Denève's passionate Daphnis and Chloé thrills Usher Hall

By Jeremy Morris, 14 May 2012

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Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 11 May 2012

MacMillan, Britannia

Strauss R., Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche (Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks), Op.28

Ravel, Daphnis et Chloé

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Stéphane Denève, Conductor

RSNO Chorus

RSNO Junior Chorus

Kristiina Poska makes an exciting return to conduct the RSNO

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

Simon Thompson, 21st February

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

Simon Thompson, 24th August

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

David Smythe, 2nd August

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

*****

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Jeremy Morris

Former president of Keble College music society, tank commander and head of languages at Scotland's leading independent school, Jeremy lists violin, viola and motor cycles among his principal recreations. He is particularly interested in string chamber music of all periods.