The Bayerische Staatsorchester scales the heights at the Barbican

Vladimir Jurowski conducts the Bayerisches Staatsorchester

Vilde Frang, Vladimir Jurowski and the Bayerisches Staatsorchester

The Bayerisches Staatsorchester

By Roy Westbrook, 19 September 2023

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“Jurowski’s deeply affectionate account revealed the very soul of Hans Sachs”

Reviewed at Barbican Hall, London on 18 September 2023

Poleva, Symphony no. 3 "White interment"

Berg, Violin Concerto "To the Memory of an Angel"

Strauss R., Eine Alpensinfonie (An Alpine Symphony), Op.64

Wagner, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude to Act 3

Vilde Frang, Violin

Bayerisches Staatsorchester

Vladimir Jurowski, Conductor

Jones’ wicked Hänsel und Gretel returns to the Bayerische Staatsoper

Mark Pullinger, 6th December

Even without a gingerbread house, there’s enough wickedness in Richard Jones’ staging of Humperdinck’s opera for sweet tooths to savour.

****1

No fairy tale: Kušej’s Rusalka works with devastating force in Munich

Orsolya Gyárfás, 26th July

Asmik Grigorian leads a searing performance in Martin Kušej’s 15-year-old, yet ever-fresh, outstanding production of Dvořák's opera.

****1

Everlasting Everding: another beautiful Munich Zauberflöte revival

Laura Servidei, 4th January

August Everding’s Magic Flute is revived in Munich with a solid cast for the enjoyment of all ages.

***11

And they were the most divine gods: Das Rheingold in Munich

Phillip Richter, 3rd November

Tobias Kratzer's prelude to this new Ring cycle exceeds all expectations and scores a musical-theatrical success.

*****

All play and no work: an exuberant Figaro in Munich

Orsolya Gyárfás, 17th July

Evgeny Titov's new production is heavy on the jokes and light in substance, but delights anyway thanks to its high-class cast.

****1

Waltzing masks and masquerades in Kosky’s new Fledermaus

Zenaida des Aubris, 23rd December

Expect sequins and swinging chandeliers in the Australian director's new Fledermaus at the Bayerische Staatsoper.

****1

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Roy Westbrook

Roy Westbrook gained a diploma in music history at London University (Morley College) and was for some years the head of music day schools at Oxford University, where he also led music summer schools. After some years leading the University's business school he has returned to music teaching and writing, and recently took part in the Arts in Residence courses on Bruckner, Mahler and Bach He is co-author (with Terry Barfoot) of a history of opera, and has taught day schools on Sibelius in Oxford and elsewhere.

A 500-year ascent: Bayerische Staatsorchester scales the heights at the Barbican