstein – Old and New Music Carved on Stone for the Future: Vattnäs Strings, Agnes Auer (soprano), Tobias Westman (tenor), Anna Baek Christensen (soprano), Martin Sturfält (piano), Michael Engström (piano), Octavian Leyva Dragomir (piano), Jacob Kellermann (guitar), Anders Paulsson (soprano saxophone). Vattnäs Concert Barn, 14.7.2023. (GF)

Anders Paulsson playing Piazzolla © Göran Forsling

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Folk Music Slant in new Vattnäs Chamber Music Festival

SwedenSweden Vattnäs Chamber Music Festival [1] – Various, Festive inauguration among men and beasts: Earendel Quintet, Synne Vinje (soprano), Alva Olsson (soprano), Rebecca Fjällsby (mezzo-soprano), Anna Johansen (saxophone), Michael Engström (piano), Jacob Kellermann (guitar), Vattnäs Strings, et al. Vattnäs Concert Barn, 13.7.2023. (GF)

Synne Vinje sings Grieg’s Haugtussa © Göran Forsling

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Intriguing and interesting programme of British music at the Three Choirs Festival

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Three Choirs Festival 2023 [3] – Corp, Vaughan Williams, Higgins: Roderick Williams (baritone), Marta Fontanals-Simmons (mezzo-soprano), Rebecca Jones (viola), Three Choirs Festival Chorus, BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Martyn Brabbins (conductor). Gloucester Cathedral, 23.7.2023. (JQ)

Martyn Brabbins conducts Marta Fontanals-Simmons (mezzo-soprano), Roderick Williams (baritone), Three Choirs Festival Chorus and the BBC NOW © James O’Driscoll

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Electrifying Elgar sets the seal on a memorable evening at the Three Choirs Festival

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Three Choirs Festival 2023 [2] – Alberga, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, The Holy City: Roderick Williams (baritone), Ruairi Bowen (tenor), Zsolt-Tihamér Visontay (violin), Three Choirs Festival Chorus, Gloucester Cathedral Choristers, Gloucester Cathedral Youth Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra / Adrian Partington (conductor). Gloucester Cathedral, 22.7.2023. (JQ)

Zsolt-Tihamér Visontay (violin) and Adrian Partington (conductor) © James O’Driscoll

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