Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic Orchestra planned to visit Hungary. but the tour didn't come off for reasons beyond their control. But the programmes they chose remained for the two London concerts on 26th and 29th January at the Royal Festival Hall. Big, complex programmes, held together by their references to separate Austrian and Hungarian traditions.
Leif Ove Andsnes founded the Risør Festival only nine years ago, but it's already an important part of the European calendar. Risør is unique because it's a musicians' festival. Everyone gets together in this small Norwegian town, no matter how famous they are. This atmosphere's great for chamber music, so the Wigmore Hall is an ideal second home for Risør in London.