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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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Review of Fantasia Orchestra’s ‘From Mahler to Manhattan’: “Tribute to golden classics shines with its own gilt”
It’s hard to describe beauty when it transcends words. And that’s the ongoing struggle that, as a critic, I often face when reviewing a classical music concert — especially when there’s so much brilliance in it. As my second encounter with the young but fast-growing Fantasia Orchestra, my expectations for high quality were reasonably cemented.…
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Review of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ (Royal Albert Hall, 2026): “Enchanting production has no dormant talents”
You can’t go wrong with Tchaikovsky, except perhaps if you’re listening to the 1812 Symphony. And you can hardly go wrong with the English National Ballet. It doesn’t take another genius to realise that combining the two will likely result in a tour de force. But it might take a trip to the Royal Albert…
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First Artist Anri Sugiura talks ENB’s upcoming production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’: “You can feel the pure joy of dancing”
Following the success of previous classical productions such as Cinderella and Swan Lake, the English National Ballet returns to the Royal Albert Hall with Kenneth MacMillan’s timeless adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. Guillermo Nazara chats with one of its prima ballerinas to learn about the piece’s highlights and how it will put audiences under a…
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Conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh talks Fantasia Orchestra: “We are offering a new voice in the classical music landscape”
Considered one of the country’s most distinctive formations in its field, the orchestra continues to hit more milestones, currently celebrating its tenth anniversary with an exhilarating summer season that also marks its return to the BBC Proms. Guillermo Nazara chats with the man behind its creation to learn more about its astounding growth, upcoming projects,…
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Review of ‘Don Quixote’ (2026, Sadler’s Wells): “Lavish production doesn’t tilt at windmills, but its execution isn’t a giant”
They’ve honoured the classic. Not the novel- that was already butchered by Minkus back in the 19th century -but its ballet adaptation. Don’t expect herds to be attacked as enemy armies or galley prisoners to be unlawfully freed. Instead, this is another love story presented under the lens of the romanticised Spanish mythos. As such,…
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Review of Ballet Icons (2026, London Colliseum): “World-class showcase leaves audiences dancing on air despite perceptible issues”
The venue hosted this annual event featuring globally revered performers. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show to let us know if its eclectic array was delivered on pointe. They promised us quality. And above all, they promised us art. They didn’t forsake their vow, for the most part. Last Sunday’s 20th anniversary gala…
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Review of ENB’s ‘The Nutcracker’ (London Coliseum, 2025): “Lush revamp of Tchaikovsky’s classic is a candied Christmas treat”
The English National Ballet brings back its latest production of the late-Romantic masterwork from last year’s world premiere. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show to let us know if this new take on the fairytale piece is either a smasher or a broken toy. You may say it is required by law that,…
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Review of Fantasia Orchestra’s ‘Birdsong’: “Feathery repertoire soars across elated audience”
The group celebrated the launch of its Smith Square Hall residency with a diverse classical repertoire, including the London premiere of a new contemporary work. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the concert to let us know if its assortment of symphonic and operatic pieces hit the high notes. Sometimes the roughest starts can lead…
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Review of ‘Queen’: “Staging of the royal writings courts audiences but doesn’t come off victorious”
London’s Kings Place hosted the dramatisation of Queen Victoria’s personal journals in a one-off performance starring Deborah Findlay, accompanied by Michael Dussek’s live piano renditions and Prunella Scales’s prerecorded tracks. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show to let us know if this real-life ‘Princess Diaries’ act hath a way with viewers. I can’t…
