United Kingdom Hanns Eisler, Britten, Shostakovich: National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain / Jaime Martín (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 5.1.2019. (CC)
NYO at the Barbican Hall: a musical celebration of the power of youth
This Week’s Review
Barenboim leads a profound anticipation of the Berlin Beethoven 250th anniversary year
Germany Mozart and Beethoven: Elena Stikhina (soprano), Marina Prudenskaya (mezzo-soprano), Andreas Schager (tenor), René Pape (bass), Staatsopernchor Berlin (chorus director: Martin Wright), Staatskapelle Berlin / Daniel Barenboim (piano & conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 31.12.2019. (MB)
Philadelphia’s Messiah achieves mixed results
United States Handel, Messiah: Susanna Phillips (soprano), Paula Murrihy (mezzo-soprano), Jonas Hacker (tenor), Henry Waddington (bass-baritone), Philadelphia Symphonic Choir (Joe Miller, director), Philadelphia Orchestra / Jane Glover (conductor). Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, 22.12.2019. (BJ)
Gatti leads superb cast in Rome Opera’s Les vêpres siciliennes
Italy Verdi, Les vêpres siciliennes: Soloists, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet / Daniele Gatti (conductor). Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Teatro Costanzi, Rome, 22.12.2019. (RP)
The Creation makes a fine Christmas treat at Zurich Opera
Switzerland Haydn, The Creation: Rebecca Bottone (soprano), Mauro Peter (tenor), Morgan Pearse (baritone), Orchestra La Scintilla / Riccardo Minasi (conductor). Zurich Opera House, 22.12.2019. (JR)
In Chicago, Renée Fleming shines in The Light in the Piazza
United States Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas, The Light in the Piazza: Soloists, Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago / Kimberly Grigsby (conductor), Civic Opera House, Chicago, 14.12.2019. (JLZ)
The Prégardiens and Collegium Vocale Gent bring (most of) Bach’s Christmas Oratorio to Zurich
Switzerland J.S. Bach: Miriam Feuersinger (soprano), Alex Potter (countertenor), Julian Prégardien (tenor), Peter Kooij (bass), Collegium Vocale Gent / Christoph Prégardien (conductor). Tonhalle Maag, Zürich, 17.12.2019. (JR)
‘Christmas chez Charpentier’ with Les Talens Lyriques at Wigmore Hall
United Kingdom Charpentier: Les Talens Lyriques / Christophe Rousset (director), Wigmore Hall, London, 17.12.2019. (CS)
