The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra head to “London Town”

Karl-Heinz Steffens in rehearsal

Karl-Heinz Steffens in rehearsal with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

By David Truslove, 22 February 2024

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“an Edwardian grandeur, both sepia tinted and roistering, surged through a gripping performance”

Reviewed at Lighthouse, Poole on 21 February 2024

Brahms, Piano Concerto no. 2 in B flat major, Op.83

Rachmaninov, Prelude in G major, Op.32 no.5

Vaughan Williams, Symphony no. 2 “A London Symphony”

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Karl-Heinz Steffens, Conductor

Boris Giltburg, Piano

Ning Feng’s Korngold is not quite a “Hollywood hit” in Poole

David Truslove, 26th November

Sian Edwards takes the helm of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Britten, Korngold and Dvořák, with mixed results.

***11

A Prom of two halves: Mark Wigglesworth and the Bournemouth SO

Leighton Jones, 20th July

The BSO play a trio of 20th-century greats — Ravel and Shostakovich both taking inspiration from the age of jazz, while Walton’s First Symphony provides contrast.

***11

Die Fledermaus at The Grange: Cabaret meets G&S

David Karlin, 20th June

A fine singing cast gives creditable performances in Johann Stauss II's most famous operetta, but Paul Curran's updating of Act 2 to 1930s Berlin takes the fizz out of the Champagne.

***11

Alena Baeva delivers transcendent Berg at The Anvil

David Truslove, 25th January

Polished playing and inspirational performances in Basingstoke that underline the exciting relationship between Mark Wigglesworth and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

*****

The Rake's Progress at The Grange: richly entertaining

David Karlin, 23rd June

Singing performances are excellent, the staging is well crafted and Stravinsky's eclectic score entertains from start to finish. But it's an evening's opera that doesn't touch the soul.

****1

Voices from the East: a musical marathon with a gripping finish

Peter Quantrill, 19th May

Kirill Karabits and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra present a day of composers from the former Soviet republics with heroic skill and stamina.

****1

More reviews...

David Truslove

After many years as a musician – conducting choirs, singing as a lay clerk at Winchester Cathedral and an involvement in education, David now writes programme notes, occasionally composes and enjoys a busy schedule of reviewing.

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra head to “London Town” (without leaving Poole)