The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra produced a varied programme at their Lighthouse concert, but with mixed results: illuminating Walton, but uneven Sibelius.
The energising figure of Vladimir Ashkenazy presided over this all-Russian programme in a concert that showcased the prodigious gifts of Denis Kozhukhin.
A programme of personal choices curated by George Benjamin in collaboration with Oliver Knussen – that didn’t quite hang together but with two UK premières it was a fascinating evening.
A superb partnership between Osmo Vänskä and the LPO created a thrilling account of Elgar’s First Symphony but put Korngold’s Violin Concerto in the shade.
This all-English programme artfully combined Butterworth, Elgar and Anna Clyne – three composers a century apart yet tied together by poetic association.
Last Friday evening’s well-planned concert mostly produced some fine playing from both the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Benjamin Grosvenor but had the occasional misfire.
As this visiting orchestra from Saxony reached the closing stages of their 2 week UK tour they still had some terrific commitment and punch to their sound.
In a quirky programme featuring English, Welsh and Russian music the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales began their new season at St David’s Hall showcasing, with mixed results, their composer-in-association Huw Watkins, Elgar and three Russian composers at different stages in their careers.
Vladimir Jurowski andthe London Philharmonic Orchestra produced an intriguing programme with some rare Taneyev, invigorating Tchaikovsky and fresh Sibelius.
A concert built on the work of composers from Britain, Finland and Latvia formed a rewarding programme of choral, vocal and orchestral music with several gems.