Germany R. Strauss and Mahler: Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano), Andrew Staples (tenor), Chamber Orchestra of Europe / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Philharmonie, Cologne, 3.6.2022. (MB)
Cologne’s Portrait celebrates Sir Simon Rattle
Mark Berry
Master pianists combine in a thrilling two-piano Wigmore Hall recital
United Kingdom Adams, Schumann, Debussy, and Stravinsky: Leif Ove Andsnes, Marc-André Hamelin (pianos). Wigmore Hall, London, 30.5.2022. (MB)
Despite committed musical advocacy, The Wreckers at Glyndebourne fails to convince
United Kingdom Glyndebourne Festival 2022 [1] – Smyth, The Wreckers: Soloists, The Glyndebourne Chorus (chorus director: Aidan Oliver), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Robin Ticciati (conductor). Glyndebourne Opera House, Sussex, 21.5.2022. (MB)
A winning combination of operas by Blow and Purcell
United Kingdom Blow, Purcell: Soloists, HGOAntiqua Orchestra / Seb Gillot (conductor). Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone, London, 20.5.2022. (MB)
The London Sinfonietta’s stimulating ‘taster’ programme to win friends for new music
United Kingdom Varèse, Boulez, Feldman, Berio, and Davies: Simone Ibbett-Brown (mezzo-soprano), Michael Cox (flute), Paul Silverthorne (viola), London Sinfonietta / Gerry Cornelius (conductor). Hall Two, Kings Place, London, 18.5.2022. (MB)
Unexpected double bill marks 20 years of the Royal Opera’s Young Artists programme
United Kingdom Stravinsky and Schoenberg: Soloists, Britten Sinfonia / Michael Papadopoulos (conductor). Linbury Studio Theatre, Royal Opera House, London, 17.5.2022. (MB)
Nelsons and Gewandhaus Orchestra treat London to outstanding Richard Strauss performances
United Kingdom The Strauss Project Part II: Rudolf Buchbinder (piano), Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra / Andris Nelsons (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 10.5.2022. (MB)
Superb Parisian premiere of György Kurtág’s masterly first opera, Fin de partie
France Kurtág, Fin de partie: Soloists, Orchestra of the Opéra national de Paris / Markus Stenz (conductor). Palais Garnier, Paris, 30.4.2022. (MB)
