January is a grim affair.
Music – as always – comes forth bearing respite from the harsh realities of the ice world we live in. So, here are our suggestions for what to go and see/hear/experience this week in London to warm yourself up with.
Tuesday 27th
Rhapsody in Blue by Candlelight
Looking for something to do on Tuesday? Need a way to de-stress and relax, look no further. The award-winning concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith performs a familiar programme in the serene candelight. Sit back and relax and let the music take you to a happier place.
Wednesday 28th
Claude Debussy: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Magnus Lindberg: Accused: 3 interrogations for soprano & orchestra (World premiere) Richard Wagner: Prelude to Act 1 from Tristan und Isolde Alexander Scriabin: Le poème de l’extase, Op.54
Vladimir Jurowski and The Royal Festival Hall have consistently created interesting and varied programmes, giving us old favorites and challenging our ears with unheard voices. Here they give the world premiere of Accused: 3 interrogations for soprano & orchestra by the LPO’s Composer in Residence Magnus Lindberg. The equally impressive Barbara Hannigan is soloist, Hannigan is a champion for contemporary classical music and a conductor herself.
Not to be missed.
ALTERNATIVELY, FOR FREE
Wednesday 28th
Nicholas McCarthy
The Rhinegold Live series is a relatively new initiative, bringing high quality artists to the Conway Hall for free in their rush-hour recitals. This week – Nicholas McCarthy – who is a one-handed concert pianist, championing left-hand piano music. There will be a Q&A afterwards.
Thursday 29th
Florian Boesch Roger Vignoles
One of the greatest international tenors takes to the stage of the Wigmore Hall. Catch the tail end of his Wigmore Hall Residency as he performs Ernst Krenek’s Reisebuch aus den österreichischen Alpen song cycle. The composer grew up in a time of political unrest and the music reflects the “existential uncertainties of the late 1920s.”
OR
Looking for something more intimate?
TRA NGUYEN – SCHUBERT Complete Piano Sonatas Recital 2
The 1901 Arts Club is a little known venue, not, as the name would suggest, a private members club. The Victorian house give an intimate and personal surrounding to your evening. This is the 1st installment of 5, of Schubert’s complete Piano Sonatas. These are rarely seen or heard, but are truly beautiful.
Friday 30th
New London Chamber Choir: Animals!
Animals! Is (unsurprisingly) a programme of a capella works that explore creatures through music, displaying some of the composers wackier sides. This is the first concert of the New London Chamber Choir with conductor Matther Hamilton. You’re in for an interesting evening.
#OperaCo
#OperaCo are part of the new wave of small opera companies in London, bringng this archaic tradition into the 21st century. With a performance of Verdi’s rarely-performed Giovanna d’Arco, this company plans and sources all its singers using social media.
Saturday 31st
English Pocket Opera
If you want to catch some rising stars or support young people in the arts this is the show for you. English Pocket Opera In collaboration with Central St Martins School of Art are staging Verdi’s Macbeth. 8 student designers create the costume and set, ensuring that tis production is anything but tired. An idea introduction into the world of opera for young and old.
OR
Anúna A Capella
This weekend is London’s A Capella Festival – which finds a home in Kings Place. There are a whole host of events to see but Anúna’s is one not to miss. This is the group who were part of the music for the original Riverdance, their Celtic sound is perfectly suited to their programme of Medieval and Renaissance influenced music.
OR
Mozart Requiem by Candlelight
If you’d prefer something more familiar then head on over to St Martin in the Fields. They have a classic programme you can take comfort, in taking you through all your favorites – including Mozart’s Requiem. Let the beauty wash over you, and don’t worry, in the candlelit church – your tears will be hidden.
Sunday 1st
London Symphony Orchestra / David Afkham
with Nicholas Angelich
To round off the week why not try this programme of Viennese music. With the London Symphony Orchestra you know what you are getting, and you will be in the safe hands of Beethoven and Brahms. Yet the evening is sure to be infused with a new energy through the baton of the young German conductor, David Afkham.