Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | English | Peer Gynt Suite no. 1, Op.46

Vibrato-less strings and raw energy from woodwind and brass are not the sounds you would traditionally associate with Glinka, Rachmaninov, Grieg and Sibelius. The OAE invites you to think again.

Osmo Vänskä’s visit to the Toronto Symphony brings an outstanding, dramatic new concerto from Detlev Glanert, while familiar masterpieces by Grieg and Sibelius spring to life with vivid freshness. 

On paper it all seemed so alluring: a tuneful opening suite, one of the raciest warhorses in the stable and a national icon to close with. However, the reality in Grieg, Tchaikovsky and Elgar was somewhat different. 

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra proves that old warhorses can still sound fresh when played with a keen ear for color and attention to the little interpretive details.

Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO gave a deeply moving performance of Sibelius's Fourth Symphony, following exquisite Peer Gynt and a stylish Beethoven Third Piano Concerto with Beatrice Rana.

Grieg's Piano Concerto played by Tom Poster and the Hallé under Stpehen Bell was the highlight of a popular programme of Nordic favourites by Grieg and Sibelius

Sakari Oramo conducts the European première of a fine new work alongside familiar Grieg and Sibelius.

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

The Oslo Philharmonic offers a spirited interpretation of fine nuance and a sense of grandeur and opulence in Rachmaninov's Second Symphony. 

Edward Gardner opens the Bergen Philharmonic's UK tour in great style. 

Two days after his stimulating solo recital, Lang Lang returned to the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House for Grieg’s Piano Concerto.

The extended applause and stamping proved that the Leeds audience loved the visitors from Bergen with their popular programme, which was part of the Leeds International Concert Season.