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A transformative experience: Petrenko conducts Strauss and Stravinsky in Oslo

By Jack Dhainaut, 8 February 2018

After a shaky start with Metamorphosen, the Oslo Philharmonic embodies the evening's theme of transformation by ending on a stonker of a Petruskha, via the perenially fabulous Lise Davidsen.

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A transformative experience in Oslo

8 Feb 2018

St John Passion disappointingly dispassionate in Oslo

By Jack Dhainaut, 6 April 2017

The Oslo Philharmonic was left to tell the story due to some rather emotionless singing.

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Disappointing St John Passion in Oslo

6 Apr 2017

Not just Grieg: Oslo Phil plays an all-Norwegian programme

By Jack Dhainaut, 24 March 2017

Despite the home advantage, the orchestra played it safe, but there was wholesome folky fun to be had with Halvorsen and Tveitt.

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Oslo Phil plays an all-Norwegian programme

24 Mar 2017

The calm before the storm: Pärt, Strauss and Shostakovich with the Oslo Phil

By Jack Dhainaut, 2 March 2017

The storm prevailed under Stefan Solyom – perhaps inevitable with Shostakovich – but quieter moments in the Strauss were beautifully handled by Lise Davidsen.

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The calm before the storm: Pärt, Strauss and Shostakovich with the Oslo Phil

2 Mar 2017

Thus spake Petrenko: Kort & klassisk Strauss

By Jack Dhainaut, 2 November 2016

Strauss' great tone poem whirls around the auditorium in a short but sweet concert.

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Thus spake Petrenko: Kort & klassisk Strauss

2 Nov 2016

Alma and Gustav: the Mahlers reconsidered in Oslo

By Jack Dhainaut, 27 October 2016

Music by the unhappy couple precedes a bombastic rendition of Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass by the Oslo Philharmonic orchestra and choir under Jukka-Pekka Saraste.

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Alma and Gustav: the Mahlers reconsidered in Oslo

27 Oct 2016

Vinegar, marimbas and trolls: Norwegian wind bands enthrall!

By Jack Dhainaut, 14 September 2016

As part of Oslo's Ultima festival, wind bands Sjøforsvarets musikkorps and Det Norske Blåseensemble dazzle with a programme of works by contemporary Norwegian composers.

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Vinegar, marimbas and trolls in Oslo

14 Sept 2016

Ringing ears in Oslo after Petrenko's Beethoven

By Jack Dhainaut, 8 September 2016

The Oslo Philharmonic's winds and brass are no match for Vasily Petrenko and a sea of strings in a cacophonous blast through Beethoven's Symphonies 5 and 6.

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Ringing ears in Oslo after Petrenko's Beethoven

8 Sept 2016

Softest music to attending ears: Catalonia celebrates Romeo and Juliet

By Jack Dhainaut, 3 April 2016

At a time of love and literature in fairest Barcelona, the scene was laid at the Liceu for interpretations by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Berlioz and Bernstein of Shakespeare's timeless tale.

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Catalonia celebrates Romeo and Juliet

3 Apr 2016

An Eastern European odyssey: Capuçon plays Dvořák's Cello Concerto in Barcelona

By Jack Dhainaut, 12 March 2016

Barcelona's L'Auditori was taken on a journey of contrasts, via Parra and Prokofiev, that unsettled as much as it delighted.

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An Eastern European odyssey: Capuçon plays Dvořák

12 Mar 2016

A stellar Mahler 3 from the OBC

By Jack Dhainaut, 29 January 2016

Truly sublime playing and singing from the massed forces in Barcelona's L'Auditori perfectly showcased Mahler's genius ability to evoke whole worlds.

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A stellar Mahler 3 from the OBC

29 Jan 2016

Fast and furious: Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique with Gergiev in Barcelona

By Jack Dhainaut, 17 January 2016

A solidly brazen night from the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra under Valery Gergiev that ultimately lacked sincerity and depth thanks to its quick-fire delivery.

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Fast and furious: Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique

17 Jan 2016

Youthful verve and vigour? The OBC plays Ravel, Prokofiev and Shostakovich

By Jack Dhainaut, 6 November 2015

Seamless playing and magical moments from the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya in a youthful programme meant that a slight lack of flair and grit felt even more amiss.

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Youthful verve and vigour in Barcelona?

6 Nov 2015