Bergen Philharmonic’s Close up – at a distance ends on an upbeat note

By David Smythe, 26 June 2020

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“the players clearly relishing the cheerful music”

Reviewed at Grieg Hall (Grieghallen), Bergen on 26 June 2020

Rameau, Les Indes galantes

Ravel, Piano Concerto in G major

Mozart, Symphony no. 41 in C major, "Jupiter”, K551

Christian Ihle Hadland, Piano

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

James Gaffigan, Conductor

Echo of a silent scream: Asle and Alida premieres in Bergen

Christopher Woodley, 29th March

Jon Fosse's bleak tale of alienation is graced with fine performances from a strong cast and excellent playing by the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under Johannes Gustavsson.

***11

Rachmaninov to remember from the Bergen Philharmonic in Antwerp

Marc Haegeman, 16th February

Víkingur Ólafsson's appearance may have been most anticipated, but it is Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dances that impresses most as the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Edward Gardner make a welcome return to Antwerp.

***11

Salome stoked to red heat by Byström and the Bergen Philharmonic

David Smythe, 14th August

Returning to the Edinburgh International Festival after their astonishing Peter Grimes, the Bergen Philharmonic and Edward Gardner bring another opera, Richard Strauss' murderous Salome.

*****

Edward Gardner conducts a sharp La clemenza di Tito live from Bergen

Mark Valencia, 15th March

Mary Miller bows out after ten years at the helm of Bergen National Opera with a defiant account of Mozart’s final opera.

****1

Together at last: Víkingur Ólafsson finally plays Grieg in Bergen

Mark Pullinger, 5th February

The finale of the Icelandic pianist's five-concert residency in the Bergen Philharmonic's Wintermezzo festival saw him play Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor... this time in the same hall as the orchestra!

****1

Inspired by Elizabethan music: Gardner and the Bergen Phil

David Karlin, 18th June

The Bergen Phil and the Edvard Grieg Choir trace music from Elizabethan themes to 20th century works on them, culminating in Pärt's Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten.

***11

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

Bergen Philharmonic’s Close up – at a distance series ends on an upbeat note