Plumbing the depths of Tavener

By Danny Riley, 04 December 2017

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“The stacked chords of the Nativity sections shimmered with reverent light”

Reviewed at Smith Square Hall, London on 2 December 2017

Tavener, The Protecting Veil (Featuring Living Programme Notes)

Tavener, The Protecting Veil

City of London Sinfonia

Matthew Barley, Cello

Alexandra Wood, Violin

Born to sing Lucia: Jennifer France shines at Opera Holland Park

Mark Valencia, 18th July

Cecilia Stinton’s new production of Lucia di Lammermoor doesn't necessarily make best use of OHP’s performance space, but the singers excel.

***11

Jonathan Dove’s Itch at Opera Holland Park

David Karlin, 3rd June

Simon Mayo’s Young Adult novels are turned into an operatic romp which explores the fascination of the elements with excellent music and setting, albeit riddled with plot lacunae.

****1

Doomed Dutchman wants a wife: Wagner makes Opera Holland Park debut

Eleanor Knight, 27th May

Amid the rough winds of late May, Julia Burbach directs Opera Holland Park's first venture into Wagner – The Flying Dutchman.

***11

The darker side of G&S: Yeomen of the Guard at Holland Park

David Karlin, 7th August

Some good singing performances can't overcome a dated feeling of Gilbert's humour: the evening improves as the storm clouds gather.

**111

Trapped in a vice: Il segreto di Susanna and Pagliacci at OHP

Dominic Lowe, 17th July

Joining OHP's 2019 production of Wolf-Ferrari's charming domestic comedy, a blazing new production of Pagliacci delivers everything that one could want from Leoncavallo's infamous opera.

*****

Puccini's Edgar makes a rare appearance at Opera Holland Park

Dominic Lowe, 2nd July

Is Puccini's second opera unloved and unlovable? Opera Holland Park makes a commendable attempt to revive Edgar, but struggles to overcome its many flaws.

***11

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Danny Riley

Danny Riley worked as Bachtrack's content creator from 2017-2018 and is now a freelance contributor. Having also written for sites such as The Quietus and Bandcamp, he loves music of all genres, with a particular fondness for folk and minimalism, and recently completed a PhD on representations of sound in contemporary British poetry.

The City of London Sinfonia plumbs the depths of Tavener's The Protecting Veil