Best Concerts and Opera in October
A comic opera to raise the spirits, uplifting music for solo piano and songs from a superstar are among this month's must-see events
A comic opera to raise the spirits, uplifting music for solo piano and songs from a superstar are among this month's must-see events
One of the delightful mysteries in musical history is the profound insight that George Frideric Handel, living a solitary life at his London townhouse in Brook Street, had into complex or tested relationships. In Amadigi, three young people are imprisoned by a sorceress, but love wins through. Starring Francesca Chiejina (pictured, 1 Oct) and Jenny Stafford (2 Oct) as Melissa and William Towers in the title role.
Read more ...Professional singers are joined by musicians drawn from the community for John Blow's opera – arguably the first English opera – in a sparky production from the company behind a hilarious Offenbach La Belle Hélène (pictured) in 2019. When Venus is struck by an arrow fired by her own son Cupid, she falls in love with the hunter Adonis, but fears for his life...
Read more ...The Philharmonia Orchestra under their new principal conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali are joined by soloist Pekka Kuusisto (pictured) for the UK premiere of Bryce Dessner's Violin Concerto before a performance of Stravinsky's savage and mould-breaking ballet score The Rite of Spring.
Read more ...Mozart's comic opera as staged by David McVicar, with wonderful effects, buoyant music and an awe-inspiring design. Listen out for Mozart's version of the Supremes: Alexandra Lowe, Hanna Hipp and Stephanie Wake-Edwards (pictured) as the Three Ladies, giving a young suitor several helping hands.
Read more ...The ever-entrancing variations by Bach on a simple air are approached from two angles in this entertaining lecture recital. Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy (pictured left) considers the structure of the piece while pianist Charles Owen (right) illustrates his analysis. A compelling combination
Read more ...You can enjoy the fine singing and phenomenal production values of this world-class country opera house even when summer is over. Beethoven's moving Fidelio, Donizetti's comic Don Pasquale (pictured) and Stravinsky's The Rake's Progess, with sets by David Hockney, are all staged, with early starts on Sundays for easy journeys.
Read more ...Philip Glass's expansive musical overview of the life, philosophy and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, in Phelim McDermott's very beautiful production revived to open ENO's 2021/22 season. With Sean Panikkar as Gandhi, plus Sarah Pring, Ross Ramgobin, James Cleverton and others.
Read more ...The superstar American mezzo-soprano is accustomed to appearing in grand opera in London, but here she devotes an evening to intimate and thoughtful song in a solo recital inspired by the ups and downs of life or time spent alone. Expect flawless singing and an insightful programme.
Read more ...The much-loved London-based international concert artist gives a recital on home ground that includes four works by Chopin. But listen out to for the pianist's own Partita, one of his many compositions. The programme also includes Schumann's dramatic Kreisleriana, dedicated to Chopin.
Read more ...Gilbert and Sullivan poke fun at privilege and at the under-talented and over-promoted in their timeless comic opera set at sea. Captain Corcoran commands the Pinafore, where a deckhand falls in love with his daughter. He is not worthy of her, by birth. Or is he...? Cal McCrystal returns to his mission to make ENO audiences laugh themselves silly, with help from the hilarious John Savournin (pictured) as Corcoran.
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