‘We’re all agog’: Behind the scenes at Welsh National Opera’s Death in Venice – in pictures
Britten’s atmospheric, strange and beautiful opera, the last he wrote, comes to life in this new production from Welsh National Opera in a collaboration with No Fit State Circus
June 2023
The week in classical: 74th Aldeburgh Festival; Werther – review
From thundering Thorvaldsdóttir to late-night Bach, it’s a standout year for Britten’s music festival, while at the ROH Jonas Kaufmann made a subdued Werther
Juliet Fraser/Knussen Chamber Orchestra review – new works showcase soprano’s extraordinary repertoire
New music by Cassandra Miller, Newton Armstrong, Rebecca Saunders and Ryan Wigglesworth was brilliantly brought to life by Fraser and Roderick Williams
Le Concert Spirituel/Niquet review – Handel fit (literally) for a King
The newly crowned monarch took a seat for a superbly considered programme of Handel’s ceremonial music, played and sung with due fervour and sincerity
March 2023
The week in classical: OAE, Bach’s Mass in B minor; Aurora Orchestra – review
A heckler heightened the atmosphere before a precise performance of Bach’s testing mass; and care home residents enjoyed a thrilling rendition of Beethoven’s Fifth in a truly resonant setting
January 2023
How sweet the sound: new orchestral piece to celebrate 250 years of Amazing Grace
Majority-black orchestra celebrates song first heard on New Year’s Day 1773 when repentant former slave trader declaimed verses in church
December 2022
A Shropshire Lad: English Songs Orchestrated by Roderick Williams review – every word perfectly coloured, every phrase exactly weighted
Baritone Williams has orchestrated this wide selection of songs by British and Irish composers and illuminates each one with moving personal touches
August 2022
Prom 33: BBCSO/Wigglesworth review – an evening of fizzing and sparkling mysticism
Matthew Kaner’s mystical new work, the gently glittering Pearl, is effective and engaging, with Roderick Williams its supremely communicative centre
June 2022
Home listening
Classical home listening: Roderick Williams; Mother, Sister, Daughter; and BBC concerts from Wigmore Hall
Aldeburgh festival review – Gavin Higgins’ Faerie Bride brings otherworldly aura to Aldeburgh
March 2022
The week in classical: The Golden Cockerel; LSO/Christophers: The Creation; Bath Festival Orchestra
ETO’s production of Rimsky-Korsakov’s satirical opera is uncomfortably timely; the Barbican celebrates its 40th with Haydn; and a 1962 work gets a long overdue UK premiere
January 2022
Home listening
Classical home listening: French song with Roderick Williams; Ennio Morricone’s cinema suites
Williams and Roger Vignoles are on exquisite form on Mirages. Plus a fitting testament to the late, great film composer
July 2021
Roderick Williams and Andrew West: Birdsong review – meaningful moments worth savouring
Baritone Williams brings his characteristic attention to text and tone to pieces usually sung by young women, including works by Schumann and Brahms
June 2021
Leeds Lieder festival finale review – a beautifully voiced inquiry into gender
Allan Clayton; Juliet Fraser review – Britten proves indigestible, but Fraser’s Feldman is a tour de force
February 2021
Yiu: The World Was Once All Miracle; etc review - ode to Burgess and evocations of disco
Three works by Raymond Yiu highlight his instinctive originality, in evocative instrumental writing that is part game, part travelogue
December 2020
Royal Opera Christmas concert review – pandemic pyjama party around the tree
The company’s roster got cosy to stage a series of scenes for their Christmas special, including Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha’s stunning Hansel and Gretel solo
September 2020
Orchestral manoeuvres in a car park: does drive-in opera hit the high notes?
Peter Grimes review – insightful recording is among the opera’s finest
June 2020
Lockdown culture
Roderick Williams and Joseph Middleton review – expressive and nuanced
This recital of ‘female’ songs made a convincing case for a rejection of gender divisions in the Lieder repertoire
