United Kingdom Tchaikovsky, Eugene Onegin: Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus (chorus master: Renato Balsadonna), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Robin Ticciati (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 11.2.2013 (MB)
Mark Berry
New Play Focuses on Britten and Rimbaud
United Kingdom Iain Burnside, Journeying Boys: Royal College of Music Vocal Faculty. Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music, London, 8.2.2013 (MB)
Mark Elder Leads an Admirable Dream of Gerontius
United Kingdom Elgar: Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano), Paul Groves (tenor), James Rutherford (bass-baritone), Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 26.1.2013 (MB)
An Outstanding Concert Graced by Barbara Hannigan’s Artistry
United Kingdom Schoenberg, Alma Mahler, and Berg – ‘Air from another planet’:Barbara Hannigan (soprano), Reinbert de Leeuw (piano), Quatuor Diotima (Yunpeng Zhao, Guillaume Latour (violins), Franck Chevalier (viola), Pierre Morlet (cello)). Queen Elizabeth Hall, Londonm 24.1.2013 (MB)
Elder and the LPO: Much to Admire
United Kingdom Webern, Schoenberg, and Mahler: Lilli Paasikivi (mezzo-soprano), Paul Groves (tenor), London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 23.1.2013 (MB)
A Disappointing Substitute for Sir Colin Davis
United Kingdom Elgar and Mozart:Tim Hugh (cello), Elizabeth Watts (soprano), Daniela Lehner (mezzo-soprano), Maximilian Schmitt (tenor), Andrew Foster-Williams (baritone), London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Yutaka Sado (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 13.1.2013 (MB)
Birtwistle’s Rigour and Invention Showcased at King’s Place
United Kingdom Birtwistle: Nicolas Hodges (piano), Christian Dierstein (percussion), Andrew Watts (counter-tenor), Melinda Maxwell (oboe), Helen Tunstall (harp). Hall One, Kings Place, London, 9.1.2013 (MB)
Wolf Lieder at Wigmore Hall: A Mixed Experience
United Kingdom Wolf: Anglelika Kirchschlager (mezzo-soprano), Dietrich Henschel (baritone), Julius Drake (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 6.1.2013 (MB)