LaVerdi and Xian Zhang usher spring into Milan

By Oliver Brett, 02 April 2016

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Reviewed at Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo, Milan on 1 April 2016

Schumann, Symphony no. 1 in B flat major “Spring”, Op.38

Goldmark, Overture: In the Spring

Malipiero, Symphony no. 1, "In quattro tempi, come le quattro stagioni"

Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano

Xian Zhang, Conductor

Stanislav Kochanovsky brings Russian passion to LaVerdi

Oliver Brett, 7th April

An exhilarating journey through three Russian suites with LaVerdi in Milan.

****1

Youthful vigour and eclectic treats from La Verdi

James Imam, 25th September

If the orchestra's playing was marked by poise and balance, so was the programme taken in its entirety. The buoyancy that had prevailed to now brought out the darker hues of Schubert's “Unfinished” Symphony deliciously.

****1

“Vive la France!”: Gallic pride from La Verdi, Milan

James Imam, 9th July

La Verdi dispatched each of the works with panaché under audience favourite Oleg Caetani. There is plenty of swagger to their playing at present – a Gallic cock with plenty of feathers in its tail.

****1

A Russian portrait: Scriabin and Campogrande from La Verdi

James Imam, 5th June

La Verdi possessed the necessary bloom to portray Scriabin's rich colour scheme under former LSO Assistant Marius Stravinsky. At times, they were irresistible.

****1

All-embracing Weill and Mahler from Axelrod and La Verdi

James Imam, 24th April

This was raw Mahler at its most all-embracing. The musicians seemed to embrace the entire world. As an audience member made to leave the hall, Axelrod leant over the balustrade to shake his hand.

****1

Mostly sparkling Mozart from La Verdi

James Imam, 6th March

As a pianist, Mustonen failed to deliver as would have been hoped, though as a conductor his rapport with the orchestra bore delightful results.

****1

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Oliver Brett

Oliver Brett is a professional organist, pianist, teacher and choral conductor. He held positions at King's College Cambridge, Westminster Cathedral and Durham Cathedral, and is currently Assistant Director of Music at St Mary's RC Cathedral in Sydney, Australia. He loves classical music of all genres.