The LSO consistently turns out performances a cut above their rivals in terms of the sheer vibrancy of their playing - for which the charismatic direction of Valery Gergiev is no doubt largely responsible... more
Working their way steadily, in numerical order, through a cycle of Tchaikovsky symphonies, Valery Gergiev and the LSO last night reached the least often played of the six: No. 3 in D major, the "Polish"... more
In most circumstances you’d have to travel a long way to hear four different orchestras perform Alexander Scriabin’s music within nine days but that’s what the Proms can do for you... more
Live music, be it opera or rock festivals, is proving more popular than ever — and is offering a desperately needed financial lifeline. London remains the heartbeat of the industry. ... more
Love it or hate it, the LSO's Mahler cycle is the latest hot ticket. That, says its hair-raising conductor Valery Gergiev, is because 'together we are saying something new'.... more
Valery Gergiev's Mahler series with the London Symphony Orchestra may not be an original calling card but the Russian can do no wrong, says Nick Kimberley.... more
The Proms audience roared approval at an imaginative all-Russian concert by the London Symphony Orchestra and their new principal conductor, Valery Gergiev.
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Valery Gergiev might be a regular visitor to the London concert scene, but Barry Millington warns against prejudging his music. The Russian conductor is not as predictable as he makes out.... more
One of the LSO's starriest guest conductors, Antonio Pappano drew delighted gasps and a spontaneous round of applause from a capacity audience at the Barbican Hall.... more
Flitting between St Petersburg, Cardiff and the Barbican, the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra and Chorus are seemingly inexhaustible, says Barry Millington.... more
Valery Gergiev and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra started slowly with Mozart but built up to something spectacular with an intensely realised performance of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony.... more
We've had ample opportunity this year to hear Russian music played by Russians. Last night was the turn of a Korean cellist, Welsh orchestra and Japanese conductor, and it wasn't quite the same.... more
Not everything was perfect, but as Valery Gergiev conducted the London Symphony Orchestra at the Albert Hall on Friday he confirmed himself as the world's most exhilerating conductor.... more
Morning:
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