Monthly Archives: March 2015

Lion King: François-Frédéric Guy’s epic Beethoven at the Institut français

Mozart/Beethoven: François-Frédéric Guy **** Institut français, 28th March 2015 With grizzled mane and beard, there’s something handsomely leonine about François-Frédéric Guy. He also displays lion-like qualities at the piano: steely fingers, ready to pounce and rip chords apart, even emitting … Continue reading

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Cockroaches and kaleidoscopes: Mikhail Rudy’s animated piano recital at King’s Place

Janáček, Mussorgsky: Mikhail Rudy *** King’s Place, 27th March 2015 In a piano recital, your eyes are usually fixed on the keyboard. Last night, all eyes were glued to the silver screen. The Institut Français’ three day festival “It’s all … Continue reading

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Clattering cherry blossom: solid revival of Madama Butterfly at Covent Garden

Puccini: Madama Butterfly *** Royal Opera, 20th March 2015 The portents for this Madama Butterfly were highly promising: an effective, if sparse production, with a devastating final scene; a reliable Italian conductor in the pit; and a fine soprano, who … Continue reading

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Gergiev’s earthy Pictures painted in rich oils

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Songs and Dances of Death; Night on Bare Mountain  The loudest noise I’ve ever experienced in the concert hall was courtesy of Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky (then Kirov) Orchestra. Admittedly, it was in the … Continue reading

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Wheel of Fortune: Carmina burana a safe bet for Birmingham Royal Ballet

Tchaikovsky: Serenade/ Orff: Carmina burana  *** Birmingham Royal Ballet, Coliseum, 20th March 2015 Celebrating 20 years as Director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, David Bintley brings his company to London for three nights (and an afternoon!) of seedy sex and drunken debauchery … Continue reading

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