United Kingdom Verdi, Aida: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North / Sir Richard Armstrong (conductor), Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 21.5.2019. (SRT)
Opera North’s Aida is Superb in Music and Concept
Edinburgh
Conductorless RSNO’s Beethoven and Mozart Shows a Powerful Statement of Community
United Kingdom Beethoven, Mozart: Katherine Bryan (flute), Pippa Tunnell (harp), Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Sharon Roffman (leader/director), Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 3.5.2019. (SRT)
John Lill’s Artistry and Style with the Japan Philharmonic Overwhelms Edinburgh
United Kingdom Rautavaara, Beethoven, Takemitsu and Sibelius: John Lill (piano), Japan Philharmonic Orchestra / Pietari Inkinen (conductor). Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 14.4.2019. (GT)
CONDUCTOR PIETARI INKINEN IN CONVERSATION WITH GREGOR TASSIE
Pietari Inkinen talks to Gregor Tassie
The Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen started playing the violin and piano at four years and entered the Sibelius Music Academy graduating in violin studies (2003) and in conducting (2005) after which he studied with Zakhar Bron in Germany. He formed his own Piano Trio – the Inkinen Trio, and also performed in a rock band in Helsinki. He decided to devote his career to conducting and his first position was as chief conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (2008-2015). Inkinen recorded all the Sibelius symphonies for Naxos with the NZSO. In April 2019 the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra under Pietari Inkinen are touring Europe in programmes reflecting both the central repertoire and music from the Far East and from Inkinen’s homeland.
François Leleux and the SCO Make the Case for Serenades
United Kingdom Wolf, Dvořák, Brahms: Scottish Chamber Orchestra / François Leleux (oboe/director), Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, 28.3.2019. (SRT)
CONDUCTOR MAXIM EMELYANYCHEV IN CONVERSATION WITH GREGOR TASSIE
Maxim Emelyanychev interviewed by Gregor Tassie
When the 29-year-old Russian musician Maxim Emelyanychev was appointed Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Principal Conductor designate last spring, many were not so surprized for the young conductor had astounded many concertgoers when he stepped in at the last moment for a SCO concert of Schubert’s ‘Great’ C major symphony. It was his lively and entertaining conducting, in addition to his relationship with his musicians, that ensured his appointment.
Scottish Ensemble’s Eclectic Continental Drift Music Feels Fresh
United Kingdom Various composers, Scottish Ensemble’s Continental Drift: Kevyan Chemirani, Bijan Chemirani, Sokratis Sinopolous (guest musicians), Scottish Ensemble, Jonathan Morton (violin/director), Summerhall, Edinburgh, 10.3.2019. (SRT)
Two ‘Big Hitters’ and a Relative Mathias Rarity from Varga and the RSNO
United Kingdom Mathias, Brahms, Dvořák: Kristóf Baráti (violin), Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Gilbert Varga (conductor). Usher Hall, Edinburgh, 1.3.2019. (SRT)