La Verdi explores Russian nationalism in Tchaikovsky

By James Imam, 23 February 2014

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“The warring Montagues and Capulets blazed with crashing cymbals...”

Reviewed at Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo, Milan on 20 February 2014

Tchaikovsky, Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture

Tchaikovsky, Suite no. 4 in G major, "Mozartiana" for orchestra, Op.61

Tchaikovsky, Symphony no. 4 in F minor, Op.36

Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano

Aldo Ceccato, Conductor

Stanislav Kochanovsky brings Russian passion to LaVerdi

Oliver Brett, 7th April

An exhilarating journey through three Russian suites with LaVerdi in Milan.

****1

LaVerdi and Xian Zhang usher spring into Milan

Oliver Brett, 1st April

Schumann, Goldmark and Malipiero feature in a seasonal programme in Milan.

****1

Youthful vigour and eclectic treats from La Verdi

James Imam, 25th September

If the orchestra's playing was marked by poise and balance, so was the programme taken in its entirety. The buoyancy that had prevailed to now brought out the darker hues of Schubert's “Unfinished” Symphony deliciously.

****1

“Vive la France!”: Gallic pride from La Verdi, Milan

James Imam, 9th July

La Verdi dispatched each of the works with panaché under audience favourite Oleg Caetani. There is plenty of swagger to their playing at present – a Gallic cock with plenty of feathers in its tail.

****1

A Russian portrait: Scriabin and Campogrande from La Verdi

James Imam, 5th June

La Verdi possessed the necessary bloom to portray Scriabin's rich colour scheme under former LSO Assistant Marius Stravinsky. At times, they were irresistible.

****1

All-embracing Weill and Mahler from Axelrod and La Verdi

James Imam, 24th April

This was raw Mahler at its most all-embracing. The musicians seemed to embrace the entire world. As an audience member made to leave the hall, Axelrod leant over the balustrade to shake his hand.

****1

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James Imam

James Imam is an arts journalist writing for publications including The Financial Times, The Times, Musical America and Opera magazine. He grew up in Manchester, read anthropology at Cambridge and has since lived in Milan. As a once-aspiring countertenor he has an abiding interest in Baroque music.