United Kingdom Howard, Smetana, R. Strauss: National Youth Orchestra / Sir Mark Elder (conductor). Barbican Hall, London 4.1.2024. (CK)
Earth-shaking Alpine Symphony from Sir Mark Elder and the National Youth Orchestra at the Barbican
London
Alim Beisembayev proves at the Wigmore Hall how he is a remarkable, and fully formed, talent
United Kingdom Beethoven, Scriabin, Rachmaninov, Ravel: Alim Beisembayev (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 5.1.2024. (CC)
Mozart like you’ve never heard Mozart before: Angela Hewitt at the Wigmore Hall
United Kingdom R. Schumann, Mozart: Angela Hewitt (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 19.12.2023. (JC)
The Royal Ballet’s cosily familiar The Nutcracker returns to welcome in Christmas yet again
United Kingdom Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker: Dancers of The Royal Ballet, The Schola Cantorum of The London Oratory School, London Oratory Junior Choir (director: Charles Cole), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Andrew Litton (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Peter Jones) for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 12.12.2023 and seen at Everyman Chelmsford, Essex, 18.12.2023. (JPr)
Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel score is the greatest magic of all in a fine Covent Garden revival
United Kingdom Humperdinck, Hansel and Gretel: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden / Mark Wigglesworth (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 16.12.2023. (CC)
ENB’s Nutcracker has changed with the times but is no less magical
United Kingdom English National Ballet’s Nutcracker: Dancers of English National Ballet, English National Ballet Philharmonic / Daniel Richardson (guest conductor). London Coliseum, 14.12.2023. (JO’D)
Innovative programme shows off Symphony Orchestra of India to impressive effect
United Kingdom Williams, Brahms, Wagner: Pavel Kolesnikov (piano), Symphony Orchestra of Indian / Richard Farnes (conductor). Cadogan Hall, London, 8.12.2023. (MBr)
Mozart being Mozart, Britten Sinfonia’s Messiah at the Barbican Hall had its own appeal,
United Kingdom Handel (arr, Mozart & Jonathan Manners), Messiah, HWV 56 / K 572 (sung in English): Hilary Cronin (soprano), Helen Charlston (alto), Laurence Kilsby (tenor), Morgan Pearse (bass), BBC Singers, Britten Sinfonia / Sofi Jeannin (conductor). Barbican Hall, 12.12.2023. (CC)
