Reviews

 

Michael Wilkinson, who normally writes reviews of the Coffee Concerts, was unable to attend this concert, although he had done his usual extensive research on its material.  Here are the informative results of his research:

“Our ‘local’ ensemble has become a fixture in this series, and a most welcome one, in terms of sheer musicianship and adventurous Continue reading Coffee Concert 19th March 2023 – Joanna MacGregor & Brighton Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble – Strings Attached Review by Michael Wilkinson and Chris Darwin

The Heath Quartet were once regulars in this series of concerts, last heard in the final concert at the Dome before the long-term temporary move to the Attenborough Centre. Since then, much has changed, notably in Continue reading Coffee Concert 19th February 2023 – Heath Quartet – Strings Attached Review by Michael Wilkinson

 

This year’s programme has been characterised by splendid concerts, and this solo recital stood out even by these extraordinary standards, in a series of gripping performances of very different works.

Some recitals are memorable for their virtuosity, with the player intent on impressing by technique and ability. Philip Higham eschews Continue reading Coffee Concert 22nd January 2023 – Philip Higham – Strings Attached Review by Michael Wilkinson

Because of a safety issue in The Attenborough Centre this concert was held in the University’s Meeting House. Despite the cold inside the building ( there were problems with the heating ) it proved a magical setting for the concert, with the sun shining through the panels of coloured glass creating an almost exotic aura. Continue reading Coffee Concert 11th December 2022 – Quatuor Arod– Strings Attached Review by Guy Richardson

The multiple prize-winning Paddington Trio proved more than worthy visitors to this season’s Coffee Concerts, offering performances characterised by insight and evident enthusiastic commitment. In a varied and challenging recital, they held the audience enthralled, nowhere more obviously than in the long silence that greeted the end of Shostakovich’s 2nd Piano Trio.

The Paddington Trio are a new ensemble, formed in 2020 – during Continue reading Coffee Concert 20th November 2022 – Paddington Trio– Strings Attached Review by Michael Wilkinson

This season’s opening concert, by the admirable young French Quatour Agate proved as absorbing as it was demanding, for both players and audience alike. It was my first opportunity to hear them live, and their first appearance at a Coffee Concert: I hope very much Continue reading Coffee Concert 16th October 2022 – Quatuor Agate – Strings Attached Review by Michael Wilkinson