United Kingdom Berlioz and Brahms: Sophie Bevan (soprano), Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra / Ryan Wigglesworth (conductor). Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford 18.1.2024. (CR)
Oxford Philharmonic’s Berlioz and Brahms proves the ideal balm on a cold night
Newsletter
Alan Gilbert’s Shostakovich 10 gives a masterly foretaste of the Leipzig Festival 2025
Germany Auerbach, Shostakovich: Soloists and Gewandhauschor, Gewandhausorchestra / Alan Gilbert (conductor). Grosser Saal of the Leipzig Gewandhaus, 11.1.2024. (GT)
Oldenburg’s Die Walküre is a major artistic achievement
Germany Wagner, Die Walküre: Soloists, Chorus and Extras of Oldenburgisches Staatstheater, Oldenburgisches Staatsorchester / Vito Cristofaro (conductor). “Oldenburgisches Staatstheater, 17.1.2024. (DMD)
Opera North’s La rondine proves a balm for our troubles today
United Kingdom Puccini, La rondine: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North / Kerem Hasan (conductor). Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, Salford Quays, 17.11.2023. (MC)
Insula’s Sky Burial at the Barbican is a stunning evening, unique, and vitally important
United Kingdom Gounod, Fauré – Sky Burial: Oliver Barlow (treble), John Brancy (baritone), Amitai Pati (tenor), Mat Collishaw (filmmaker), accentus, Insula Orchestra / Laurence Equilbey (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 20.11.2023. (CC)
Breathing forests and village weddings energize the San Francisco Symphony and Esa-Pekka Salonen
United States Stravinsky, Smith: James McVinnie (organ), Lauren Snouffer (soprano), Kayleigh Decker (mezzo-soprano), Paul Appleby (tenor), David Soar (bass), Hillary Leben (animator), San Francisco Symphony Chorus (director: Jenny Wong). San Francisco Symphony / Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor). Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, 18.11.2023. (HS)
ON’s Masque of Might with its message of impending environmental catastrophe has a significant impact
United Kingdom Purcell, Masque of Might: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North / Harry Bicket (conductor). Lyric Theatre, The Lowry, Salford Quays, 16.11.2023. (MC)
Kennedy’s musicality, knowledge, and skills are to the fore in his Barbican Bach Now! programme
United Kingdom Bach, Kennedy, Sakamoto – Nigel Kennedy: Bach Now!: Nigel Kennedy (violin, piano, conductor), Nicholas Daniel (oboe), Anna-Liisa Bezrodny (violin), Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Barbican Hall, London, 14.11.2023. (AK)
