Reading Time: 2 minutes“Festive vibes, heartfelt moments, and Christmas cheer—all for a good cause.” One of the best things about being a reviewer is discovering venues I’ve never been to before, and Central Hall Westminster was a lovely find. Its…
Reading Time: 3 minutesA dislodged myriad of instrumentation superbly handled by the BBC Philharmonic In an orchestra setting, it is not often you find strings outnumbered by percussion, but with an atmospheric and mercurial piece like Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Des canyons…
Reading Time: 2 minutes“Big band jazz with an orchestral twist.” Guildhall Studio Ensemble feat Bill Laurance offers a wonderful evening of jazz music. Under direction of Clare Wheeler, a full symphony orchestra enlivens twelve of Laurance’s original compositions. With arrangements…
Reading Time: 2 minutes“A performance that took my love for this festive favourite to a whole new level! “ Watching Home Alone accompanied by the live performance of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall was nothing short…
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Edinburgh’s Usher Hall are always an excellent combination, and this concert was no exception. Split in two - the first half was devoted to Sergei Prokofiev (Symphony No 1 in D major, Op 2, followed by Violin Concerto No 2, Op 63), and the second half to Johannes Brahms and his Symphony No 2, Op 73.
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe performance at Milton Court featured the Guildhall Jazz Orchestra and Choir alongside British-Nigerian singer Ola Onabulé, creating an engaging atmosphere filled with storytelling and musical talent. Ola's powerful voice and captivating stage presence highlighted themes of love and social justice, making the night a memorable celebration of music and youth artistry.
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe concert at Bridgewater Hall featured the BBC Philharmonic performing Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations.’ It marked a first for the author, who was impressed by the orchestra's vibrancy. Highlights included Arvo Pärt's ‘Swansong,’ Geoffrey Gordon's ‘Anima Mia’ with bassoonist Roberto Giaccaglia, and Roderick Williams' operatic monologues, culminating in an exhilarating performance of Elgar’s work.
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse is a sweet, slightly quirky children’s story about a mouse and a duck that live in a wolf’s stomach. The story by Mac Barnett and the wonderful illustrator Jon Klassen is brought to stage by the Aurora orchestra and composer Martin Suckling.
Reading Time: 2 minutes“Exploring the universe through sound, the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra delivered a stellar performance” Wednesday evening, the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra transformed the Barbican Hall into a gateway to the cosmos, presenting a program that celebrated the infinite possibilities…
Reading Time: 2 minutes"André Cebrian may be the star, but the whole orchestra shines together"