The Maltese embrace Austro-German Romanticism in Valletta

By Alexander Hall, 27 January 2019

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Reviewed at Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta on 26 January 2019

Wagner, Wesendonck-Lieder

Bruckner, Symphony no. 4 in E flat major, "Romantic", WAB 104

Emma Bell, Soprano

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

Lawrence Renes, Conductor

Leonine masterpieces from the Malta Philharmonic

Mark Valencia, 16th March

The pairing of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony with the Violin Concerto of Brahms felt conspicuously like a calling card from an orchestra that sees itself as a contender for wider recognition, on this showing with good reason.

***11

A Hero's Life: Malta Philharmonic performs Rachmaninov and Strauss

Dominic Lowe, 27th January

As Valletta celebrates its title as 2018 European Capital of Culture, the Malta Philharmonic gave an enthusiastic national premiere of Strauss' Ein Heldenleben.

****1

Enthusiasm and vitality brings the Malta PO season to a climax

Anthony Hart, 29th May

Schembri and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra brings vitality, enthusiasm and maturity to the final concert of the season.

****1

A Evening of Magic with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

Anthony Hart, 7th March

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra revels in magic and the supernatural.

****1

Renes replaces Runnicles in a remarkable Philharmonia Bruckner 8

Dominic Lowe, 19th February

Stepping in for Sir Donald Runnicles at very short notice, Lawrences Renes conducts the Philharmonia in a sleek and vivid reading of Bruckner's magisterial Eighth Symphony.

****1

Seoul Arts Center: Renes and Lisiecki play Beethoven and Mahler

SangKwon Lee, 10th August

After Jan Lisiecki clarifies the architecture of Beethoven's Third Piano Concerto, Renes' Mahler felt like a letter written in the dark.

***11

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Alexander Hall

Alexander Hall divides his time between London and Hamburg, where he had a career in academic administration and teaching. He reviews for Bachtrack and Opera Today, and has also reviewed for Classical Source. A connoisseur of the great orchestras of the world, his musical memories stretch back to Karajan/Berlin Phil, Mravinsky/Leningrad Phil, Bernstein/Vienna Phil, and he has seen most of the great conductors from the past, including Böhm, Klemperer, Kubelik, Ormandy and Szell.