Reading Time: 3 minutesIn 1735, George Frideric Handel adapted a fanciful story from Ariosto’s Italian Renaissance epic, Orlando Furioso; the resulting opera, Alcina, is staged here by the Guildhall School in a playful and earnest exploration of a battle between true love and powerful enchantments.
Reading Time: 2 minutesSmashed by Gandini Juggling at the Peacock Theatre was an absolute revelation, redefining the art of juggling and creating a spellbinding experience. From the moment the show began, I was transported into a world where juggling transcended its traditional circus roots and emerged as a true performing arts act.
Reading Time: 2 minutesThis week, country music lovers were treated to a night of Western hits through the ages at the Festival Theatre.
Reading Time: 3 minutesFrancis Beckett’s show succeeds in giving the audience what they came for: an evening of brilliantly-played, well-sung Tom Lehrer classics. Shahaf Ifhar makes for a believable Lehrer, impressively capturing his signature style and voice and handling each sardonic quip with ease. From the off, it’s clear we’re in safe hands with Beckett and co and that this production is one made with love and respect for the man and his work.
Reading Time: 2 minutesBirthmarked is a groundbreaking concept gig that intricately weaves music, storytelling, and personal revelation into a captivating performance. Written and performed by Brook Tate, this show tells his story of being a young gay Jehovah's Witness coming to terms with the loss of his entire family upon coming out. We were given a rare glimpse behind the curtain of a religion often unfamiliar to many. One surprise to me was that a Jehovah’s Witness’s children’s book had a graphic depictions of men being stoned.
Reading Time: 2 minutesOrchestral Qawwali Project, co-founded by self-taught composer and arranger Rushil Ranjan and vocalist Abi Sampa performed alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, London Voices and the National Youth Chamber Choir to a sold out Royal Albert Hall earlier this week, despite only forming four years ago.
Reading Time: 2 minutesMargaret Leng Tan has led an extraordinary life. Originally from Singapore, the New York-based pianist became the first woman to earn a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Juilliard in 1971 after earning a scholarship to study there as a teen.
Reading Time: 3 minutesLast night's performance of A Celebration of Puccini at the Liverpool Philharmonic was an opera lover's dream. Performing to a packed auditorium, the orchestra was ably conducted by Liverpool's renowned Domingo Hindoyan for two acts of emotive magic, featuring guest soprano and tenor Sonya Yoncheva and Riccardo Massi.
Reading Time: 2 minutes"Some Enchanted Evening," performed by The English Musical Theatre Orchestra, was a delightful homage to classic musical theatre, featuring a full 26-piece orchestra playing the original arrangements of beloved songs.
Reading Time: 2 minutesAttending the concert with Håkan Hardenberger and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (ASMF) was an unforgettable experience that any music enthusiast should cherish.