Pablo Heras-Casado explores Monteverdi in Barcelona

By Pep Gorgori, 12 February 2017

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Reviewed at Palau de la Música, Barcelona on 9 February 2017

Monteverdi, Selva Morale e Spirituale

Balthasar-Neumann-Chor

Balthasar-Neumann-Ensemble

Pablo Heras-Casado, Conductor

Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle at the Elbphilharmonie

Mengguang Huang, 14th October

Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle, stripped to piano, harmonium and voices, unfolds like a musical sphinx in the Balthasar-Neumann’s performance at the Elbphilharmonie.

****1

The Carsen effect: brilliant Iphigénie in Paris

Tristan Labouret, 22nd June

The Canadian director's aesthetic is a perfect fit for Gluck's work. Dazzling performances by Gaëlle Arquez and Stéphane Degout. Great musical direction by Thomas Hengelbrock.

*****

Pathos and wonder: A superb Elijah oratorio in Zurich

Sarah Batschelet, 6th March

Under conductor Thomas Hengelbrock, the Tonhalle Orchester ensemble and 60-voice configuration of the Balthasar Neumann Choir perform the legendary Elijah oratorio at Zurich’s Tonhalle Maag.

*****

An early start to Easter: Bach in Oslo

Aksel Tollåli, 17th March

The Balthasar-Neumann-Chor and Ensemble performed a deeply moving, if slightly uneven, St John Passion, setting off the Oslo Church Music Festival.

****1

Orpheus and Eurydice at Teatro Real

Fernando Remiro, 12th July

Almost 40 years after its première, Pina Bausch's daring reinterpretation of the myth of Orpheus still captivates audiences worldwide. This tanzoper is one of the most accomplished attempts to create a contemporary tragedy, an enthralling reflection on human boundaries and the acceptance of death.

****1

Pina Bausch lives: Orpheus and Eurydice at the Lincoln Center

Stephen Raskauskas, 20th July

Two years after her untimely death, the world is still celebrating of one of the most influential figures of contemporary dance – Pina Bausch.

****1

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Pep Gorgori

Journalist and musicologist with an MA Arts Administration & Cultural Policy, Goldsmiths (University of London). Pep Gorgori was born and lives in Barcelona after having worked for several years in Madrid and London. Johann Sebastian Bach, audience development, organ music, and Enric Granados and his generation occupy most part of his time. You can learn more about him by visiting him here.