Robert Fokkens portrait concert draws impressive performances from Fidelio Trio in Cardiff

By Peter Reynolds, 04 October 2013

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Reviewed at Cardiff University Concert Hall, Cardiff on 1 October 2013

Fokkens, Mammals of Southern Africa

Fokkens, Tracing Lines for alto flute and cello

Fokkens, Irreconcilable Truths

Fokkens, On disruption and displacement

Fidelio Trio

Finlandia and Tchaikovsky from RTÉ NSO

Andrew Larkin, 5th April

A fiery rendition of Sibleius' Finlandia and an interesting account of Tchaikovsky's The Symphony of Life while Beethoven's Triple Concerto fails to convince.

***11

Hilary Hahn’s French odyssey of refinement and fire in Dublin

Andrew Larkin, 14th May

Two technical mishaps punctuate the evening, but Hilary Hahn maintains poise throughout a French programme crowned by a finely judged, deeply expressive performance of Fauré.

****1

Frank Dupree's Liverpool debut has the audience crying out for more

Glyn Mon Hughes, 14th May

A concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of the USA saw Liverpool audiences treated to a sumptuous Copland as well as a symphony as well as a barn-storming performance of Gershwin and Duke Ellington, performed by Frank Dupree who was making his debut with the RLPO.

*****

Energetic Currentzis and Utopia at the Elbphilharmonie

Mengguang Huang, 12th May

From Berg’s crystalline intimacy to Dionysian Mahler, Teodor Currentzis and Utopia defy orchestral tradition with standing musicians, spatial acoustics and an emotional intensity that breathes new life into the concert life.

****1

Petr Popelka delivers a thrilling opening for Prague Spring

Frank Kuznik, 12th May

With Petr Popelka on the podium, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra brings a native feel and colorful exuberance to a cultural icon.

****1

Korngold and Mahler from Ray Chen, Vasily Petrenko and the RPO

Roy Westbrook, 12th May

Few violin concertos soar from the first bar as Erich Korngold’s does, especially as in Ray Chen's high-wire account at the Royal Albert Hall.

****1

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Peter Reynolds

Peter Reynolds was a composer and writer on music living in Cardiff. He was a part-time member of staff at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and, in 2009, published a history of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Very sadly he passed away on 11th October 2016.