Improvisation Week at the Music University of Freiburg: Happy Birthday, John!

By Nicholas Reed, 05 November 2012

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Reviewed at Hochschule für Musik: Großer Saal, Freiburg, Freiburg on 31 October 2012

Programme to include:

Cage, Music for Carillon

Ligeti, Harmonies

Freiburger Schlagzeug Ensemble

Gunda Gottschalk, Violin, Viola

Johannes Lang, Harpsichord

Martin Schmeding, Organ

Cesar Masano, Piano

Hannah Seebauer, Clarinet

Raphael Lott, Piano

Wencheng Lee, Percussion

An end-of-term Mahler 6 from the Hallé in Manchester

Rohan Shotton, 28th May

Kahchun Wong conducts The Hallé in Mahler's epic Sixth Symphony, although directorial idiosyncrasies sometimes get in the way of the music.

***11

Mallwitz and the Konzerthausorchester Berlin conquer Mahler's Fifth

Mengguang Huang, 27th May

At the Elbphilharmonie, Joana Mallwitz treats Mahler's Fifth as an argument to be won, and she knows exactly how it will end.

****1

Václav Luks and the OAE deliver operatic scale in Haydn's Creation

Nick Boston, 27th May

The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment under Václav Luks are joined by their own choir and strong soloists for a fresh and colourful performance of Haydn's Die Schöpfung.

****1

Lost for words: Asmik Grigorian excels at Wigmore Hall

Roy Westbrook, 26th May

A first half of vocalises gives way to all Strauss after the interval as the Lithuanian superstar soprano helps Wigmore Hall celebrate its 125th anniversary.

****1

A self-congratulatory Cecilia Bartoli show at Salzburg Whitsun

Laura Servidei, 24th May

This year’s Salzburg Whitsun Festival gala, Ciao, bella ciao, features Cecilia Bartoli in a highly personalised musical programme structured as an autobiographical journey, unfolding as a blend of concert and self-portrait.

Sumptuous Sheffield Chamber Music Festival finale

Phil Parker, 23rd May

Ensemble 360 and soprano Claire Booth test to the limits the definition of ‘chamber music’ in this richly orchestral closing concert of the 2026 Sheffield Chamber Music Festival.

****1

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Nicholas Reed

British percussionist Nicholas Reed studied at the Royal College of Music, London and the Paris Conservatoire. A Royal Philharmonic Society award enabled him to complete his studies in Freiburg, Germany where he now resides. Specialising in the performance of contemporary music he has performed extensively around the world.