RNCM Symphony Orchestra's monstrous Leningrad

By Rohan Shotton, 29 June 2014

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Reviewed at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on 27 June 2014

Stravinsky, Feu d'artifice (Fireworks), Op.4

Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto no. 1 in B flat minor, Op.23

Shostakovich, Symphony no. 7 in C major, "Leningrad" Op.60

Ryan Drucker, Piano

Baldur Brönnimann, Conductor

Marco Bellasi, Conductor

Royal Northern College of Music Symphony Orchestra

40th anniversary of the Royal Northern College of Music

Andrew H. King, 15th November

Manchester’s musical history is extensive and impressive. Ranging from the founding of the UK’s oldest professional symphony orchestra (the Hallé – founded in tandem with the UK’s oldest and largest specialist music shop, Forsyth Bros. Ltd.

***11

A late night homage to Pierre Boulez

James Imam, 2nd September

This Late Night Prom was a fitting way to remember the man. Such events draw a lighter scattering of musical night owls, minimising the hall and allowing for meditative concentration.

****1

The Dark Mirror: Zender's Winterreise with Ian Bostridge

Frances Wilson, 12th May

Hans Zender's composed interpretation of Schubert's great song-cycle Winterreise, sung by Ian Bostridge, with visuals by Netia Jones, reveals the stark beauty, timelessness and philosophical qualities of Schubert’s music and Mueller’s poetry.

****1

Boylan sings luminous Shéhérazade and Luonnotar

Andrew Larkin, 15th April

Irish soprano Orla Boylan offers an engaging performance of Ravel's Shéhérazade and Sibelius' Luonnotar while the NSO under the baton of Brönnimann deliver a commendable Sibelius 5.

***11

A Danish Swansong

Aksel Tollåli, 20th September

The Danish National Chamber Orchestra played music by three leading Scandinavian composers in what was to be an unexpectedly emotional concert.

****1

Stockhausen fills the Royal Festival Hall: Gruppen at The Rest is Noise

Paul Kilbey, 6th October

Karlheinz Stockhausen has done rather well out of this weekend’s instalment of Southbank Centre’s The Rest is Noise festival, with his music featuring in all three of the concerts as well as the mouthwatering additional event “Breakfast with Stockhausen”.

****1

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Rohan Shotton

Rohan has reviewed concerts and opera across the UK and Europe, but chiefly in Manchester, where he enjoys conducting and playing percussion and piano. He works as a hospital doctor, having studied in St Andrews and Manchester, and tweets as @RohanShotton.