CBSO / Andris Nelsons / Jonas Kaufmann - Symphony Hall Birmingham, 7 March 2012

What’s in the middle of Birmingham but surrounded by sea?
Jonas Kaufmann!
The CBSO’s very, very special guest was placed at the centre of Wednesday evening’s programme, and rightfully so. Before him came Britten’s Sea Interludes; after, Debussy’s La Mer.
But let’s not pretend this was a mere guest soloist spot. With ten songs on the programme (eleven if you count the encore) we received a more bountiful helping of Herr Kaufmann than many an orchestrally-grouted recital programme provides.
Continue reading "Jonas Kaufmann goes to Brum" »
Tristan und Isolde - CBSO / Nelsons - Symphony Hall Birmingham, 3 March 2012

Forget staged, semi-staged or even notionally visual. The singers were lined up behind their music stands. The conductor was confined to a chair. This was a static Tristan und Isolde, even by concert version standards. But four enthralling hours proved that sometimes the music really is all that matters.
Continue reading "Tristan und Isolde und the CBSO" »
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Unlike Carnegie Hall, the answer isn't just "practice". For more than one reader, the promised five minute walk from New Street station to the appallingly under-signposted Symphony Hall has turned into a twenty minute ramble through interminable shopping arcades and deserted streets.
The CBSO seem unwilling to share the innermost secrets of their dominion on their website, so with Tristan und Isolde and Jonas Kaufmann coming up shortly, here is the secret route that will get you there in a jiffy, plus a dining warning.
Continue reading "How to get to Birmingham Symphony Hall" »
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