A thrilling tour opener from the Bergen Philharmonic

By Rohan Shotton, 17 January 2017

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Reviewed at Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden on 15 January 2017

Grieg, Peer Gynt Suite no. 1, Op.46

Elgar, Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85

Bartók, Concerto for Orchestra, Sz 116

Elgar, Enigma Variations, Op.36: Nimrod

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Edward Gardner, Conductor

Leonard Elschenbroich, Cello

Echo of a silent scream: Asle and Alida premieres in Bergen

Christopher Woodley, 29th March

Jon Fosse's bleak tale of alienation is graced with fine performances from a strong cast and excellent playing by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under Johannes Gustavsson.

***11

Rachmaninov to remember from the Bergen Philharmonic in Antwerp

Marc Haegeman, 16th February

Víkingur Ólafsson's appearance may have been most anticipated, but it is Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances that impresses most as the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Edward Gardner make a welcome return to Antwerp.

***11

Salome stoked to red heat by Byström and the Bergen Philharmonic

David Smythe, 14th August

Returning to the Edinburgh International Festival after their astonishing Peter Grimes, the Bergen Philharmonic and Edward Gardner bring another opera, Richard Strauss' murderous Salome.

*****

Edward Gardner conducts a sharp La clemenza di Tito live from Bergen

Mark Valencia, 15th March

Mary Miller bows out after ten years at the helm of Bergen National Opera with a defiant account of Mozart’s final opera.

****1

Together at last: Víkingur Ólafsson finally plays Grieg in Bergen

Mark Pullinger, 5th February

The finale of the Icelandic pianist's five-concert residency in the Bergen Philharmonic's Wintermezzo festival saw him play Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor... this time in the same hall as the orchestra!

****1

Bergen Philharmonic’s Close up – at a distance ends on an upbeat note

David Smythe, 26th June

Christian Ihle Hadland’s piano sparkled in Ravel sandwiched by lively and joyful Rameau and Mozart.

****1

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Rohan Shotton

Rohan has reviewed concerts and opera across the UK and Europe, but chiefly in Manchester, where he enjoys conducting and playing percussion and piano. He works as a hospital doctor, having studied in St Andrews and Manchester, and tweets as @RohanShotton.