A brand new Cello Concerto – one piece, three composers, ‘three continents’. As Jan Vogler, the commissioner, puts it: ‘I’m a German, I live in America, and I’m married to a Chinese woman. My life is enriched…
The evolution of American music is chronicled right here in this quartet of symphonies. And when heard – as I did here – in a single sitting – it’s as if Ives is transitioning from the Old…
In a recent and far-reaching exchange with the conductor John Wilson (for an audio podcast to be found on You Tube) the names George Szell and Sir John Barbirolli (celebrated in the July edition) dominated our conversation…
West End and TV star Bonnie Langford chats with Edward Seckerson about her extraordinary career both on stage and TV; including ‘Gypsy’ with Angela Lansbury, originating ‘Cats’ in London and playing both Peggy Sawyer and Dorothy Brock…
Opera star Danielle de Niese discusses Handel and Offenbach at Glyndebourne, Man of La Mancha at London Coliseum, the relationship between opera, operetta and musical theatre, vocal technique and career longevity with Edward Seckerson.… [Read More]
I might have predicted that this of all the Mahler symphonies would chime with Osmo Vänskä’s very particularly gifts as a conductor. The brilliance and clarity of this performance (and recording – BIS technical prowess much in…
This is a performance of such distinction that regardless of one’s personal view of the piece – that is, exactly how objective or subjective you want or need your Mahler to be and whether you favour an…
It’s always interesting getting feedback on reviews published within these pages whether there is agreement or a difference of opinion – these things are so subjective. It’s been a while, though, since a review of mine prompted…
Broadway and West End star Kim Criswell discusses golden age style, vocal health, starring in ‘Nine’, ‘Baby’ and ‘The Threepenny Opera’ on Broadway, ‘Cats’ in LA, ‘Carrie’ in London and her work with conductors John McGlinn and…
It was back in 1989 during my one and only audience with Leonard Bernstein that I experienced what I believe would now be referred to as ‘a moment’. We were discussing ‘the song about the writing of…
