A long-awaited debut from Víkingur Ólafsson at the BBC Proms

By Gus Mitchell, 16 August 2021

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“Ólafsson seems to descend into the piece’s sphere and to invite the audience down with him”

Reviewed at Royal Albert Hall, London on 14 August 2021

Prokofiev, Symphony no. 1 in D major "Classical", Op.25

Bach, Keyboard Concerto no. 5 in F minor, BWV1056

Mozart, Piano Concerto no. 24 in C minor, K491

Bach, Trio sonata in E Minor, BWV528 (Andante trans. Stradal)

Liszt, Ave verum corpus

Shostakovich, Symphony no. 9 in E flat major, Op.70

Víkingur Ólafsson, Piano

Philharmonia Orchestra

Paavo Järvi, Conductor

When time stands still: the Philharmonia revisits Strauss

Jessica Duchen, 4th June

The Philharmonia, Santtu-Matias Rouvali and Benjamin Grosvenor shine in the recreation of an all-Strauss extravaganza that was conducted in 1947 by the composer himself.

****1

Viennese splendour in Garsington’s Rosenkavalier revival

Roy Westbrook, 28th May

Bruno Ravella's splendid 2021 production of Strauss' opera of Viennese manners returns with a fine cast.

****1

Garsington’s new La traviata ticks every musical and dramatic box

David Karlin, 27th May

Music Director Douglas Boyd conducts a performance of exceptional musical quality, and Louisa Muller's uncontroversial but passionate direction makes this Traviata one for the ages.

*****

Classical grace and Romantic eloquence from the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 7th May

The contrasting delights of Schumann, Brahms and Dvořák are powerfully evoked in performances of charm, eloquence and high drama from the Philharmonia, continuing the orchestra’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

****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.

*****

A Resurrection for the ages: Kent Nagano conducts the Philharmonia

Eleanor Knight, 19th March

Any performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is an event, but this mighty Philharmonia account at the Royal Festival Hall proves extra special.

*****

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Gus Mitchell

Gus is a recent graduate in English from Trinity College, Cambridge. He is especially attracted to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the piano and its history.