United Kingdom Liadov, Shostakovich: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Vasily Petrenko (conductor). Bristol Beacon, 16.10.2025. (CK)
Delicacy and decibels: a fine Leningrad Symphony from Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO
Chris Kettle
Magnificent Zemlinsky from Mark Wigglesworth, superb soloists and a fired-up Bournemouth SO
United Kingdom Schubert, Zemlinsky: Claudia Boyle (soprano), Roderick Williams (baritone), Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra / Mark Wigglesworth (conductor). Lighthouse, Poole, 8.10.2025. (CK)
An unforgettable The Turn of the Screw closes the Cumbria Opera Festival
United Kingdom Britten, The Turn of the Screw: Soloists, Jessica Meakin, Julian Cann (violins), Kim Becker (viola), Daniel Crompton (cello), Richard English (double bass), Richard Allen (harp), Hannah Gillingham (flute/alto flute/piccolo), Mana Shibata (oboe/cor anglais), William Hammond (clarinet/bass clarinet), Ursula Leveaux (bassoon), Chris Howlings (French horn), Alex Norton (piano/celesta), Stephen Burke (percussion) / Joe Davies (conductor). Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands, 30.8.2025. (CK)
Porgy and Bess Reimagined: outstanding Gershwin at the Cumbria Opera Festival
United Kingdom Cumbria Opera Festival 2025 [3] – Gershwin, Porgy and Bess Reimagined: Venetia Iga (alto), Michael Muoneke (tenor), Kezia Abouma (piano), Nathan Dawkins (double bass), Noah Ojumu (drums), Joe Davies, Alistair Burton (arrangers). Kendal Town Hall, 27.8.2025. (CK)
Cumbria Opera Festival’s Opera by Candlelight showcases young local talent alongside established classics
United Kingdom Cumbria Opera Festival 2025 [2] – Various, Opera by Candlelight: Ellen Mawhinney (soprano), Jamie Formoy (tenor), Chris Pulleyn (piano). St John’s Church, Keswick, 26.8.2025. (CK)
A sparkling The Marriage of Figaro from the Cumbria Opera Festival 2025
United Kingdom Cumbria Opera Festival 2025 [1] – Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro: Soloists, Chorus; Jessica Meakin, Julian Cann (violins), Hannah Borlase (viola), Daniel Crompton (cello), Hannah Gillingham (flute), Sarah Davies (oboe), William Hammond (clarinet), Ursula Leveaux (bassoon), Alistair Burton (harpsichord continuo) / Melvin Tay (conductor). Penrith Methodist Church, 23.8.2025. (CK)
Modified rapture: Delius’s A Mass of Life at the BBC Proms
United Kingdom BBC Proms 2025 [17] – Delius: Jennifer Davis (soprano), Claudia Huckle (mezzo-soprano), David Butt Philip (tenor), Roderick Williams (baritone), BBC Symphony Chorus, London Philharmonic Choir, BBC Symphony Orchestra / Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London, 18.8.2025. (CK)
Enigmatic Boulez, dramatic early Mahler at the BBC Proms
United Kingdom BBC Proms 2025 [10] – Boulez, Mahler: Natalya Romaniw (soprano), Jennifer Johnston (mezzo-soprano), Russell Thomas (tenor), James Newby (baritone), Carlos González Nápoles (treble), Malakai Bayoh (alto), Constanza Chorus, BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra / Hannu Lintu (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London, 4.8.2025. (CK)
