United Kingdom Verdi, Rigoletto: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the English National Opera/ Richard Farnes (conductor). London Coliseum, 30.10.2024. (CSa)
Miller’s ENO Rigoletto still packs a punch, but Verdi’s music carries the day
Christopher Sallon
Released from concert conventions, Collon and Aurora’s Firebird takes flight at the QEH
United Kingdom Tarkiainen, Ravel and Stravinsky: Alexandre Tharaud (piano), Tom Service (presenter). Aurora Orchestra / Nicholas Collon (conductor). Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 23.10.2024. (CSa)
The Belcea and Tabea Zimmermann bring dramatic intensity to two Wigmore Hall Mozart string quintets
United Kingdom Mozart: Belcea Quartet (Corina Belcea [violin], Suyeon Kang [violin], Krzysztof Chorzelski [viola], Antoine Lederlin [cello]) and Tabea Zimmermann (viola). Wigmore Hall, London, 18.10.2024. (CSa)
Roald Dahl’s artistry and antisemitism confronted in Mark Rosenblatt’s brilliant Giant
United Kingdom Mark Rosenblatt’s Giant: Royal Court Theatre, London, 4.10.2024. (CSa)
The LPO, DiDonato and Gardner shine in mythic vengeance, queenly suicide and social heroism
United Kingdom ‘Moments Remembered’ – Samuel Barber, Berlioz and Beethoven: Joyce DiDonato (mezzo-soprano), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London. 25.9.2024. (CSa)
Last Night of the Proms 2024: an evening of questionable programming and uneven quality
United Kingdom PROM 73 – Last Night of the Proms: Angel Blue (soprano), Sir Stephen Hough (piano), BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra, BBC Singers, (Neil Ferris (chorus/choir master) / Sakari Oramo (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London 14.9.2024. (CSa)
RPS Gold Medal for Thomas Adès and a stirring Bruckner 4 from Simon Rattle and his Bavarian orchestra
United Kingdom PROM 61 – Adès, Bruckner: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London, 5.9.2024. (JR)
French themed evening at the Proms and a show-stopping return for the Orchestre de Paris and Klaus Mäkelä
United Kingdom PROM 58 – Debussy, Stravinsky and Berlioz: Jean-Baptiste Doulcet (piano), Orchestre de Paris / Klaus Mäkelä (conductor). Royal Albert Hall, London. 3.9.2024. (CSa)
