United Kingdom Schumann, Ryan Wigglesworth, Janáček: Mark Padmore (tenor); Victoria Simmonds (mezzo-soprano); Ryan Wigglesworth (piano), Wigmore Hall, London, 12.5.2016. (RB)
London
Strong Performance by Psappha of Mark Simpson’s First Opera Pleasure
United Kingdom Mark Simpson, Pleasure: Soloists, Psappha, Nicholas Kok (conductor). Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, London, 12.5.2016. (MB)
Hans Zender’s Remarkable Response to Schubert’s Winterreise Vividly Personified by Ian Bostridge
United Kingdom The Dark Mirror: Zender’s Winterreise: Ian Bostridge (tenor); Britten Sinfonia/Baldur Brönnimann. Barbican Theatre, 12.5.2016. (CC)
Ex Cathedra’s Celebration of Shakespeare’s 400th Anniversary
United Kingdom Arne & Beamish – Shakespeare Odes: Sam West (actor), Ex Cathedra, soloists and instrumentalists, Ex Cathedra Academy of Vocal Music, local primary school children and The City Musick / Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor). Milton Court, London. 12.5.2016. (JPr)
Katie Tretheway as Anne Hathaway
(c) John James / Univ. of Birmingham
Paul Lewis at His Best in Brahms and Liszt
United Kingdom Schubert, Brahms, and Liszt: Paul Lewis (piano). Royal Festival Hall, London, 11.5.2016. (MB)
Iván Fischer’s Conception of Die Zauberflöte: A Quixotic Mishmash of Ideas.
United Kingdom Mozart, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute): Actors and soloists, Á la cARTe Choir, Budapest Festival Orchestra/Iván Fischer (director and conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 10.5.2016. (JPr)
Jonathan Bloxham’s Swift Tempi Bring Excitement but Sacrifice Expression
United Kingdom Mozart, Mendelssohn and Haydn: Benjamin Baker (violin), Lisa Rijmer (soprano), (conductor), Kings Place, London, 8.5.2016. (CS)
Cheryl Frances-Hoad and the London Chamber Orchestra Successfully Draw Young People into Music-Making
United Kingdom Catel, Haydn, Frances-Hoad, Beethoven: London Chamber Orchestra/Christopher Warren-Green (conductor), Cadogan Hall, London, 6.5.2016 (CS)