United Kingdom Thorvaldsdottir, Ligeti, John Luther Adams: BBC Symphony Orchestra / Dalia Stasevska (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 8.10.2025. (CC)
Extraordinary BBC SO concert under Stasevska of works that rely mainly on texture
London
Sir András Schiff reveals the secrets of late Schubert and Beethoven in a signature surprise programme
United Kingdom Schubert, Beethoven: Sir András Schiff (piano). Wigmore Hall, London 7.10.2025. (CSa)
ETO’s The Rape of Lucretia is a top quality, deeply moving theatrical and musical experience
United Kingdom Britten, The Rape of Lucretia: Soloists, English Touring Opera / Gerry Cornelius (conductor), Hackney Empire, London, 4.10.2025. (AK)
The London Sinfonietta’s season-opener continues the Boulez centenary celebrations
United Kingdom Boulez: Michael Cox (flute), Royal Academy of Music Manson Ensemble, Sound Intermedia (sound projection), London Sinfonietta / Sir George Benjamin (conductor). Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 5.10.2025. (MB)
A fresh, convincing performance of Mahler’s Ninth from Oramo and the BBC Symphony Orchestra
United Kingdom Mahler: BBC Symphony Orchestra / Sakari Oramo (conductor). Barbican Hall, 4.10.2025. (MB)
Despite laudable Mahler it is Abrahamsen that will linger longest from Gardner and the LPO
United Kingdom Abrahamsen, Mahler: Jennifer France (soprano), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Edward Gardner (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 3.10.2025. (CC)
The warmth of the ENB’s dancers is evident in R:Evolution and the work of four ‘visionary creators’
United Kingdom Balanchine/Graham/Forsythe/Dawson – R:Evolution: Dancers of English National Ballet, English National Ballet Philharmonic / Maria Seletskaja (conductor). Sadler’s Wells, London, 1.10.2025. (JO’D)
Anna Netrebko impresses in Oliver Mears’s visceral, powerful and gripping new Tosca at Covent Garden
United Kingdom Puccini, Tosca: Soloists, Chorus, Children’s Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Jakub Hrůša (conductor). Filmed (directed for the screen by Peter Jones) at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in September 2025 and broadcast to Cineworld Basildon, Essex, 1.10.2025. (JPr)
