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Dame Evelyn Glennie talks upcoming new concert ‘Percussive Power’: “We ask the audience to simply be curious”
Following their latest collaboration at last summer’s BBC Proms, the world-acclaimed percussionist reunites with the Fantasia Orchestra for a special performance featuring an eclectic, innovative repertoire. Guillermo Nazara chats with the artist about the process of reimagining the classics, creating new work, and her quest to make music an unpredictable adventure. How does it feel…
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Review of ‘Ariadne auf Naxos’ (2026, BBC Proms): “On point delivery almost makes up for undistinguished libretto”
I am conflicted. That might be a good sign when discussing art, depending on how you see it. But the thing is, I’m not really sure how I feel about this piece. I’m aware some opera fanatics consider it one of Strauss’s best works. To some, it’s even the magnum opus of his operatic oeuvre.…
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Review of Gerswhin’s Piano Concerto (BBC Proms, 2026): “Gaffigan and Son shine despite disappointingly bland opening”
There’s no question that art can show the best and the worst in humans. May this concert serve as a fair example of that. I’m not talking about its message or emotional reading. What I’m referring to is how greatness and banality stood on the same stage, hand in hand. Fortunately enough, the latter was…
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Review of ‘Evelyn Glennie and the Fantasia Orchestra’ (BBC Proms, 2026): “Eclectic rendition doesn’t miss a beat, but it doesn’t sing either”
They could have done better. Not that much in terms of execution- although that wasn’t exceptional either -but regarding their choice of repertoire, which was eclectic but hardly electric. Not everything can be great, that’s true. But all my previous interactions with the Fantasia Orchestra have got close enough. Not this time, however. And although…
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The 50 best shows of 2025
In the run-up to 2026’s exciting new offer, we’re taking a final trip down review lane to gather the most enduring shows of the year. Discover which ones have made the cut out of hundreds of press performances and how close it gets to your own selection. 50. Antigone On Strike Action, politics, and philosophy…
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Review of BBC Proms 2025 ‘Khatia Buniatishvili plays Tchaikovsky’: “Royal mess at the Albert Hall doesn’t stop a tour de force rendition”
The acclaimed pianist returned to the Royal Albert Hall for a performance of the No.1 Concerto, accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under Jaime Martin’s guidance. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show — to let us know if last Friday’s rendition was carried out without any light, dark, or ruby stains. You know…
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Review of Glyndebourne’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ (2025 BBC Proms): “Visceral conducting keeps Mozart’s alma viva”
The festival’s latest production of Mozart’s masterwork landed on the Royal Albert Hall’s stage for one night only, following its initial midsummer run. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show to let us know if this new revival of noble affairs comes across as a common piece — or a bon-marchais. It’s always funny…
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Review of BBC Proms 2025 ‘Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto’: “Hadelich’s soaring interpretation takes composer’s signature work to higher consummation”
The internationally renowned classical music season returns to the Royal Albert Hall for its 2025 edition, once again combining some of the most prominent pieces in the genre with introductions to new work. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the event to let us know if this assortment of songs without words came off as…
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Review of BBC Prom 66 – Chineke! plays Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pathétique’: “Notes of wonder”
The 2024 season hosts the orchestra’s return to the festival, performing a repertoire celebrating the genius of the Russian composer, while also paying homage to American culture through a rendition of original works and arrangements. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this mixture of modernity and tradition manages…
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Review of BBC Proms ‘Carmen’: “Destin d’amour”
The Glydebourne Festival production travels to the Royal Albert Hall for one night only, bringing the fervorous allure of Bizet’s score through a new, up-to-date vision. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this modernized take on the late Romantic masterpiece still manages to live up to its myth.…
