Letting Górecki’s music do the work: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

Nicole Chevalier in Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

By Roy Westbrook, 28 April 2023

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“the counterpoint’s unhurried radiance shining in the hands of the ENO players”

Reviewed at The London Coliseum, London on 27 April 2023

Górecki, Symphony no. 3 “Symphony of Sorrowful Songs”, Op.36

English National Opera

Lidiya Yankovskaya, Conductor

Isabella Bywater, Director, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Jon Driscoll, Lighting Designer

English National Opera Orchestra

Roberto Vitalini, Video

Nicole Chevalier, Soprano

Dan O'Neill, Choreography

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*****

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*****

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****1

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****1

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Roy Westbrook

Roy Westbrook gained a diploma in music history at London University (Morley College) and was for some years the head of music day schools at Oxford University, where he also led music summer schools. After some years leading the University's business school he has returned to music teaching and writing, and recently took part in the Arts in Residence courses on Bruckner, Mahler and Bach He is co-author (with Terry Barfoot) of a history of opera, and has taught day schools on Sibelius in Oxford and elsewhere.

Letting Górecki’s music do the work: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs at ENO