Japan and UK students on a joint journey of discovery

The finale of Haydn’s Symphony no. 90 is a dramatic, exciting C major event, with trumpets and drums, much to stir the heart and get the toes tapping. Everything’s bustling along very nicely towards its inevitable triumphant conclusion, which duly arrives.

Frederic Wake-Walker's realisation of the Hogarth-inspired opera is visually bracing and assuredly sung. 

Menahem Pressler's début with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Trevor Pinnock at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw. Cynthia Wilson reviews.

Before this chamber performance of Bruckner’s Second Symphony, Trevor Pinnock gave a short introductory talk, pointing out that, before the days of ubiquitous recording, music was always heard live, and chamber arrangements were an important aspect of disseminating music.

One of the consistent joys of seeing a performance by the Royal Academy of Music's opera school is that they bring in world class conductors. At last night's La vera costanza, the orchestra, conducted by Trevor Pinnock, was exceptional.

Royal Academy of Music Chamber Ensemble Trevor Pinnock conductor Runette Botha sopranoHaydn (arr. Salomon) Symphony Quintetto (after Symphony No. 101 The Clock) for flute, string quartet and piano (ed. Christopher Hogwood)Mahler (arr. Stein) Symphony No. 4 in GThis was quite simply a delightful concert. The juxtaposition of these two pared-down symphonies was a brilliant idea superbly executed.