Monthly Archives: September 2016

An all-you-can-eat Prokofiev buffet from the Mariinsky

Prokofiev: Mariinsky Orchestra/Gergiev *** Cadogan Hall, 28th September 2016 When it comes to Prokofiev binges in London, Valery Gergiev’s got form. While his recent Proms marathon of all five piano concertos was variable, I hold fond memories of his symphony … Continue reading

Posted in Concert | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on An all-you-can-eat Prokofiev buffet from the Mariinsky

Making hay while the sun shines: glorious Fille opens Royal Ballet season

Hérold: La Fille mal gardée **** The Royal Ballet, 27th September 2016 With little fanfare, other than a cockerel crowing from the pit, the Royal Ballet crept to life for its new season. As rosy dawn fingered the horizon and … Continue reading

Posted in Ballet | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Making hay while the sun shines: glorious Fille opens Royal Ballet season

Hellfire and damnation as Noseda and the LSO blaze through Verdi’s Requiem

Verdi: Requiem **** LSO/Noseda, Barbican, 18th September 2016 Verdi’s Requiem brings with it a huge sense of occasion. Turned to at times of national tragedy, it communicates an emotional power where the words of politicians frequently fail. It is also … Continue reading

Posted in Concert | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Hellfire and damnation as Noseda and the LSO blaze through Verdi’s Requiem

From Butterfly to Ice Princess: Netrebko scales spinto heights

Verismo: Anna Netrebko (DG 479 5015) Anna Netrebko’s clearly game for a laugh. Some time in 2015, the Russian soprano wrested control of her social media from the PRs. Her selfies reveal someone who doesn’t take life – or herself … Continue reading

Posted in CD | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

A soufflé that fails to rise: Rossini’s Barber falls flat at Covent Garden

Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia ** Royal Opera, 13th September 2016 As a renowned gastronome, Gioachino Rossini could have shown Mary Berry a thing or two in the Great British Bake-Off tent. He had several dishes named in his honour, … Continue reading

Posted in Opera | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on A soufflé that fails to rise: Rossini’s Barber falls flat at Covent Garden