United Kingdom Birtwistle: Katrien Baerts (soprano), Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Oliver Knussen (conductor). Milton Court Concert Hall, London, 25.5.2014 (MB)
Mark Berry
Vulgarised Così fan tutte Does Mozart No Favours
United Kingdom Mozart, Così fan tutte: Soloists, Orchestra and Chorus of the English National Opera, Ryan Wigglesworth (conductor). Coliseum, London, 22.5.2014 (MB)
Talent Abundant in Five Hogarth Operas
Hogarth’s Stages – Five short operas: United KingdomSoloists, Royal College of Music Opera Orchestra, Tim Murray (conductor). Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music, London, 17.5.2014 (MB)
Outstanding Berlioz from Susan Graham and Charles Dutoit
United Kingdom Ravel, Berlioz, and Saint-Saëns: Susan Graham (mezzo-soprano), Stephen Disley (organ), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Charles Dutoit (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 14.5.2014 (MB)
Disappointing Tosca Revival at Covent Garden
United Kingdom Puccini, Tosca: Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus and Extra Chorus (chorus master: Renato Balsadonna), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Oleg Caetani (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 10.5.2013 (MB)
Oksana Dyka Photo C. Ashmore
Elder and the LSO Excel in Strauss and Mozart
United Kingdom Strauss and Mozart: Imogen Cooper (piano), London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Barbican, London, 4.5.2014 (MB)
Impressive Production of Anderson’s New Greek Opera
United Kingdom Julian Anderson, Thebans (world premiere): Soloists, Orchestra and Chorus of the English National Opera, Edward Gardner (conductor). Coliseum, London, 3.5.2014 (MB)
London Celebrates The Arditti Quartet at Forty
‘The Arditti Quartet: 40 Years Young’ – Rihm, Hosokawa, Ferneyhough, Birtwistle, Dusapin, and Xenakis:Arditti Quartet (Irvine Arditti, Ashot Sarkissjan (violins), Ralf Ehlers (viola), Lucas Fels (cello)). Milton Court Concert Hall, London, 26.4.2014 (MB)