Prom 52: Bergen PO/ Gardner ****
Royal Albert Hall, 21st August 2018
The Bergen Philharmonic was in pretty good shape when Edward Gardner took over as Chief Conductor in October 2015, but it continues to go from strength to strength under his leadership. It can trace its roots back to 1765, making it one of the oldest orchestras. Its sumptuous string tone – rich, full fat – is very Central European in flavour, and could frankly grace hallowed orchestras from Dresden and Leipzig. The highlight of their third Proms appearance was a magnificent, muscular reading of Sibelius’ Second Symphony which demonstrated the orchestra’s considerable strengths.
Ed Gardner conducts the Bergen Philharmonic
© BBC | Chris Christodoulou
Read the full review on Bachtrack.