United Kingdom Schubert: Mark Padmore (tenor), Mitsuko Uchida (piano), Wigmore Hall, London, 13.12.2017. (CC)
UK Concerts
All concert reviews from the UK.
Otaka’s All-Elgar Programme in Cardiff
United Kingdom Elgar: Claudia Huckle (contralto), BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Tadaaki Otaka (conductor). Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff, 11.12.2017. (PCG)
The BBCSO Present a Fascinating and Rewarding Portrait of Esa-Pekka Salonen as Composer
United Kingdom Total Immersion: Esa-Pekka Salonen: Various artists. Barbican Centre, and Milton Court Concert Hall, London, 10.12.2017. (CC)

This was an unmissable opportunity to experience the ‘other’ side of Esa-Pekka Salonen, so beloved of London audiences via his conducting activities with the Philharmonia Orchestra (most recently a wonderful Mahler Ninth). He did not raise a baton on this particular day, however: it was all about Salonen’s own music.
Ashkenazy and the OPO offer a triptych of Russian compositions
United Kingdom Nimrod Borenstein, Shostakovich and Rachmaninov: Natalia Lomeiko (violinist), Oxford Philharmonic /Vladimir Ashkenazy (conductor), Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, 9.12.2017. (CR)
Elijah at Dartington
United Kingdom Mendelssohn: Catherine Hamilton (soprano), Alison Kettlewell (mezzo-soprano), James Way (tenor), Darren Jeffery (bass-baritone), Dartington Community Choir and Dartington Sinfonietta / Simon Capet (conductor), Great Hall, Dartington, 10.12.2017. (PRB)

(c) Philip R Buttall
No ‘Compelling Links’ Between Mozart and Tchaikovsky from Znaider and LSO
United Kingdom Mozart and Tchaikovsky: London Symphony Orchestra / Nicolaj Znaider (violin/conductor), Barbican Hall, London, 7.12.2017. (GD)
A Most Stimulating Evening of Bach and Telemann
United Kingdom Reversed Fortunes, music by Bach and Telemann: Academy of Ancient Music / Bojan Čičić (violin/director). Milton Court Concert Hall, London, 7.12.2017. (CC)
Otaka returns to Cardiff with stunning Rachmaninov
United Kingdom Rachmaninov, Elgar, Takemitsu: Steven Isserlis (cello), BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Tadaki Otaka (conductor). St David’s Hall, Cardiff, 7.12.2017. (PCG)