A lovely concert of French music from Preussens Hofmusik in Berlin

GermanyGermany Naudot, L. and F. Couperin, Boismortier, and Bernier: Regina Koncz (soprano), Preussens Hofmusik (Thomas Beyer [flute], Laura Volkwein, Jueyoung Yang [violins], Otto Tolonen [viola da gamba]) / Matthias Wilke (harpsichord/director). Apollosaal, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 7.1.2024. (MB)

Preussens Hofmusik © Monika Rittershaus

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A fine performance of Der Rosenkavalier in Berlin, hampered by a dismally vague production

GermanyGermany R. Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier: Soloists, Children’s Choir of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (chorus director: Vinzenz Weissenburger), Staatsopernchor Berlin (chorus director: Gerhard Polifka), Staatskapelle Berlin / Joana Mallwitz (conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 2.1.2024. (MB)

Staatsoper Berlin’s Der Rosenkavalier © Ruth Walz

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West-Eastern Divan Ensemble epitomise how we must believe music can bring us closer together

GermanyGermany Hindemith, Carter, Hensel, and Beethoven: West-Eastern Divan Ensemble (Michael Barenboim [violin, viola], Miriam Manaserhov [viola], Assif Binness [cello], David Santos Luque [double bass], Daniel Gurfinkel [clarinet], Mor Biron [bassoon], Ben Goldscheider [horn]). Pierre Boulez Saal, Berlin, 9.11.2023. (MB)

West-Eastern Divan Ensemble in Berlin’s Pierre Boulez Saal © Peter Adamik

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