Category Archives: Concert

Mahler in all his might: Nelsons and the Vienna Philharmonic raise the roof in Salzburg

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Nelsons/ Vienna Philharmonic Großes Festspielhaus, Salzburg, 8th August 2020 In your average concert-going year, Mahler symphonies are ubiquitous. But 2020 has been no ordinary year. Social distancing has meant the only live Mahler I’ve seen streamed post-lockdown has been in chamber versions: … Continue reading →

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Kitchen sink Carmen: Cristian Măcelaru rounds off the ONF season in style

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Cristian Măcelaru/ Orchestre National de France Maison de la Radio, Paris, 23rd July 2020 Let’s hear it for the percussion department! They literally take a back seat in the orchestra and, in these days of slimline orchestral performances, are often … Continue reading →

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Rattle returns to Munich via a fairy garden

Posted on July 21, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Simon Rattle/ Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra Philharmonie im Gasteig, 20th July 2020 Simon Rattle’s passport has seen more action of late than my Oyster Card! Since his last encounter with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in June (played to an empty … Continue reading →

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Two “Firsts” as Beethoven opens the Pärnu Music Festival

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Paavo Järvi/ Tallinn Chamber Orchestra Pärnu Concert Hall, 16th July 2020 What a difference a year makes. Last July, I was basking on the white sands of Pärnu, Estonia’s summer capital, dotted about with spa hotels and pretty dachas. I … Continue reading →

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Blomstedt parties with Brahms and the Bambergers

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Herbert Blomstedt/ Bamberg Symphony Joseph Keilberth Saal, Bamberg, 11th July 2020 “It takes a long time to become young.” Herbert Blomstedt quoted Pablo Picasso in a fascinating Zoom chat with fellow conductor Alan Gilbert back in May. You may be … Continue reading →

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