Rachmaninov to remember from the Bergen Philharmonic in Antwerp

By Marc Haegeman, 18 February 2023

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“harvesting the rich sonority of his orchestra to display Rachmaninov's colourful orchestration”

Reviewed at Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerp on 16 February 2023

Grieg, Funeral March in Memory of Rikard Nordraak (orch. Johan Halvorsen)

Schumann, Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.54

Kaldalóns, Ave Maria (trans. Ólafsson)

Rameau, Pièces de clavecin: Le Rappel des oiseaux

Rachmaninov, Symphonic Dances, Op.45

Víkingur Ólafsson, Piano

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Edward Gardner, Conductor

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

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

Inspired by Elizabethan music: Gardner and the Bergen Phil

David Karlin, 18th June

The Bergen Phil and the Edvard Grieg Choir trace music from Elizabethan themes to 20th century works on them, culminating in Pärt's Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten.

***11

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Marc Haegeman

Marc Haegeman graduated as a historian from the University of Ghent. He developed a keen interest in music, ballet, photography and nature. As a dance writer and photographer he contributed to leading dance magazines in the last 20 years, including The Dancing Times, Dance International and Ballet2000, and has been working with companies worldwide. His classical music reviews appeared in Classical Net and on his blog I used mostly my ears. He is particularly interested in Russian music and the piano. When free, he loves spending time in nature, photographing landscapes and wildlife.