Cigleris and Cousin impress at St George's Bristol

By Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres, 01 February 2012

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Reviewed at St George's Bristol, Bristol on 26 January 2012

Bowen, Clarinet Sonata, Op.109

Wilson, Rock Mill Variations, Op. 149

Milton, Sonatina in One Movement, Op. 36

Ireland, Fantasy Sonata for Clarinet and Piano

Peter Cigleris, Clarinet

Martin Cousin, Piano

Palestrina meets Stravinsky: FifteenB Consort at the Herne Hill Festival

Paul Kilbey, 13th October

Unless you’re actually performing it liturgically, it’s very difficult to know what to do with sacred music these days. The masses of Palestrina, the motets of Byrd, the cantatas of Bach – all seem to merit our attention today, but not for the religious reasons for which they were originally written.

***11

A study in contrasts with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra

Sandra Bowdler, 7th June

The pairing of Barshai's arrangment of Shostakovich's Eighth String Quartet with Mozart's Gran Partita makes for an interesting contrast in this concert, beautifully presented by members of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

****1

Manchester Camerata presents mindfulness in turmoil at Kings Place

Chris Garlick, 6th June

All praise should be heaped on Rosie Middleton for her brave evocation and the vocal prowess of her performance in Peter Maxwell Davies’ Eight Songs for a Mad King.

****1

When time stands still: the Philharmonia revisits Strauss

Jessica Duchen, 4th June

The Philharmonia, Santtu-Matias Rouvali and Benjamin Grosvenor shine in the recreation of an all-Strauss extravaganza that was conducted in 1947 by the composer himself.

****1

Staatskapelle Dresden provides scintillating finish for Prague Spring

Frank Kuznik, 4th June

In a powerful performance conducted by Daniele Gatti, Verdi’s Requiem soars with optimistic energy to close the Prague Spring festival in Smetana Hall.

*****

Staatskapelle Dresden’s sonic alchemy at the Elbphilharmonie

Mengguang Huang, 2nd June

From the earthy joy of Meistersinger to the sublime textures of Debussy, Daniele Gatti channels the Dresdeners' legendary, layered warmth into an unforgettable evening of pure acoustic luxury.

****1

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Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres

Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres is a Bristol-based film composer and classical electronic artist. Alexandra's passion in scoring and as a performer lie in the duality between the classical and electronica worlds, moving picture and her love for the piano. Her music has been described by The White Room Magazine as “majestic, at times monumental…the force and vastness of nature”.