Evocative contemporary string music from the ESO

By Katy Wright, 19 October 2014

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Reviewed at LSO St Lukes, London on 18 October 2014

Musgrave, Green

Pritchard, Violin Concerto "Wall of Water" (World Premiere)

Doolittle, Falling still, for violin and orchestra (UK Premiere)

Saariaho, Terra Memoria for string quartet (UK Premiere)

English String Orchestra

Kenneth Woods, Conductor

Harriet Mackenzie, Violin

English Symphony Orchestra brings transparency to Strauss and Mahler

Simon Cummings, 2nd December

Kenneth Woods directs a compelling, revelatory concert featuring chamber versions of Strauss’ Four Last Songs and Mahler’s Ninth Symphony.

****1

Philip Sawyers' powerful new symphony at SJSS

Gavin Dixon, 28th February

Philip Sawyers’ Third Symphony imposing but tightly argued, and given a compelling first performance by Kenneth Woods and the English Symphony Orchestra.

****1

World première of Joubert's Jane Eyre

Pamela Nash, 25th October

John Joubert's opera setting of Charlotte Brontë's masterpiece received its long-awaited world premiere by the English Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Kenneth Woods, with a luminous central performance by soprano April Fredrick.

*****

A dream of a Gerontius from Pappano, the LSO and Chorus

Roy Westbrook, 21st April

Giving their 27th performance of the oratorio, the London Symphony Chorus excel as angelic angels and demonic demons.

****1

Benedetti ablaze with the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 19th April

As gifts to the Philarmonia's 80th birthday season, Nicola Benedetti gives a barnstorming account of Elgar's Violin Concerto before Cristian Mӑcelaru gets emotionally drained by La Mer.

*****

Nicholas McGegan brings delicacy and elegance to Mendelssohn

Erica Miner, 18th April

The Seattle Symphony offers an enchanting evening immersed in the joy and brilliance of both the young and the mature genius of Felix Mendelssohn.

****1

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Katy Wright

As News Editor at Rhinegold, Katy contributes news pieces and longer features to publications including Classical Music, Music Teacher and International Piano (both digital and print editions). She writes on a freelance basis for publications including Sinfini Music and TEMPO.