London Symphony Orchestra, Jansen, Pappano, Barbican Hall
There were, it seemed, enough trumpets to serve Gabriel throughout eternity – and, as fanfares go, this one was stretching a point and then some. LSO On Track had commissioned it from Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and…
Peter Grimes, English National Opera, London Coliseum
English National Opera’s “ownership” of Britten’s Peter Grimes was more than a little advanced by the arrival of David Alden’s thrilling staging in 2009 – and seeing it again now only confirms what I thought and felt…
Claudio Abbado 1933-2014
Conductors achieving superstar status are rarely shy, self-effacing, and humble – but that was the paradox characterising Claudio Abbado throughout his extraordinary career. I came in during the nine years he was Principal Conductor of the London…
Putting It Together, St James Theatre
Watching the Stephen Sondheim/Julia McKenzie compilation cabaret Putting It Together (is that a fair description of this hybrid?) in its latest incarnation – courtesy of producer/musical supervisor Alex Parker – one’s thoughts turn once more to the…
London Philharmonic Orchestra, Power, Jurowski, Royal Festival Hall (Review)
Nothing follows Mahler 6 and surely nothing should precede it. Nothing. Even a piece as compelling as James MacMillan’s Viola Concerto here receiving its World Premiere under the extraordinary fingers of its dedicatee Lawrence Power. There’s only…
BBC RADIO 3 – CD REVIEW “BUILDING A LIBRARY” Saturday 8 March
This prime spot on Radio 3’s flagship programme CD REVIEW is easily the most challenging that any music journalist can undertake – and having braved that challenge on countless occasions over the last three decades with the mighty…
A Spoonful of Sherman, St. James’ Theatre Studio
It’s scary being reminded of so much of one’s youth in a single evening and realising that, yes, your parents really did buy you the single (which you played incessantly) of “Let’s Get Together” featuring twice as…
A Conversation With MAXIM VENGEROV
Friday 17th January 6.00pm, Barbican Centre Pre-concert “In Conversation” with Maxim Vengerov… [Read More]
A Conversation With DAME FELCITIY LOTT
Tuesday 25th February 7.00pm, The Forge An evening with Dame Felicity Lott (for the Incorporated Society of Musicians)… [Read More]
A Conversation With VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY
Sunday 27th April 2014, London Jewish Cultural Centre In conversation with Vladimir Ashkenazy… [Read More]
