Fine performances – and a large audience – as the BBC Proms return

United KingdomUnited Kingdom First Night of the Proms – Vaughan Williams, Poulenc, MacMillan, and Sibelius: Elizabeth Llewellyn (soprano), Jess Dandy (contralto), Allan Clayton (tenor), Michael Mofidian (bass-baritone), BBC Singers (chorus-master: Martin Fitzpatrick), BBC Symphony Orchestra, Dalia Stasevska (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London, 30.7.2021. (MB)

Elizabeth Llewellyn (c) BBC/Chris Christodoulou

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Tête-à-Tête present Darren Berry’s unusual The Crocodile of Old Kang Pow

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Tête-à-Tête Opera Festival [1] – Darren Berry: The Crocodile of Old Kang Pow (Acts I and II): Soloists, Darren Berry (narrator), Eddie Giffney (piano). The Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone, London, 29.7.2021 (MB)

Oscar Dom Victor Castellino (O’Fela, the Crocodile God) (c) Claire Shovelton

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Intriguing arrangements and fine musicianship from Anita Monserrat and the members of Mad Song

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Mahler, Müller-Hermann, and Schoenberg: Anita Monserrat (soprano), Mad Song (Hannah Gillingham [flute], James Gilbert [clarinet], Seleni Stewart [violin], Benedict Swindells [cello], Gus Tredwell [piano]) / Joshua Ballance (conductor). St John the Baptist Church, High Barnet, London, 22.7.2021. (MB)

Mad Song

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Fine and characterful singing as Die Walküre is heard once more in Wagner-starved London

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Wagner, Die Walküre: Soloists, London Opera Company ensemble (Rosemary Taylor [clarinets], Jo Harris [trumpet], William Brown [trombone, bass trumpet], James Bower [percussion]), Peter Selwyn (piano, music director). St John’s, Waterloo, London, 3.7.2021. (MB)

Cara McHardy (Brünnhilde)

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