United Kingdom Birtwistle: London Sinfonietta, David Atherton (conductor). Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 24.2.2012 (MB)
UK Concerts
All concert reviews from the UK.
Ashkenazy’s lovingly respectful way with Berlioz and Bruch
United Kingdom Berlioz, Bruch: Alina Pogostkina (violin), Philharmonia Orchestra / Vladimir Ashkenazy (conductor), St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, 22.5.2012 (GPu)
Poetry – and Rhetoric – from Pianist Olli Mustonen
United Kingdom Bach, Shostakovich, Rachmaninov: Olli Mustonen (piano), Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh college of Music and Drama, Cardiff, 20.5.2012 (GPu)
Jessye Norman: The Great American Diva Still Has ‘It’
United Kingdom Bernstein, Rodgers, Gershwin, Arlen, Donaldson, Weill, Duke Ellington: Jessye Norman (soprano); Mark Markham (piano). Royal Festival Hall, London, 21.5.2012 (CC)
A Disappointing First Encounter with Arcadi Volodos
United Kingdom Schubert, Brahms, and Liszt: Arcadi Volodos (piano). Royal Festival Hall, London, 22.5.2012 (MB)
Bernard Haitink’s Great Authority in Bruckner
United Kingdom Bruckner:Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 20.5.2012 (MB)
Magdalena Kožená and Mitsuko Uchida: Superb Recital Partners
United Kingdom Mahler, Debussy, and Messiaen:Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano), Dame Mitsuko Uchida (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 20.5.2012 (MB)
Hersch and Diamond Premieres, plus Chihuly’s “Bluebeard”
United States Hersch (15.5), Diamond (17.5) and Bartók: Soloists, Seattle Symphony, Gerard Schwarz (conductor), Benaroya Hall, Seattle, 15 & 17.5.2012 (BJ)