RSNO season begins with marvellous Britten but too pristine Stravinsky

Stefan Jackiw, Thomas Søndergård and the RSNO

By Simon Thompson, 01 October 2022

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“Jackiw... knew perfectly how to tread Britten’s tightrope between optimism and melancholy”

Reviewed at Usher Hall, Edinburgh on 30 September 2022

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

Britten, Violin Concerto, Op.15

Fennessy, The Riot Act

Stravinsky, Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring)

Mark Le Brocq, Tenor

Stefan Jackiw, Violin

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Thomas Søndergård, Conductor

Stephen Hough makes a convincing case for Rachmaninov 1 with the RSNO

Simon Thompson, 24th April

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

Simon Thompson, 21st February

Felix Klieser is quietly remarkable as he plays Strauss' First Horn Concerto with the RSNO, but why did so many people walk out during Bruckner's Eighth Symphony?

****1

Giedrė Šlekytė conducts the RSNO in passionate, exciting Mahler

Simon Thompson, 5th December

Giedrė Šlekytė makes a stellar conducting debut with the RSNO, while violinist Nemanja Radulović has a great look but a disappointingly ordinary sound.

****1

Mahler magic: RSNO opens season with the Seventh Symphony

Simon Thompson, 3rd October

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Thomas Søndergård open their season, continuing their Mahler cycle, with the Seventh Symphony.

****1

A dramatic, declamatory Elijah closes the 2025 Edinburgh Festival

Simon Thompson, 24th August

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

****1

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Simon Thompson

Simon lives and works in Edinburgh, and teaches History and Modern Studies at a local high school when he is not writing about music. Born an Irishman, he is an enthusiastic adopted Scot, and has lived in the capital for fifteen years since university days, making the most of its many avenues for classical music. He spends his spare time enthusing about music, theatre, art and literature to anyone who will listen, including his long-suffering students, who have no choice.