United Kingdom R. Schumann, Mendelssohn: Sir András Schiff (fortepiano/conductor), Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Royal Festival Hall, London, 22.5.2025. (AK)
With the OAE, Sir András Schiff is the embodiment of music without equals
UK Concerts
All concert reviews from the UK.
A mixed but entertaining bag from Cordelia Williams and the Maxwell Quartet at the Turner Sims
United Kingdom Maxwell Davies, R. Schubert, Pärt, Schumann, Folk Songs: Cordelia Williams (piano), Maxwell Quartet (Colin Scobie, George Smith [violins], Elliott Perks [viola], Duncan Strachan [cello]). Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton, 15.5.2025. (CK)
A sonic spectacular to end the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Poole season
United Kingdom Bernstein, Gershwin, Walton: Steven Osborne (piano), Andrew Hamilton (baritone), Bournemouth Symphony Chorus (Assistant Chorus director: Sam Hanson), Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra / David Hill (conductor). Lighthouse, Poole, 14.5.2025. (CK)
The Barbican performance of Handel’s Jephtha took time to live up to its promise
United Kingdom Handel, Jephtha (concert performance): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Il Pomo d’Oro / Francesco Corti (conductor). Barbican Centre, London, 7.5.2025. (CSa)
Stunning Chopin, breezy Mendelssohn, staggering Schumann from Kariv, Forés Veses and the ECO
United Kingdom Mendelssohn, Chopin, R. Schumann: Alon Kariv (piano), English Chamber Orchestra / Roberto Forés Veses (conductor). Cadogan Hall, London, 11.5.2025. (CC)
Many pleasing surprises in Francesco Piemontesi’s Wigmore Hall recital
United Kingdom Schubert and Liszt: Francesco Piemontesi (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 9.5.2025. (MB)
Fascinating repertoire from Nikita Lukinov at St Mary’s Perivale
United Kingdom Bach, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Debussy, Babadjanian: Nikita Lukinov (piano). St Mary’s Perivale, London, 8.5.2025. (CC)
Dramatic and exciting Haydn and Beethoven and mellifluous Brahms from Emelyanychev and the SCO
United Kingdom Brahms, Beethoven, Haydn: Yeol Eum Son (piano), Anna Dennis (soprano), Katie Bray (mezzo-soprano), Anthony Gregory (tenor), Neal Davies (bass), Scottish Chamber Chorus and Orchestra / Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor), Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 8.5.2025. (SRT)