Sheku Kanneh-Mason charts his own course in solo Philadelphia recital

By Cameron Kelsall, 08 November 2023

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“a striking intelligence wedded to a rock-solid technique”

Reviewed at Kimmel Center, Perelman Theater, Philadelphia on 7 November 2023

Bach, Cello suite no. 2 in D minor, BWV1008

Simcock, Prayer for the Senses

Britten, Cello Suite no. 1, Op.72

Brouwer, Sonata no. 2 for Solo Cello

Finnis, Preludes for Solo Cello

Cassadó, Suite for solo cello

Marley, She Used To Call Me Dada (arr. Kanneh-Mason)

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Cello

Strauss and Shostakovich dominate Pittsburgh Symphony program

Cameron Kelsall, 23rd March

Sheku Kanneh-Mason makes his local debut in Shostakovich's First Cello Concerto, followed by a fantasia on Arabella conceived by Music Director Manfred Honeck.

****1

Heavyweight Shostakovich from Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Phil

Mark Pullinger, 7th March

In the 50th anniversary year of Shostakovich's death, the Czech Philharmonic bring two of the composer's greatest works to the Barbican, the latest stop on their European tour.

****1

Electrifying Rachmaninov, searing Shostakovich in Gateshead

Nick Butters, 18th October

Rachmaninov’s First Symphony is brought vividly to life in a new performing edition by John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London in an electrifying concert at The Glasshouse.

*****

Happy Birthday Leonard Slatkin: Orchestre national de Lyon celebrates

David Karlin, 3rd October

The Lyon orchestra show their rapport with their former Music Director with an exuberant Copland symphony and an introspective Shostakovich concerto

****1

The Kanneh-Masons and friends at the Aldeburgh Festival

Roy Westbrook, 21st June

Some chamber concerts, like this one at Snape Maltings, can turn a public hall into a large drawing room.

***11

Expressive, virtuosic cello sonatas from Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason

Nick Boston, 28th May

An impressive evening at the Barbican from two rapidly maturing performers, unafraid to bring chamber music to audiences more familiar with standard virtuosic concerto displays.

****1

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Cameron Kelsall

Cameron Kelsall is a classical music critic and cultural reporter. He has written for Bachtrack since 2019, and his byline has appeared in many national and international classical music publications. Based in Philadelphia, he regularly travels around the United States for musical events. In addition to his career in journalism, Cameron also teaches in the Theatre Arts program at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a certified sommelier and avid home cook. His favorite composer is Mahler. Twitter: @CameronPKelsall.