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Decadence and decay: Asmik Grigorian and Antonio Pappano lead a sensational Salome

Asmik Grigorian
© LSO | Andy Paradise
Asmik Grigorian and the London Symphony Orchestra
© LSO | Andy Paradise
Sir Antonio Pappano conducts the London Symphony Orchestra
© LSO | Andy Paradise
Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke and the London Symphony Orchestra
© LSO | Andy Paradise
By Mark Pullinger, 12 July 2025
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“an orchestral performance wreathed in the perfume of decadence and decay”
Reviewed at Barbican Hall, London on 11 July 2025
Programme
Strauss R., Salome (concert performance with surtitles)
Performers
Sir Antonio Pappano, Conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
London Symphony Chorus
Asmik Grigorian, Salome
Michael Volle, Jochanaan
Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke, Herodes
Violeta Urmana, Herodias
John Findon, Narraboth
Niamh O'Sullivan, Herodias' Page
James Kryshak, 1st Jew
Michael J. Scott, 2nd Jew
Aled Hall, 3rd Jew
Oliver Johnston, 4th Jew
Jeremy White, 5th Jew
Liam James Karai, 1st Nazarene
Alex Otterburn, 2nd Nazarene
Barnaby Rea, 1st Soldier
William Thomas, 2nd Soldier
Hannah McKay, A slave
Redmond Sanders, Cappadocian
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Read reviews of
Aled HallAlex OtterburnAsmik GrigorianBarnaby ReaHannah McKayJames KryshakJeremy WhiteJohn FindonLiam James KaraiLondon Symphony ChorusLondon Symphony OrchestraMichael J. ScottMichael VolleNiamh O'SullivanOliver JohnstonRedmond SandersRichard StraussSalomeSir Antonio PappanoVioleta UrmanaWilliam ThomasWolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke
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Mark Pullinger
Mark Pullinger
Mark has been a Bachtrack editor since 2014. He is also an experienced critic, writing hundreds of reviews for the site, as well as a freelancer writing for other magazines and newspapers. He also writes programme notes and blogs on Substack. Mark has a particular passion for the operas of Verdi as well as Russian and French repertoire. Outside the concert hall and opera house, Mark enjoys cooking and travel and is probably at his happiest let loose in a French patisserie or a Viennese coffee house.