RSNO and Stéphane Denève: John Adams and Beethoven 9

By Rohan Shotton, 07 May 2011

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Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 5 May 2011

Adams, On the Transmigration of Souls

Beethoven, Symphony no. 9 in D minor "Choral", Op.125

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Stéphane Denève, Conductor

RSNO Chorus

RSNO Junior Chorus

Sabina Cvilak, Soprano

Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Mezzo-soprano

Charles Castronovo, Tenor

Tómas Tómasson, Bass

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On a return visit to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, John Wilson shapes A London Symphony with melancholy sweep.

****1

Kristiina Poska makes an exciting return to conduct the RSNO

Simon Thompson, 20th March

Kristiina Poska directs the RSNO in gripping Tchaikovsky and Pärt, but words and music only occasionally match in Elena Langer's new song cycle.

***11

Felix Klieser plays Strauss with the RSNO, before Bruckner exodus

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****1

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****1

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The festival’s closing concert brings drama from the RSNO and conductor Thomas Søndergård, but Christopher Maltman's Elijah brings the presence of greatness.

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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.