Opera + Classical Music Reviews

Natalie Clein serves up a Sunday morning treat with solo cello works at the Wigmore Hall

by Sam Smith

Excellent programming meets divine playing


A brilliantly timed UK première of Tan Dun’s ‘Buddha Passion’

by Barry Creasy
The Royal Festival Hall celebrates the Year of the Rabbit
A brilliantly timed UK première of Tan Dun’s ‘Buddha Passion’

Handel in Italy: Carolyn Sampson and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra

by Barry Creasy
Pyrotechnic Handel at Wigmore Hall
Handel in Italy: Carolyn Sampson and the Finnish Baroque Orchestra

All French but considerably varied: Three Violin Sonatas from Elena Urioste and Tom Pos...

by Sam Smith
Well and lesser known works rubbed shoulders in this first rate recital
All French but considerably varied: Three Violin Sonatas from Elena Urioste and Tom Pos...

Least Like the Other: Irish National Opera’s 70 minute take on Rosemary Kennedy is mu...

by Keith McDonnell
A horror story brought frighteningly to life
Least Like the Other: Irish National Opera’s 70 minute take on Rosemary Kennedy is mu...

The Amatis Piano Trio proves the best things come in threes at the Wigmore Hall  

by Sam Smith
Is this the ultimate Romantic and romantic trio from Robert Schumann?
The Amatis Piano Trio proves the best things come in threes at the Wigmore Hall  

Katya Kabanova: Simon Rattle conducts a shattering performance with the LSO and an unbe...

by Keith McDonnell
Amanda Majeski is heartbreaking as Janáček’s doomed heroine
Katya Kabanova: Simon Rattle conducts a shattering performance with the LSO and an unbe...

The Magic Flute: A new cast brings dramatic vitality to The Royal Opera’s revival of ...

by Keith McDonnell
David McVicar’s classic staging still delights, 20 years later
The Magic Flute: A new cast brings dramatic vitality to The Royal Opera’s revival of ...

A slightly foggy Christmas from Charpentier and Les Arts Florissants

by Barry Creasy
Some highs and lows of Charpentier’s Christmas music at the Barbican
A slightly foggy Christmas from Charpentier and Les Arts Florissants

Two choral masterpieces put the LSO Chorus through their paces at the Barbican

by Keith McDonnell
Rattle brings a wealth of experience to Szymanowski’s Stabat Mater and Brahms’ German Requiem
Two choral masterpieces put the LSO Chorus through their paces at the Barbican

The Magic Flute: Two stars shine in the Royal Opera’s revival of Mozart’s classic t...

by Keith McDonnell
Does a new cast bring enough magic to Mozart’s opera? David McVicar’s staging of Mozart’s hugely popular singspiel has been delighting Covent Garden audiences for almost 20 years, and it’s not hard to see why....
The Magic Flute: Two stars shine in the Royal Opera’s revival of Mozart’s classic t...

Solomon’s Knot present Kuhnau’s Christmas Cantatas at Wigmore Hall

by Barry Creasy
A ‘lost’ Baroque composer is explored in London’s finest recital venue
Solomon’s Knot present Kuhnau’s Christmas Cantatas at Wigmore Hall

Ex Cathedra wish everyone a Merry Christmas in a stylish concert tour

by Barry Creasy
Ex Cathedra bring their slickly performed touring Yuletide concert to London
Ex Cathedra wish everyone a Merry Christmas in a stylish concert tour

Keeping Christmas in its heart: Benedict Sheehan’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

by Barry Creasy
Even Scrooge would have liked this seasonal performance
Keeping Christmas in its heart: Benedict Sheehan’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

Tosca: Romaniw & de Tommaso set the Covent Garden stage alight with thrilling singing

by Keith McDonnell
For the first time in nearly 60 years, two Brits star in the leading roles at the Royal Opera
Tosca: Romaniw & de Tommaso set the Covent Garden stage alight with thrilling singing

Inspiring Bach: Spiritato with The Marian Consort – Music both divine and martial

by Melanie Eskenazi
York Early Music Centre resounds with trumpets for Christmas
Inspiring Bach: Spiritato with The Marian Consort – Music both divine and martial

‘A Renaissance Christmas’: Stile Antico’s sublime sounds at London’s newest mus...

by Barry Creasy
A flying start to the season of Christmas concerts
‘A Renaissance Christmas’: Stile Antico’s sublime sounds at London’s newest mus...

Sinfonia of London review: John Wilson’s hand-picked orchestra excels in a superb eve...

by Keith McDonnell
Making its Barbican debut, the Sinfonia of London was firing on all cylinders, resulting in one of the finest concerts of the year
Sinfonia of London review: John Wilson’s hand-picked orchestra excels in a superb eve...

Manchester Camerata and Jess Gillam bring magic and class to Nevill Holt Opera’s wint...

by Sam Smith
A quality programme with just a touch of Christmassy sparkle
Manchester Camerata and Jess Gillam bring magic and class to Nevill Holt Opera’s wint...

It’s A Wonderful Life review: ENO serves up a festive helping of Americana

by Keith McDonnell
Part opera, part musical, did Heggie’s adaptation of Capra’s classic film pack a similar emotional punch?
It’s A Wonderful Life review: ENO serves up a festive helping of Americana

LPO celebrates its 90th anniversary with Vaughan Williams and Tippett

by Barry Creasy
Gardner and the LPO ensure Child of Our Time and Serenade to Music remain topical favourites
LPO celebrates its 90th anniversary with Vaughan Williams and Tippett