The Review - MUSIC - Classical & Jazz with TONY KIELY Published: 4 September 2008
The Wigmore Hall auditorium
Eclectic haul of artists open Wigmore’s season
PREVIEW: WIGMORE HALL 2008/2009
Wigmore Hall
AFTER the annual summer hiatus, Wigmore Hall throws open its doors once again next week for the opening of its 2008-2009 season.
The first week of the season exemplifies the Hall’s distinctive musical chemistry. The opening concert on Saturday September 6 is by American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, whose star has been on the rise since her Wigmore debut in 2003. DiDonato’s eclectic programme embraces Vivaldi, Chausson, Turina, Copland and Harold Arlen.
The following day brings a coffee concert by German piano quartet the Fauré Quartett and an evening performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations by András Schiff, who will be appearing in a number of different events throughout this season.
Monday September 8 brings the launch of a five-concert focus on the German composer and clarinettist Jörg Widmann. His octet and five string quartets are juxtaposed with works by Schubert in performances by the Scharoun Ensemble, Artemis Quartet and Keller Quarte.
Thursday September 11 sees the first concert in a series of vocal recitals to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams. The first programme is given by Joan Rodgers, Christopher Maltman and Julius Drake. Further recitals follow throughout the season and will feature: Allan Clayton, Mark Padmore, Ailish Tynan, Cora Burggraaf, Gerald Finley and The Cardinall’s Musick.
Not a bad return for the opening days of a new season, then. With a series of concerts marking the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s death and the centenary of Messiaen’s birth also due to be celebrated, things are looking good for the coming months at Wigmore.
• Further previews will appear throughout the season. For more information and booking for all concerts call 020 7935 2141 or visit www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
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