Bravo!

The short Spanish tour by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe demonstrated that their first encounter earlier this year in Lisbon was no flash in the pan and the partnership was given a rousing reception by audiences in Valladolid, Pamplona, Bilbao, Madrid and Castellon.

Congratulations to Yundi Li who received standing ovations last Saturday at his Carnegie Hall recital. The New York Times wrote that "Mr. Li gave a gripping, boldly conceived account of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” music that calls for Romantic ardor, myriad colorings and bursts of hand-blurring virtuosity."

Congratulations to Rosemary Joshua, Christine Rice, Iestyn Davies and John Mark Ainsley, who appeared in English National Opera's new production of Handel's rarely-performed opera 'Partenope', all to critical acclaim: "Rosemary Joshua hit dazzling form, her diamantine virtuosity conveying all the character's dangerous charm" (DailyTelegraph), "Christine Rice gives the performance of a lifetime in the role" (Guardian), "The counter-tenor Iestyn Davies sang winningly as a Chaplinesque bumbler who, in spite of himself, ends up getting the girl" (The Times), and "John Mark Ainsley's supremely stylish Emilio radiates a subtle and sinister presence" (Daily Telegraph). Performances continue at the London Coliseum until 12th November.

Bravo to Kirill Gerstein who has been wow-ing audiences from Adelaide to Perth and Sydney on his Australian tour this month. With nine orchestral performances, his latest in Sydney with the Tasmanian Symphony was described by The Australian of 07.10.2008 as a "scintillating display of virtuosity". The review continued: "Cascading runs and repeated figurations were not only unfurled with precision but also given shape and purpose. His dazzling dexterity and crystalline articulation were suffused with tones that artfully alternated between piercing clarity and alluring warmth...the soloist's filigree passagework in the slow movement was exquisite, while the quicksilver presto finale benefited from an appealing injection of wit." To read the complete review, click here. He concludes his tour with a recital in the International Series in Sydney on Monday, 13.10.2008.

Bravo to Sir Simon Rattle who last week returned to the RLPO for a concert of Wagner, Sibelius and Brett Dean's world premiere of "Songs of Joy" with Peter Coleman-Wright (who also last week sang in concerts with the LSO - Belshazzar's Feast with Sir Colin Davis). During this visit to Liverpool, Sir Simon also received the "Freedom of the City of Liverpool".

Louis Langrée conducted the opening night of 'Don Giovanni' at the MET on Saturday. The New York Times reported: "Louis Langrée, one of New York's foremost Mozarteans conducted... the orchestra displayed its typical agility and finesse. Among its finest moments was the simplest: the plush underlay of Don Ottavio’s aria “Dalla sua pace,” as gorgeously rendered as the melody above it."

Many congratulations to Trevor Pinnock and The European Brandenburg Ensemble for winning a Gramophone Award in the best Baroque Instrumental category. This well-deserved accolade is the culmination of a wonderful project to celebrate Trevor's 60th birthday in 2006, which included tours of Europe and the Far East. Well done Trevor and the EBE and we look forward to your St John Passion in 2011!

Maria Luigia Borsi has received resounding praise for her performance as Magda in Puccini's 'La Rondine' at the Teatro del Giglia in Lucca, Italy. The opera featured as part of the national celebrations for the 150th Birthday of the great Giacomo Puccini. Critic Sara Matteucci wrote on September 21st "...the first words of praise go to the warm and penetrating voice of Maria Luigia Borsi...once again giving emotions showing her talent and versatility..." [translation]. In the same edition of the Il Tirreno newspaper in an article commenting on the current generation of highly attractive opera stars, Maria Teresa Gianoni says of Ms. Borsi in 'La Rondine' "...she has a beautiful face and svelte silhouette - a fantastic sight on stage, incarnating an Italian, Mediterranean beauty..." [translation]. However, becoming renowned for her heartfelt and emotionally rich performances, Maria Luigia is proving that she is not just a pretty face! To read the full review of 'La Rondine' in Italian please click here.