United Kingdom Various: Yuja Wang (piano). Royal Festival Hall, London, 20.4.2022. (CC)
Yuja Wang has nowhere to hide in Beethoven but has phenomenal technique in the showpieces
UK Concerts
All concert reviews from the UK.
OAE’s St John Passion and Vox Luminis at St John’s Smith Square at Easter
United Kingdom Easter Festival at St John’s – Bach Johannes-Passion and Vox Luminis: St John’s Smith Square, London, 15 & 17.4.2022. (CC)
Essentially an all-Russian affair, this was an exemplary performance from Lamsma, Noseda and the LSO
United Kingdom George Stevenson, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev: Simone Lamsma (violin), London Symphony Orchestra / Gianandrea Noseda (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 10.4.2022. (KMcD)
Julia Fischer’s spring residency with the LPO ends with magical Elgar
United Kingdom Elgar, Enescu: Julia Fischer (violin), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Vladimir Jurowski (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 13.4.2022. (CS)
Consummate Haydn and generic Joel Thompson from ENO’s short and skewed Seven Last Words
United Kingdom English National Opera’s Seven Last Words: Nardus Williams (soprano), Idunnu Münch, (mezzo-soprano), Frederick Ballentine (tenor), Soloman Howard (bass), Chorus and Orchestra of English National Opera Chorus / Eamonn Dougan (conductor, Haydn), Kellen Gray (conductor, Thompson). 13.4.2022. (CC)
BBC NOW’s Bach St Matthew Passion finally arrives in Cardiff
United Kingdom Bach: Jeremy Budd (tenor, Evangelist), David Shipley (bass, Christ), Mhairi Lawson (soprano), Jess Dandy (contralto), Anthony Gregory (tenor), James Newby (bass), BBC National Chorus and Orchestra of Wales / Harry Bicket (conductor). St David’s Hall, Cardiff, 9.4.2022. (PCG)
Ein deutsches Requiem with Bach Collegium Zurich: a fine, intimate, poignant performance
Switzerland Brahms: Carmela Konrad (soprano), Samuel Zünd (baritone), Soós-Haag Piano Duo, Bach Collegium Zurich / Bernhard Hunziker (conductor). Grossmünster (Great Minster), Zurich, 9.4.2022. (JR)
Subtlety and refinement from Florilegium’s Mozart at Passiontide in Oxford
United Kingdom Mozart: Rowan Pierce (soprano), Katie Bray (mezzo-soprano), James Oxley (tenor), Giles Underwood (bass), Choir of Merton College, Merton College Girl Choristers, Florilegium / Benjamin Nicholas (conductor). Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford 8.4.2022. (CR)
