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]
A Conversation With MAUREEN LIPMAN
Tuesday 13th May 2014 3.00pm, Newbury Festival at Sydmonton Court In conversation with Maureen Lipman… [Read More]
