Emmanuel Despax strikes an ideal balance between visceral excitement and Classical restraint
Author: William Ruff
The Hallé returns to Nottingham with undiminished power and subtlety
Northern Ballet’s Merlin: a modern classic has been born
Attention to detail and a warm welcome remain the Festival’s hallmarks
Nottingham’s most intimate music-making on temporary transfer from Lakeside to the Royal Concert Hall
A thrilling concert performance of Beethoven’s monument to freedom and hope
Nottingham’s Kanneh-Mason siblings bring back high-voltage live music-making to the city
Nicola Hands (oboe) and Jonathan Pease (piano) Phoenix: music for oboe and piano EMR Records 5***** Review: William Ruff @ReviewsGate A delightful recording of ear-opening repertoire Recordings of music for oboe/cor anglais and piano aren’t exactly thick on the ground. So this new CD of music performed by Nicola Hands and Jonathan Pease is to be welcomed: for its imaginative, wide-ranging and often surprising programme as well as the immaculate playing of both artists. …
Fine playing, intelligent online presentation and a young artist to watch
Exploratory, intelligent playing from the Villiers Quartet
Live classical music returns to Nottingham with a programme of imagination and charm
Tasmin Little's charming, elegant Nottingham swansong
Tom Poster’s combination of playing, programming and presentation made for an outstanding recital
A St John Passion that quickened the pulse and gripped the imagination
Two last symphonies which gave the audience much to cheer about
A powerful celebration of the contralto voice
High-voltage, vividly colourful playing from Icelanders on tour
Five beautiful voices performing as one perfectly balanced musical instrument
The Nottingham Festival Chorus brings passionate humanity to Brahms’ Requiem
Epic, always impressive playing…but balance not always ideal