David is a co-founder of Bachtrack. He is a musical omnivore interested in almost all types of music, but with a particular love of Italian opera. You can contact him from this link.
The latest instalment of Kings Place's “Sound Unwrapped” series delivers wonderful musicianship in both jazz and early music, but not the promised “continuous fusion of styles”.
Brian Irvine and Netia Jones pull no punches in telling the story of Rosemary Kennedy, sister of JFK and Bobby, left permanently disabled by a lobotomy at the age of 23
In the intimate setting of Lauenen Church, Agnew and Les Arts Florissants introduce us to the austere sound world of Marc-Antoine Charpentier and other French composers of 17th-century sacred music.
We imagine the teamsheets if England and France’s classical composers went head to head – via a sneak peak of Most Performed Composers from Bachtrack’s Annual Statistics 2022.
Ildar Abdrazakov and Ain Anger excel in the confrontation of tsar and historian; Kaspar Holten's safe but effective staging focuses on the relentless march of history.
Krisztian Lada's thoughtful production goes to the dark heart of ETA Hoffmann's stories, mixing Offenbach's deceptively cheerful music with staging that is always impactful and sometimes gross.
The precise control of Santu-Matthias Rouvali yields a reference Symphonie fantastique from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra; the Sibelius Violin Concerto is less convincing.
In the latest Arts Council England funding allocations, WNO’s funding has been cut by a third. Their General Director discusses what's happened and how to survive it.
Charpentiers “biblical tragedy” exudes energy, with Reinoud van Mechelen an outstanding David and fabulous period playing from Gaétan Jarry and his Ensemble Marguerite Louise.
Lisette Oropesa leads strong vocal performances in Handel's madcap tale of love and sorcery. Richard Jones' production is visually all over the place, but in a good way.
The Australian Chamber Orchestra brings music from Indie rock stars and the Polish composers who inspired them, with superb contributions from Guildhall students.
