Festival 2023

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

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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

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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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The Pilgrim’s Progress is a fine achievement by British Youth Opera at the Three Choirs Festival

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Three Choirs Festival 2023 [4] – Vaughan Williams, The Pilgrim’s Progress: Soloists, British Youth Opera, Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Charlotte Corderoy (conductor). Gloucester Cathedral, 24.7.2023. (JQ)

The Pilgrim’s Progress (Vanity Fair scene) © James O’Driscoll

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Folk Music Slant in new Vattnäs Chamber Music Festival

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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

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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

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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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Carolyn Sampson and Mahan Esfahani’s richly rewarding recital opens the Three Choirs Festival 2023

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Three Choirs Festival 2023 [1] – JS Bach, CPE Bach, Petzold, Couperin, Habibian, ‘For Anna Magdalena’: Carolyn Sampson (soprano), Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord). Holy Trinity Church, Longlevens, Gloucester, 22.7.2023. (JQ)

Mahan Esfahani and Carolyn Sampson © James O’Driscoll

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