Alice Sara Ott and Elim Chan a dazzling duo in new Dessner concerto

Alice Sara Ott, Elim Chan and the Philharmonia

Bryce Dessner, Alice Sara Ott and Elim Chan

Elim Chan conducts the Philharmonia

By Susannah Moody, 20 February 2024

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“Ott's... playing was clean, neat and gentle, with a laughing quality in the lighter moments”

Reviewed at Royal Festival Hall, London on 15 February 2024

Berlioz, Le Corsaire, Op.21: Overture

Dessner, Piano Concerto (UK premiere, Philharmonia Orchestra co-commission)

Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade, Op.35

Elim Chan, Conductor

Alice Sara Ott, Piano

Philharmonia Orchestra

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As gifts to the Philarmonia's 80th birthday season, Nicola Benedetti gives a barnstorming account of Elgar's Violin Concerto before Cristian Mӑcelaru gets emotionally drained by La Mer.

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Susannah Moody

A London-based journalist and ex-lawyer, Susannah will cheerfully listen to most styles of music. Having trained as an operatic soprano through school and university, she has worked for several opera companies and set up a student opera company where she translated, directed and performed in productions including flash mob opera. Most recently she took part in the ENO Response programme reviewing the company's 2022-2023 season. She also writes about food as The Moody Foodie.

Alice Sara Ott and Elim Chan a dazzling duo in new Bryce Dessner concerto