United Kingdom Scarlatti, Chopin, and Alkan: Lucas Debargue (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 22.6.2023. (MB)
Even when I did not like and/or understand what I heard, Lucas Debargue’s recital made me think
Mark Berry
Superb, joyful Messiaen in Simon Rattle’s final Barbican concert as LSO Music Director
United Kingdom Jolas and Messiaen: Faustine de Monès (soprano), Peter Donohoe (piano), Cynthia Millar (ondes Martenot), London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 15.6.2023. (MB)
Opera Holland Park’s Hansel und Gretel is a lovely yet not too lovely evening
United Kingdom Opera Holland Park 2023 [2] – Humperdinck, Hansel and Gretel: Soloists, Opera Holland Park Chorus (chorus master: Dominic Ellis-Peckham) and Children’s Chorus (chorus master: Scott Price), City of London Sinfonia / Kărin Hendrickson (conductor). Holland Park, London, 14.6.2023. (MB)
Roger Peltzman’s Dedication is a moving personal testimony
United Kingdom Roger Peltzman, Dedication: Roger Peltzman (piano, narrator). Marylebone Theatre, London, 9.6.2023. (MB)
Enjoyable, ingenious and instructive Wigmore Hall recital by Cédric Tiberghien
United Kingdom Sweelinck, Bach, Benjamin, Beethoven, and Mozart: Cédric Tiberghien (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 1.6.2023. (MB)
A wonderful concert from beginning to end from the Jerusalem Quartet
United Kingdom Mozart, Prokofiev, and Brahms: Jerusalem Quartet (Alexander Pavolvsky, Sergei Bressler [violins], Ori Kam [viola], Kyril Zlotnikov [cello]). Wigmore Hall, London, 30.5.2023. (MB)
A well-performed Così fan tutte in Oslo, but some perplexing directorial choices
Norway Mozart, Così fan tutte:Soloists, Norwegian National Opera Chorus, Norwegian National Opera Orchestra / Tobias Ringborg (conductor). Oslo Opera House, Oslo, Norway 25.5.2023. (MB)
Ear-opening pairing of Vivaldi and Grisey from the London Sinfonietta
United Kingdom Vivaldi and Grisey: Michael Morpurgo (narrator), Clio Gould, Oliver Wilson (violins), Oliver Wilson (viola), Clare O’Connell (cello), Jonas Nordberg (archlute), David Gordon (harpsichord), Katherine Tinker (chamber organ), Members of the London Sinfonietta, Daniel Piero (violin, director) / Geoffrey Paterson (conductor). Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 21.5.2023. (MB)
