rianevans

Welsh National opera Migrations review – ambitious and timely new opera examines freedom

Welsh National Opera’s staging of six stories of migration is a brave and far-reaching exercise in collaboration and diversity, with a heroic effort from composer Will Todd

Rian Evans

30, Jun, 2022 @11:54 AM

Penarth chamber music festival review – bold and bracing performances

The calibre and mutual understanding of musicians from far and wide produces intimate and welcoming music for friends

Rian Evans

26, Jun, 2022 @2:15 PM

Aldeburgh festival review – Gavin Higgins’ Faerie Bride brings otherworldly aura to Aldeburgh

Based on the Lady of the Lake, Higgins’ new cantata was lyrical and highly atmospheric, while Graham Fitkin’s works for two pianos were scintillatingly energetic

Rian Evans

19, Jun, 2022 @4:33 PM

Siegfried review – heft and heroics as Longborough again proves its Wagner chops

With a strong cast including Bradley Daley, Paul Carey Jones’s Wotan and Julieth Lozano’s delightful Woodbird, any weaknesses in the staging were more than compensated for

Rian Evans

31, May, 2022 @2:37 PM

The Black Spider review – Weir’s opera is ghastly gothic treat

Energy to burn from the Welsh National Youth Opera turned Judith Weir’s work for children into a Covid-adjacent horror for all to enjoy

Rian Evans

29, May, 2022 @4:24 PM

Bath Festival Orchestra/Manning review – watery theme fails to float relaunched ensemble

Works by Takemitsu, Daniel Temkin, Joey Roukens and Grace Williams featured in a disappointing maritime-themed programme

Rian Evans

17, May, 2022 @12:15 PM

BCMG, Uproar review – Bristol New Music festival closes with sparks, ssshh-ing and smiles

Two concerts from the festival’s fourth day included tributes to Oliver Knussen and Harrison Birtwistle alongside intriguing electronic shapeshifting from a contemporary ensemble based in Wales

Rian Evans

09, May, 2022 @12:48 PM

BBCNOW CoLaboratory/Monbet review – experimental evening is great fun

French-Irish conductor and violinist Fiona Monbet oversaw a chameleonic programme that incorporated blues, bossa nova and a ballet suite

Rian Evans

02, May, 2022 @11:22 AM

BBCNOW/Bicket review – St Matthew Passion of drama and lightness of touch

The large assembled Chorus of Wales under the expert handling of Harry Bicket brought heft and tension to a poignant performance of Bach’s Passion

Rian Evans

11, Apr, 2022 @10:02 AM

Jenůfa review – an achingly sad and powerful tale of infanticide

The WNO revival of their 1998 production beautifully teases out the essential humanity in Janáček’s opera

Rian Evans

06, Mar, 2022 @3:55 PM

Uproar: Scenes from the Street review – new music dazzles the ears and fizzes on the tongue

The Welsh ensemble played music by Du Yun, Carlijn Metselaar and Joseph Davies, while Guto Pryderi Puw’s Popping Candy – using the sounds of the actual confectionery – crackled and popped

Rian Evans

28, Feb, 2022 @11:03 AM