Jenkins’ The Armed Man hits the spot in Edinburgh

By David Smythe, 14 August 2016

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“a wonderful showcase for NYCOS centre stage in Edinburgh”

Reviewed at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh on 13 August 2016

Jenkins, The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace

Mozart, Requiem in D minor, K626 (Revised Levin)

National Youth Choir of Scotland

Mark Evans, Conductor

Christopher Bell, Conductor

Christopher Nickol, Organ

Edward Gardner brings the London Philharmonic to the EIF

Simon Thompson, 5th August

The Planets gets the star treatment from Gardner and the LPO, while Beatrice Rana brings disarming delicacy to Rachmaninov.

****1

Triumphant Tavener opens the Edinburgh International Festival

David Smythe, 2nd August

John Tavener's epic, eight-hour all-night vigil opens the festival in monumental style, directed by Thomas Guthrie.

*****

Edinburgh Festival explodes into life with Golijov's St Mark Passion

Simon Thompson, 3rd August

Golijov's La Pasión según San Marcos is full of life, but seeing it as well as hearing it definitely helps.

****1

Edinburgh International Festival closes with a magnificent Gerontius

Simon Thompson, 28th August

The festival's final concert marks several endings, including the fulfilment of Sir Andrew Davis' Elgar oratorio cycle with the RSNO.

*****

Prom 31: An intoxicating La Damnation de Faust

Mark Valencia, 8th August

An unapologetic treat at the Proms and a composition of immediate appeal.

****1

Berlioz's Roméo et Juliette with the ORR

Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres, 30th July

Prom 20 proved an exhilarating journey, featuring Berlioz’s Roméo et Juliette as one of the key works of this year’s BBC Proms' Shakespeare 400 celebrations.

****1

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

Mozart’s Requiem impresses, but Jenkins’ The Armed Man hits the spot at the Edinburgh Fringe