British conductor Martyn Brabbins has been named the chief conductor of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra. He will begin his tenure in the 2025-26 season. In a statement, Brabbins said, “It is a great honor to be asked to be the next Chief Conductor of the Malmö Symphony Orchestra. My experiences with the orchestra in recent years have been inspiring and {…}
Following the resignation of Music Director Martyn Brabbins, the English National Opera has issued a statement noting it was surprised. The company said, “The ENO is surprised that Martyn Brabbins has decided to end his tenure as Music Director so abruptly. As a member of the ENO’s senior leadership, Martyn has been party to all key discussions at all stages {…}
English National Opera Music Director Martyn Brabbins has resigned to protest proposed cuts. In a statement, the conductor said, “As Music Director of English National Opera for the past seven years, and Head of its orchestra, chorus, and music staff, I cannot in all conscience continue to support the Board and Management’s strategy for the future of the company. While {…}
(Photo: ENO’s Peter Grimes 2023 © Tom Bowles) David Alden’s “Peter Grimes” begins with the curtain up. Upstage the people of the Borough mill about restlessly, occasionally breaking into shouts of anger and impatience. Alden’s 2009 production, on its second revival, breaks with any wistful or bucolic notions about the seaside community of the Borough, who drive the equally unrelenting {…}
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner English National Opera has had a stay of execution from the swinging cuts imposed on them by Arts Council England before Christmas. At least another year of funding is guaranteed, though it has not come without casualties; the “Siegfried” planned as the next installment of their burgeoning “Ring” has reportedly been pulled. A pity, as Richard {…}
The Royal Philharmonic Society Awards has announced this year’s winners, celebrating the impact of classical music in the UK. Held at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, winners of the evening included 27-year old organist and choral director Anna Lapwood, who received the Gamechanger Award for her artistry and advocacy for classical music; South African cellist Abel Selacoe, who received the Instrumentalist {…}
Photo: © CLIVE BARDA/ArenaPAL Opening night was delayed due to a storm – very on brand for Leoš Janáček, though perhaps more apt for “Kat’a Kabanova” – so nature very much had the upper hand when this new production of “The Cunning Little Vixen” opened at the London Coliseum on Sunday. Director Jamie Manton has previously made an impact with {…}
(Credit: © Tristram Kenton) It is some 20 years since ENO saw a complete “Ring.” Over the next few years they launch a new production, beginning with “The Valkyrie,” reverting next year to “Das Rheingold,” and then on. It is a bold undertaking to launch a new “Ring” in these challenging times for opera, with no little financial and artistic {…}
(Credit: Christopher Pledger/ Shirley Suarez / English National Opera official website / Gerard Collett) The English National Opera has announced that it will reopen the London Coliseum on Nov. 6 & 7, 2020, for the two special performances of Mozart’s “Requiem.” The performances will star mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly, soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn, tenor Toby Spence, and bass Brindley Sherratt. The {…}