United Kingdom Bampton Classical Opera – Gluck, Paride ed Elena: Soloists, CHROMA / Thomas Blunt (conductor). St John’s, Smith Square, London, 24.9.2021. (MB)
Bampton Classical Opera successfully revive a shamefully neglected Gluck opera
Mark Berry
Excellent singing as the Royal Opera revives a rather tired production of Die Zauberflöte
United Kingdom Mozart, Die Zauberflöte: Soloists, Actors, Royal Opera Chorus (chorus director: William Spaulding), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Hartmut Haenchen (conductor). Royal Opera House, London, 15.9.2021. (MB)
Memorable Schumann from Argerich, Barenboim and the Staatskapelle Berlin
Germany Schumann: Martha Argerich (piano), Staatskapelle Berlin, Daniel Barenboim (conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 6.9.2021 (MB)
Exploration of fascinating pieces by Ann Cleare and Enno Poppe at Musikfest Berlin
Germany Musikfest Berlin [4] – Cleare and Poppe: Hannah Weirich (violin), Sara Cubarsi (violin), Michele Marelli (clarinet), Ensemble Musikfabrik, Aaron Cassidy and Enno Poppe (conductors). Philharmonie, Berlin, 5.9.2021. (MB)
Vladimir Jurowski leads probing Musikfest Berlin performances of Stravinsky and Hindemith
Germany Musikfest Berlin [3] – Stravinsky and Hindemith: Tamara Stefanovich (piano), Georg Nigl (baritone), Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra / Vladimir Jurowski (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 4.9.2021. (MB)
An evening of wonderful musical connections masterminded by George Benjamin
Germany Musikfest Berlin [2] – Knussen, Purcell, Stravinsky, and Benjamin: Tamara Stefanovich (piano), Mahler Chamber Orchestra / George Benjamin (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 2.9.2021. (MB)
Harding and Concertgebouw demonstrate the wonders of the modern symphony orchestra at Berlin’s Musikfest
Germany Musikfest Berlin [1] – Stravinsky, Messiaen, and Debussy: Renée Fleming (soprano), Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra / Daniel Harding (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 31.8.2021 (MB)
Komische Oper’s new Œdipe in Berlin is a major achievement
Germany Enescu, Œdipe: Soloists, Choir of the Komische Oper Berlin, Vocalconsort Berlin (chorus director: David Cavelius), Children’s Choir of the Komische Oper Berlin (chorus director: Dagmar Fiebach), Orchestra of the Komische Oper Berlin, Ainārs Rubikis (conductor). Komische Oper, Berlin, 29.8.2021. (MB)
