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Reviews
Tchaikovsky 6, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - Tuesday 12 November, 5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A ravishing and emotionally compelling reading of this great symphony.”
Faire is the heaven – beginnings in Bournville, Ex Cathedra, St Francis Church Bournville, Sat 09 November 2024, 5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A celebration of music from the early years of this excellent choir.”
CBSO Youth Orchestra: Mendelssohn 5, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 03 November 2024, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“Fine playing from a young ensemble bristling with potential.”
Photo Credit: Hannah Fathers.
Kazuki & Miloš, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 30 October 2024, 4☆☆☆☆. Review David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A vibrant programme of Spanish-themed music delivered much to enjoy.”
Sir Mark Elder Conducts Brahms & Shostakovich – CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wednesday 16 October 2024, 5✩✩✩✩✩. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“Two knights – Sir Mark Elder and Sir Stephen Hough – unite with the CBSO for a night of exceptional music making.”
Bruckner, Palestrina & Allegri – Ex Cathedra, Town Hall, Birmingham, Sunday 13 October 2023, 5✩✩✩✩✩. Review David Gray & Paul Gray
“Bruckner given an interesting contextualisation.”
Brahms 2, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 10 October 2024, 4✩✩✩✩. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A thrilling piece by Thomas Adès, contrasting nicely with some more familiar fare.”
Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain. Lakeside, Nottingham. 02 October 2024, 4✩✩✩✩. Review: William Ruff.
"Welsh harp and Irish fiddle conjure myth and magic"
Photo credit: Jennie Caldwell.
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham. 01 October 2024, 5✩✩✩✩✩. Review: William Ruff.
"Sonic spectacle combined with subtle detail."
Photo credit: Otto Van Den Toorn.
Mozart & Shostakovich, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wednesday 25 September 2024,4.5✩✩✩✩. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“Some impressive virtuosity and an exciting new work.”
Joyce DiDonato sings Berlioz: London Philharmonic Orchestra/Edward Gardner,Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, London SE1, 4✩✩✩✩. Review by Clare Colvin.
“Murderous and tragic queens make for a heroic evening.”
Photography: Mark Allan.
The Hallé, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 27 June 2024, 5✩✩✩✩✩. Review: William Ruff.
“Nottingham says an emotional farewell to an outstanding conductor.”
Barber & Rachmaninoff, CBSO, Symphony Hall Birmingham, 13 June 2024, 4✩✩✩✩. Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“Emotional the technical fireworks in an impressive performance of Barber’s Cello masterwork.”
Vespers of the Blessed Earth, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A profound and thoughtful new work followed by a revelatory reading of an established masterpiece.”
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 31 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: William Ruff.
“Discovering Glazunov: music that delights the ear and touches the heart.”
Photo Credit: BBC. Image of Alexander Glazunov.
Centre Stage: Kegelstadt Trio, CBSO Centre, Birmingham. 30 May 2024. Review 4✩✩✩✩: David Gray
“A Fascinating and revelatory exploration of less well know works for an unusual combination of instruments.”
Old World Symphony, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 29 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“Virtuosic violin and stirring symphonic playing.”
Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 21 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“After a lack-lustre start, this concert picked up pace and energy.”
The Hallé, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, 17 May 2024. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: William Ruff.
“Two musical knights in a concert to treasure.”
Photo Credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke.
New World Symphony, CBSO, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, 15 May 2024. 4✩✩✩✩ Review: David Gray & Paul Gray.
“A longing for home meets the wonder of a new world” @ Lucy Walker, CBSO Programme Notes