Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann, Pisendel: Rachel Podger/OAE ****
Rachel Podger
© Jonas Sacks
St John’s Smith Square, 24th November 2015
The closure of the Queen Elizabeth Hall for renovation is great news for St John’s Smith Square, with many recitals and period instrument bands being relocated there from the Southbank during the refurbishment. Often referred to as ‘Queen Anne’s Footstool’, the 1728 church’s fine setting and generous acoustic make it perfect for Baroque repertoire. Those credentials were thoroughly endorsed in a beautifully proportioned concert by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment directed by the doyenne of British Baroque violinists, Rachel Podger. From solo Bach to a concerto for four violins, they demonstrated many strings to their bows.
Read the full review on Bachtrack.