Dohnányi leads the Philharmonia's 70th birthday gala

By Kathryn Wareham, 28 September 2015

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Reviewed at Royal Festival Hall, London on 27 September 2015

Schumann, Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.54

Beethoven, Symphony no. 9 in D minor "Choral", Op.125

Philharmonia Orchestra

Christoph von Dohnányi, Conductor

Martin Helmchen, Piano

Charlotta Larsson, Soprano

Ruxandra Donose, Mezzo-soprano

Robert Dean Smith, Tenor

James Rutherford, Bass

Rodolfus Choir

Philharmonia Voices

Benedetti ablaze with the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 19th April

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.

*****

A Resurrection for the ages: Kent Nagano conducts the Philharmonia

Eleanor Knight, 19th March

Any performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is an event, but this mighty Philharmonia account at the Royal Festival Hall proves extra special.

*****

A brilliant UK premiere of John Adams’ After the Fall

David Karlin, 25th February

The Icelandic pianist and Finnish conductor make a superb case for John Adams' latest concerto; the Philharmonia play Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé strongly but don't convince completely.

****1

Renes replaces Runnicles in a remarkable Philharmonia Bruckner 8

Dominic Lowe, 19th February

Stepping in for Sir Donald Runnicles at very short notice, Lawrences Renes conducts the Philharmonia in a sleek and vivid reading of Bruckner's magisterial Eighth Symphony.

****1

Karpman’s opera Balls tells a great story, but overshoots the line

David Karlin, 20th November

An entertaining portrayal of the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs is marred by ham-fisted amplification.

**111

Giltburg and Foster celebrate the Philharmonia’s 80th birthday

Nick Boston, 17th November

Boris Giltburg emphasising the expression in not one but two piano concertos, with commanding performances from Lawrence Foster and the Philharmonia.

****1

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Kathryn Wareham

Having decided her life mission was to become a drummer (aged five), Kathryn now sings opera and presents classical music radio programmes across the South of England. Kathryn studied Music at both Royal Holloway, University of London and Paris IV – La Sorbonne, Paris and upon graduation coached students in Québec for regional talent competitions. Recently returned from travelling around North America, Kathryn is devouring the music scene in London where she currently resides.

Dohnányi leads the Philharmonia's 70th birthday gala with Schumann and Beethoven