The North East's War Requiem

By Jane Shuttleworth, 09 November 2014

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Reviewed at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music: Sage One, Gateshead on 8 November 2014

Britten, War Requiem, Op.66

Kate Valentine, Soprano

Robert Murray, Tenor

Sir Thomas Allen, Baritone

Eric Cross, Conductor

Newcastle University Symphony Orchestra

Newcastle University Student Choir

Newcastle Bach Choir offer a St. John Passion for Lent

Jane Shuttleworth, 3rd March

A year after the first performance of his St John Passion, Bach made several significant alterations that divert the emphasis of the work away from Christ’s final triumph over death, focusing instead on human sinfulness.

***11

Merriment aplenty in Cal McCrystal's Merry Widow at Glyndebourne

Dominic Lowe, 9th June

Glyndebourne's new production of Lehár's greatest work is interpreted with his customary flair and fun by Cal McCrystal.

****1

Scottish Barber of Seville packed with fun

David Smythe, 17th October

Sir Thomas Allen returns to Scottish Opera to revive The Barber of Seville with a strong cast headed by Samuel Dale Johnson, Anthony Gregory, David Stout and Simone McIntosh.

****1

Sir Thomas Allen directs a delightful Don Giovanni at Scottish Opera

David Smythe, 21st May

Set in the sinister backstreets of Venice, this production from 2013 boasts strong singing all around and brisk, bright conducting by Stuart Stratford.

****1

Devilish downpour cannot dampen The Soldier's Tale at the EIF

Roy Westbrook, 21st August

Rarely has so distinguished a group been assembled to give this work live; it would have shone as a highlight even in a normal year of visiting foreign ensembles and performers.

*****

Scottish Opera’s steampunk Magic Flute returns

David Smythe, 4th May

Sir Thomas Allen’s crowd-pleasing Magic Flute returns to Scottish Opera in a finely sung performance with Tobias Ringborg drawing period colours from the orchestra.

****1

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Jane Shuttleworth

Jane Shuttleworth is a choral singer and recorder player, and specialises in Renaissance, baroque and modern music. She lives in Durham and runs a local music listings, news and reviews site Music in Durham

Britten in Gateshead: The North East's War Requiem