Sweden Dala-Floda Opera Festival 2023 [2] – Gala Concert: Soloists, Ola Ottosson, Mischa Carlberg and Alexandra Orrgård Solén (accompanists), Dala-Floda Church, Dalecarlia, 6.8.2023. (GF)
Dala-Floda Gala earns ovations from enthusiastic audience
Festivals
Electrifying Walton First Symphony from John Wilson and Sinfonia of London at the BBC Proms
United Kingdom Prom 30 – Boulanger, Rachmaninov, Walton: Alim Beisembayev (piano), Sinfonia of London / John Wilson (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London, 6.8.2023. (CK)
National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company’s sunny Cornwall with affection for the nobility
United Kingdom The 29th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival [1] – Gilbert & Sullivan, The Pirates of Penzance: Soloists and Chorus of the National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, National Festival Orchestra / Murray Hipkin (conductor). Opera House, Buxton, 2.8.2023. (RJW)
Contrasting pair of concerts shed light on Nicola Benedetti’s vision for the Edinburgh International Festival
United Kingdom Edinburgh International Festival 2023 [2]: (SRT)
Where Do We Go From Here? – Jennifer France (soprano), Nicola Benedetti and Tom Service (presenters), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra / Ryan Wigglesworth (conductor), Usher Hall, 6.8.2023.
Hans Abrahamsen – Let me tell you
Helen Grime – Virga
Elizabeth Ogonek – as though birds
Mark-Anthony Turnage – Three Screaming Popes
First Night at The Hub – Various musicians including Nicola Benedetti and Stefan Jackiw (violin), Geza & The 5 DeViLs, Orion Weiss (piano), The Hub, 6.8.2023.
Buddha Passion is an adventurous choice to open the Edinburgh International Festival 2023
United Kingdom Edinburgh International Festival 2023 [1] – Tan Dun, Buddha Passion: Edinburgh Festival Chorus, RSNO Youth Chorus, Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Tan Dun (conductor). Usher Hall, 5.8.2023. (SRT)
Sofia Opera’s The Flying Dutchman brings the Wagner Festival to a triumphantly spectacular climax
Bulgaria Wagner, Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Sofia Opera and Ballet / Rosen Gergov (conductor), Pancharevo Lake, 29.7.2023 and 30.7.2023. (GT)
Audra McDonald wows with show tunes at Aspen – and there was plenty of other notable singing this week
United States Aspen Music Festival 2023 [9]: Harris Hall, Benedict Music Tent, Aspen, Colorado. (HS)
Life-affirming comedy in Dala-Floda – the perfect antidote to current world problems
Sweden Donizetti, Kärleksdrycken (L’elisir d’amore): Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra / Miguel Ramos (conductor). Björbo IOGT, Dala-Floda, 30.7.2023. (GF)
