United Kingdom Verdi, Requiem: Vlada Borovko (soprano), Jennifer Johnston (mezzo-soprano), David Butt Philip (tenor), David Soar (bass), BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales / Richard Farnes (conductor). St David’s Hall, Cardiff, 3.10.2019. (PCG)
Cardiff
WNO’s Rigoletto production now feels pointless and distracting, but is saved by its musical virtues.
United Kingdom Verdi, Rigoletto: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Welsh National Opera / Alexander Joel (conductor). Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, 27.9.2019. (GPu)
Judith Weir’s Oboe Concerto on an autumn afternoon in Cardiff
United Kingdom Debussy, Judith Weir, Wagner: Celia Craig (oboe), BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Andrew Gourlay (conductor). BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff, 27.9.2019. (PCG)
An interesting WNO Carmen in which the women outshine the men
United Kingdom Bizet, Carmen: Soloists, Orchestra and Chorus of Welsh National Opera / Tomáš Hanus (conductor). Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, 21.9.2019. (GPu)
(c) Bill Cooper
Magnificent Recital From Katarina Karnéus in the City Where She Won Cardiff Singer of the World
United Kingdom Robert Schumann, Rangstgröm, Alma Mahler, Berg: Katarina Karnéus (mezzo), Julius Drake (piano), Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. 18.6.2019. (GPu)
WNO’s Admirable Dallapiccola and Beethoven Double Bill Reveals Similarities and Differences
United Kingdom Dallapicolla, The Prisoner and Beethoven, Fidelio (Act II): Soloists, WNO Chorus, WNO Community Chorus, BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Lothar Koenigs (conductor). Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, 14.6.2019. (GPu)
(c) Richard Hubert-Smith
Still Horribly Relevant, WNO’s The Consul Remains Powerful and Moving
United Kingdom Menotti, The Consul: Soloists and Orchestra / Justin Brown (conductor). Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, 12.6.2019. (GPu)
Wales Meets Brazil and Joyous ‘Global Music’ is the Result
United Kingdom Huw Warren and Jovina Santos Neto: Huw Warren (piano), Jovina Santos Neto (piano, flute, melodica), Paula Gardiner (bass), Steve Warren (drums). Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Cardiff, 8.6.2019. (GPu)
