Music of elegance and diversity from a unique ensemble
Author: William Ruff
Vasily Petrenko finds England’s soul in Vaughan Williams’ London Symphony
Music-making of imagination and intense commitment - combined with intelligent engagement with their audience
Matthew Bourne’s Technicolor extravaganza leaves a lump in the throat as well as a huge smile on the lips
Plenty of drama and fine detail from Croatia’s musical ambassadors
Rhythmic energy and infectious joy from star saxophonist Jess Gillam
Playing as fresh, buoyant and inventive as the music itself
Nottingham Alcina (Opera North) March 17 2022 (touring to Newcastle March 24) Theatre Royal, Nottingham 4**** Review: William Ruff @ReviewsGate Opera North’s stylish Alcina: a feast for the ears but not the eyes Opera North’s production of Handel’s Alcina has a lot to live up to. The opera was one of its composer’s greatest hits when first produced in the 1730s – and it’s not hard to see why. Even if the original …
A Rigoletto which opens ears and eyes to the murky depths beneath the ultra-tuneful surface.
Playing of elegance and effortless transparency from a rising piano star
High energy, often revelatory performances from the CBSO
Astonishing young dancers at the cutting-edge of contemporary dance
Exhilarating, highly virtuosic playing of some highly disturbing repertoire
Ossian Huskinson: an impressive young singer – and a name to watch
A concert packed with nervous energy and acute sensitivity
George Harliono: a name we shall be hearing much more of in the future
Spirited music-making – but not without problems for the reviewer
Benjamin Grosvenor: unbuttoned exuberance, rapt reflection…and every motion in between
An artist, still at the top of his game, in a programme of jaw-droppingly difficult music
A fizzily festive Christmas confection from the Hallé