Suave and sophisticated: Mäkelä’s Rachmaninoff hits all the right notes
It’s been a busy few weeks for Klaus Mäkelä. First on tour with the Oslo Philharmonic. Then a quick soirée to the UK for the Rite of Spring with the London Symphony Orchestra…
The real deal: Tarmo Peltokoski conducts the Rotterdam Philharmonic
Much has been invested in Tarmo Peltokoski, the 24-year-old Principal Guest Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra who made his debut with the orchestra in May 2022. Amidst the hype…
Dutch broadcaster NPO showcases teaching at its best on prime-time TV
In the classical music world, the development of young music talent is important, yet most of the time, it occurs behind closed doors. A constant stream of masterclasses given generously…
A meeting of minds: Vilde Frang and Klaus Mäkelä on tour with the Oslo Philharmonic
Witnessing a partnership of equals is rare. A meeting of minds where a creative process seemingly unfolds in front of our eyes is definitely a moment to cherish. Such was…
A rousing Mozart Requiem from Orchestra of the 18th Century and Cappella Amsterdam
The Orchestra of the 18th Century's current project with Cappella Amsterdam directed by Daniel Reuss, sees a return to repertoire very close to their heart. Mozart’s Requiem and his Symphony no. 40 in…
Ton Koopman celebrates his 80th birthday in style with a new version of Handel’s Esther
Bounding onto the stage with all the energy of a man half his age, Ton Koopman, founder and director of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir, looked ready to party.…
Karina Canellakis makes her debut with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
All eyes were firmly on Karina Canellakis in this her debut night conducting the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in a programme full of extremes of emotion. Canellakis is well known to…
Augustin Hadelich’s Sibelius soars the heights at the Concertgebouw
German-American violinist Augustin Hadelich, who grew up in the foothills of rural Tuscany, is most definitely the man of the moment and is quite rightly earning a reputation as one…
William Knight’s new commission for the Nederlands Kamerkoor tells a very English tale
Nederlands Kamerkoor The Canterbury Songs travelled to Enschede’s Grote Kerk with British choral conductor Peter Phillips to tell a very British tale. For a choir known for their innovative programming, this latest offering…
The Vienna Phil blows away the cobwebs at the Concertgebouw
Fresh from two concerts in Lucerne, the Vienna Philharmonic travelled to the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam to perform Strauss' immensely powerful Ein Heldenleben and Mendelssohn's Third Symphony the "Scottish". I had immense…