Monthly Archives: July 2016

Civilised classics in the Alps: Sir András Schiff and the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra

Verbier Festival: Sir András Schiff/VFCO *** Salle des Combins, 28th July 2016 There cannot be many more spectacular views enjoyed during a concert interval than that from the terrace of the Salle des Combins, the main venue for the Verbier Festival. … Continue reading

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Tales of Hoffmann and the Hammerklavier: Yuja Wang scales summits in Verbier

Verbier Festival: Yuja Wang *** Salle des Combins, 27th July 2016 Chinese pianist Yuja Wang has forged a stellar reputation thus far founded on flashy repertoire. Her Rachmaninov is dazzling, as is her Ravel. Recently though, she has taken steps … Continue reading

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Worshipping at the shrine of Grigory Sokolov in Verbier

Verbier Festival: Grigory Sokolov ***** L’Église de Verbier, 26th July 2016 It was apt that Grigory Sokolov gave this recital in Verbier’s church. The cult Russian pianist, who refuses to play in the UK due to visa regulations, only gives a … Continue reading

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Boxed in: Pelly serves up a grey Béatrice et Bénédict at Glyndebourne

Berlioz: Béatrice et Bénédict *** Glyndebourne, 23rd July 2016 It’s a delicious irony that Shakespeare is celebrated at this most English of opera festivals by a Frenchman directing a French comedy. Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows in August, but first … Continue reading

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Bright singing, grim staging: the JPYA Summer Performance at Covent Garden

Jette Parker Young Artists’ Gala *** Royal Opera House, 17th July 2016 During the course of a season, the Royal Opera’s Jette Parker Young Artists participate in many full productions, mainly in comprimario roles, developing their craft, gaining main stage experience, learning … Continue reading

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