Articles by David Truslove

It’s always a heart-warming sight to see so many young people at the Barbican as members of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain shared the stage with equal composure as the London Symphony Chorus and string players from the LSO.

An evening of unfailing interest that flagged up the wonders of both David Owen Norris and Lawrence Power in variable performances of classic scores by Vaughan Williams. 

Fine performances from a confident cast brought some terrific singing as well as depth of characterisation in Stravinsky’s only full-length opera.

Semyon Bychkov’s Prom appearances are always fascinating experiences and this was no different, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra on tremendous form. 

Polished but ultimately tepid performances that kept the emotional temperature under wraps despite some fine individual playing and singing.

This was a superbly assured performance in which Esa-Pekka Salonen marshalled his forces with a clear-sighted vision to carve out an account brimming with intensity, energy and commitment.

A resounding success at its 1709 première, Handel’s Agrippina gripped the ear and dazzled the eye at the Grange Festival in a hugely entertaining and powerful performance.

Assured and mostly rewarding performances from the RPO in standard fare that underlined Bruch’s nobility, Elgar’s masterly orchestration and the originality of Sibelius. 

Three works of different character were given strong, largely persuasive readings by this acclaimed Piano Trio, and impressed with their assurance and commitment.

Mixed performances from Poole but with an unforgettable Symphonie fantastique that was both illuminating and electrifying.

A Lenten programme of 17th-century French and Italian sacred music partially fulfilled its dramatic potential in refined, understated performances. 

A superb concert from the London Philharmonic Orchestra under an inspirational Vasily Petrenko who brought vivid colours to two ballet scores straddling the Great War, and an excusite rendtion of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto. 

In a programme guaranteed to draw the crowds the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra were on sparkling form with dynamic playing too from pianist Boris Giltburg.

Playing of fearsome technique with fearless regard to the music's demands made for an impressive recital. 

This was the second of Bernard Haitink’s Barbican appearances with the London Symphony Orchestra mostly drawing on the Austro-German orchestral tradition in electric and efficient perfromances. 

An intriguing programme marked by diversity and novelty from two world-beating ensembles. 

A newly-orchestrated version of Jonathan Dove’s chamber opera drew some impressive performances from Heritage Opera in this pared-down adaption of Jane Austen’s third novel.

An eclectic programme from this Swedish orchestra which gave sharply defined performances in repertoire that, at first glance, had seemingly little in common.

Strong casting but intrusive direction makes this Fidelio a bizarrely intriguing experience, salvaged by some memorable singing. 

Gloriously sung and stylishly played, this Rosenkavalier is a feast for the ears and eyes and should be heard without delay.