Christian Reif makes impressive RSNO debut

By David Smythe, 15 December 2019

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“Reif conjured the opening wintery shimmer from the violins out of thin air”

Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 13 December 2019

Shostakovich, Festive Overture in A major for orchestra, Op.96

Sibelius, Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.47

Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition (Orchestration by Ravel)

Nicola Benedetti, Violin

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Christian Reif, Conductor

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Simon Thompson, 20th March

Kristiina Poska directs the RSNO in gripping Tchaikovsky and Pärt, but words and music only occasionally match in Elena Langer's new song cycle.

***11

Felix Klieser plays Strauss with the RSNO, before Bruckner exodus

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Felix Klieser is quietly remarkable as he plays Strauss' First Horn Concerto with the RSNO, but why did so many people walk out during Bruckner's Eighth Symphony?

****1

Giedrė Šlekytė conducts the RSNO in passionate, exciting Mahler

Simon Thompson, 5th December

Giedrė Šlekytė makes a stellar conducting debut with the RSNO, while violinist Nemanja Radulović has a great look but a disappointingly ordinary sound.

****1

Mahler magic: RSNO opens season with the Seventh Symphony

Simon Thompson, 3rd October

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Thomas Søndergård open their season, continuing their Mahler cycle, with the Seventh Symphony.

****1

A dramatic, declamatory Elijah closes the 2025 Edinburgh Festival

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The festival’s closing concert brings drama from the RSNO and conductor Thomas Søndergård, but Christopher Maltman's Elijah brings the presence of greatness.

****1

Triumphant Tavener opens the Edinburgh International Festival

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John Tavener's epic, eight-hour all-night vigil opens the festival in monumental style, directed by Thomas Guthrie.

*****

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

Dramatic Sibelius from Nicola Benedetti as Christian Reif makes impressive RSNO debut