In the ecology of the country house opera – privately funded, watched by dedicated but relatively small audiences – much remains hidden or invisible. Clothing optional and high ticket prices steal headlines, mostly negative. Their short season, which began in May, is coming to an end. (The older, larger, better-funded Glyndebourne operates somewhat differently, though… Read More »
Symphony concerts are not supposed to be like this. This week, viewers of the world premiere of Huang Ruo’s Floating City of Sounds will download an app and stop at one of four designated starting points on the streets of Manchester. They will then choose one of the symphony’s 11 pre-recorded synchronized tracks on their… Read More »
Sir Mark Elder never forgot his debut with the Hallé Orchestra more than 40 years ago. “We were singing Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole and had just hit our first big burst of energy,” he says with a cheerful smile. There was supposed to be dramatic silence, but the side drum stand collapsed, knocking over the cymbal… Read More »
Find the best bars in Dubrovnik’s Old Town and beyond – Domingo Leiva/Domingo Leiva Dubrovnik nightlife, which is sleepy during the winter, wakes up with a vengeance when summer comes. From partying at Revelin Tower to exploring Dubrovnik’s long-running Summer Festival to sipping cocktails on the sea cliffs, there are plenty of exciting options in… Read More »
Composer Lee Bradshaw, Dame Sarah Connolly and soprano Reemaz Oqbi (paper) In the opulent Goldsmiths’ Hall near St Paul’s, Dame Sarah Connolly, one of Britain’s finest opera singers, is performing part of a new work. As his powerful voice fills the room, busts of George III and George IV stare and chandeliers filled with real… Read More »
Nikolai Lugansky plays Rachmaninov’s Concerto No. 2 – Gregory Massat Graigue Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, Bristol Beacon ★★★★☆ Live differently. French orchestras do indeed sound French; Thanks to the French government’s plan to support orchestras that want to fly the flag abroad, we can enjoy this pleasure from time to time in this country. The visitors… Read More »
The Last Supper Party performs at OVO Arena Wembley – Lorne Thomson/Redferns Theatre: Book midweek shows earlier Where the National Theater leads, other venues should follow. From February, the NT is trialling performances at 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays after consulting the public. This change aligns with flexible working patterns post-pandemic, but also responds to… Read More »