Superlative Britten in Oxford: World première of Two Psalms

By Katy Wright, 04 December 2012

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Reviewed at Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford on 1 December 2012

Beethoven, Coriolan Overture, Op.62

Britten, Ballad of Heroes for tenor or soprano, chorus and orchestra, Op.14

Britten, 2 Psalms (World Première)

Britten, The Building of the House for chorus or organ or brass and orchestra, Op.79

Mahler, Blumine (arr. Britten)

Poulenc, Gloria, FP 177

Elizabeth Atherton, Soprano

English Chamber Orchestra

Nicholas Cleobury, Conductor

Oxford Bach Choir

Essential Early Romantics from the ECO at Cadogan Hall

Roy Westbrook, 11th May

Three of the world's best composers, who were friends and colleagues, but who rarely co-habit in concert, appear at Cadogan Hall.

****1

A vivid Soldier's Tale from the English Chamber Orchestra

Graham Watts, 4th October

Outstanding narration was the feather in this soldier’s cap

****1

Spirited Mendelssohn without frills from the English Chamber Orchestra

Nick Boston, 27th September

Warm Borodin and energetic Mendelssohn from the ECO players in an online experience which lacked occasion.

***11

Delicious French morsels launch the ECO’s Teatime Music

Mark Pullinger, 13th September

A trio of French works launch the English Chamber Orchestra's Sunday afternoon series, filmed in Beckenham Place Mansion.

****1

Ravishing Tchaikovsky from Serebrier and the ECO

Andrew Larkin, 22nd January

A fantastic all-Tchaikovsky concert in which cellist Natalie Clein gave a magnificent rendition of the Rococo Variations.

*****

Classy Bach from Vilde Frang

David Karlin, 29th April

Vilde Frang galvanises the English Chamber Orchestra, with the slow movement of Bach's E major violin concerto proving the highlight of the evening.

***11

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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.