Excitement from the NYOS Senior Orchestra in Perth

By David Smythe, 22 July 2019

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“the strings attacking the big punchy themes as if their lives depended on it”

Reviewed at Perth Concert Hall, Perth on 20 July 2019

Schumann, Cello Concerto in A minor, Op.129

Kabalevsky, Symphony no. 2 in C minor, Op.19

Panufnik, Concerto Festivo

Glinka, Ruslan and Lyudmila: Overture (Encore)

NYOS Senior Orchestra

Dionysis Grammenos, Conductor

Alexey Stadler, Cello

Bo-ho: ETO takes Bohème to Hackney

Dominic Lowe, 26th February

English Touring Opera has revived James Conway's production of La bohème to launch the company back to full operations post-lockdown. What this new run lacks in finesse is made up for in bags of heart and spirit.

****1

Dazzling mix of styles from Petrenko and RLPO

Mark Thomas, 25th August

Petrenko and the RLPO produced a Rachmaninov symphony that ticked all the boxes, a scintillating world première from Emily Howard and a Shostakovich concerto with an impressive replacement soloist.

****1

Energetic Currentzis and Utopia at the Elbphilharmonie

Mengguang Huang, 12th May

From Berg’s crystalline intimacy to Dionysian Mahler, Teodor Currentzis and Utopia defy orchestral tradition with standing musicians, spatial acoustics and an emotional intensity that breathes new life into the concert life.

****1

Petr Popelka delivers a thrilling opening for Prague Spring

Frank Kuznik, 12th May

With Petr Popelka on the podium, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra brings a native feel and colorful exuberance to a cultural icon.

****1

Korngold and Mahler from Ray Chen, Vasily Petrenko and the RPO

Roy Westbrook, 12th May

Few violin concertos soar from the first bar as Erich Korngold’s does, especially as in Ray Chen's high-wire account at the Royal Albert Hall.

****1

Redemption and musical caffeine: Nelsons conducts Mahler 8 in Vienna

Mark Pullinger, 10th May

Sunday morning Mahler at the Wiener Konzerthaus sees Andris Nelsons concluding his symphony cycle with the Vienna Philharmonic in shattering fashion.

****1

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.