United Kingdom Luca Francesconi, Quartett: Soloists, Sound Intermedia, London Sinfonietta, Andrew Gourlay (conductor). Linbury Studio Theatre, Royal Opera House, London, 18.6.2014 (MB)
Francesconi’s Quartett a Chessgame with People’s Souls
Mark Berry
Stunning Virtuosity and Fine Musicality from Khatia Buniatishvili
United Kingdom Ravel, Brahms, Chopin, and Stravinsky: Khatia Buniatishvili (piano). Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 4.6.2014 (MB)
Two Repertoire Standards Impressively Conducted by Yuri Temirkanov
United Kingdom Tchaikovsky and Dvořák: Denis Kozhukhin (piano), Philharmonia Orchestra, Yuri Temirkanov (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 31.5.2014 (MB)
The Barbican’s ‘Birtwistle at 80’ Celebrations Continue in Fine Style
United Kingdom Birtwistle: Katrien Baerts (soprano), Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Oliver Knussen (conductor). Milton Court Concert Hall, London, 25.5.2014 (MB)
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