A spectacular Rite from the Bergen Philharmonic

By Kathryn Wareham, 29 August 2015

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

Reviewed at Royal Albert Hall, London on 27 August 2015

Matre, PreSage (World Première of this version)

Mendelssohn, Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.64

Firsova, Bergen's Bonfire (World Première)

Stravinsky, Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring)

Grieg, Peer Gynt: Åse's Death

Prokofiev, Scythian Suite, Op.20 (Dance Of The Pagan Monster)

Alina Ibragimova, Violin

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Andrew Litton, Conductor

Echo of a silent scream: Asle and Alida premieres in Bergen

Christopher Woodley, 29th March

Jon Fosse's bleak tale of alienation is graced with fine performances from a strong cast and excellent playing by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under Johannes Gustavsson.

***11

Rachmaninov to remember from the Bergen Philharmonic in Antwerp

Marc Haegeman, 16th February

Víkingur Ólafsson's appearance may have been most anticipated, but it is Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances that impresses most as the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Edward Gardner make a welcome return to Antwerp.

***11

Salome stoked to red heat by Byström and the Bergen Philharmonic

David Smythe, 14th August

Returning to the Edinburgh International Festival after their astonishing Peter Grimes, the Bergen Philharmonic and Edward Gardner bring another opera, Richard Strauss' murderous Salome.

*****

Edward Gardner conducts a sharp La clemenza di Tito live from Bergen

Mark Valencia, 15th March

Mary Miller bows out after ten years at the helm of Bergen National Opera with a defiant account of Mozart’s final opera.

****1

Together at last: Víkingur Ólafsson finally plays Grieg in Bergen

Mark Pullinger, 5th February

The finale of the Icelandic pianist's five-concert residency in the Bergen Philharmonic's Wintermezzo festival saw him play Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor... this time in the same hall as the orchestra!

****1

Bergen Philharmonic’s Close up – at a distance ends on an upbeat note

David Smythe, 26th June

Christian Ihle Hadland’s piano sparkled in Ravel sandwiched by lively and joyful Rameau and Mozart.

****1

More reviews...

Kathryn Wareham

Having decided her life mission was to become a drummer (aged five), Kathryn now sings opera and presents classical music radio programmes across the South of England. Kathryn studied Music at both Royal Holloway, University of London and Paris IV – La Sorbonne, Paris and upon graduation coached students in Québec for regional talent competitions. Recently returned from travelling around North America, Kathryn is devouring the music scene in London where she currently resides.

Prom 56: A spectacular Rite and two world premières from Andrew Litton and the Bergen Philharmonic