United Kingdom BBC Proms 2021 [6]: Thomas, Ives, and Dvořák: BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Ryan Bancroft (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London, 8.8.2021 (MB)
Ryan Bancroft and the BBC NOW in an excellent American-themed Prom
Mark Berry
Wonderful concert from Ryan Wigglesworth and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields
United Kingdom Wigglesworth, Mozart, and Ravel: Sophie Bevan (soprano), Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Ryan Wigglesworth (piano/conductor). St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, 6.8.2021. (MB)
The Unravelling Fantasia of Miss H. is absorbing and sympathetic
United Kingdom Tête-à-Tête Opera Festival [2] – Red Gray and Sarah Nicolls – The Unravelling Fantasia of Miss H. (world premiere): Actors/soloists. Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone, London, 5.8.2021. (MB)
A masterly organ recital at the Proms by Martin Baker
United Kingdom BBC Proms 2021 [2] – Bach and Baker: Martin Baker (organ). Royal Albert Hall, London, 1.8.2021. (MB)
Fine performances – and a large audience – as the BBC Proms return
United 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)
Tête-à-Tête present Darren Berry’s unusual The Crocodile of Old Kang Pow
United 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)
Intriguing arrangements and fine musicianship from Anita Monserrat and the members of Mad Song
United 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)
Wonderfully sung and conducted Don Giovanni revival restores opera properly to Covent Garden
United Kingdom Mozart, Don Giovanni: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Constantin Trinks (conductor). Royal Opera House, London, 5.7.2021. (MB)
