George and I had a musical weekend celebrating and experiencing different styles of orchestral playing.
On Saturday, 29th June, we went to watch the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Cadogan Hall, led by Cristian Măcelaru. This traditional orchestral concert showcased instrumentalists in evening gowns and black tie attire. The ensemble performed Genisis, a work by a young Romanian composer called Oana Vardianu. The piece explored traditional Romanian melodies and folk rhythms that were stamped in unison by the entire orchestra – a fun call to action for the opening of a performance. Bomsori Kim was the violin soloist for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. Kim played with a silvery tone as she glided through cadenzas with grace. The concert concluded with an enjoyable performance of Sibelius’s 5th Symphony.
On Sunday, 30th June, George and I visited Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre to hear the Pekka Kuusisto and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra. This concert was quite contrasting in style. The performance placed great importance on visual arts and how they can be interwoven with classical music to create a thrilling atmosphere. The players, who performed everything from memory, wore varying plaid costumes and moved across the stage whilst playing. I was impressed by the cellist’s ability to play from seated, standing and squat position! It was a feat of musical genius and impressive chamber skills. At the end of the concert, I jumped from my chair to give a deserved standing ovation.
Sounds like two delightful performances. Thanks for sharing them.
It’s nice to get out together and enjoy music.
Amazing times for you two! Enjoy. 😊😍🇬🇧
Sounds like two great performances, different as they may have been. Although I have seen many very traditional concerts, particularly the 50 or so Boston Symphony concerts I have attended, I think the future of “contemporary concert music”, aka “modern classical”, really sits in the hands of those who dare to do unconventional things.
My goodness… I do believe I need to hang out with you two as you are always finding the best ways to enjoy life! Most appreciated that you take the time to share your adventures (and such amazing entertainment).
How lucky you two are to be able to attend these feasts for the eyes and ears!!!
I’d love to be there! How interesting that second concert is as you’ve described. And the first concert, one of my fave violin concertos! Thanks for sharing your listening and viewing experience, Charlotte.
Since cannot get to your concerts, repeatedly play your CD!!
Wonderful, Charlotte. Seeing a cellist play in those different positions must have been fascinating.
Cool…
Marvelous!
It does sound like two contrasting performance styles, but the end results sound consistent in their great reward for having experienced them.
Sounds like a nice programme. Good to see you both on the Thames.
Wonderful, Charlotte.
I watched the trailer of the Pekka Kuusisto and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra.
Brilliant, thank you for posting that! Even with my limited expose to classical performances, I can see the uniqueness.
Cheers
Resa ❦🌹
What a wonderful summer day!
Two very different performances, both a wonderful experience for you and George! Thank you for sharing them with readers, Charlotte.
Sounds like summer is in full swing! 🙂