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A transformative experience: Petrenko conducts Strauss and Stravinsky in Oslo

By Jack Dhainaut, 08 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

08 Feb 2018

St John Passion disappointingly dispassionate in Oslo

By Jack Dhainaut, 06 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

06 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, 02 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

02 Mar 2017

Thus spake Petrenko: Kort & klassisk Strauss

By Jack Dhainaut, 02 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

02 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 Sep 2016

Ringing ears in Oslo after Petrenko's Beethoven

By Jack Dhainaut, 08 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

08 Sep 2016

Softest music to attending ears: Catalonia celebrates Romeo and Juliet

By Jack Dhainaut, 03 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

03 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, 06 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?

06 Nov 2015