Magical Mendelssohn from Järvi and the Tonhalle in Zurich

By Simon Thompson, 23 May 2021

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“the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich met Isserlis as an equal partner rather than a dominant force”

Reviewed at Tonhalle Maag, Zurich on 21 May 2021

Schumann, Cello Concerto in A minor, Op.129

Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61 (Incidental Music)

Steven Isserlis, Cello

Katharina Konradi, Soprano

Sophia Burgos, Soprano

Zürcher Sing-Akademie

Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich

Paavo Järvi, Conductor

Sonic brilliance and immersive energy from the Tonhalle in Hamburg

Mengguang Huang, 16th March

At the Elbphilharmonie, a programme of Ligeti, Adams and Lutosławski showcases the power of modern orchestral music to engage both intellectually and emotionally.

*****

Bracing Beethoven at Dvořák’s Prague

Frank Kuznik, 8th September

Now in its 23rd year, the festival offers a broader perspective on its namesake's influences and music as this program by the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and Paavo Järvi demonstrates.

****1

Bright and breezy Dvořák as the Tonhalle returns to the Proms

Mark Pullinger, 30th August

A familiar face on the London scene, Paavo Järvi brings the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich to the Proms for the first time since 2014.

****1

Fledgling Schubert and domesticated Strauss brighten up the Tonhalle

Sarah Batschelet, 8th February

Zurich’s Tonhalle Orchestra give a stunning performance of works by Franz Schubert and Richard Strauss under guest conductor Franz Welser-Möst.

****1

Berlioz and Brahms brighten up the Tonhalle

Sarah Batschelet, 27th January

The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich plays Schoenberg's orchestration of Brahms' G minor Piano Quartet, while Antoine Tamestit joins the orchestra as wandering soloist in Berlioz' Harold in Italy.

****1

Paavo Järvi and the Tonhalle show their class at the Elbphilharmonie

Alexander Hall, 12th November

Fazıl Say's Mozart is an acquired taste, but Paavo Järvi's Bruckner is a masterclass in how to conduct this composer.

****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.

Super Schumann, magical Mendelssohn from Paavo Järvi and the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich