Reviews

This has been a fascinating season, brought to a fitting end in this intriguing and splendidly performed programme by the personable Mithras Trio. Performances were not merely technically accomplished but deeply considered: each of the three works made considerable demands, not simply musically but in depth of emotion.

It is always good to have a Haydn Piano Trio programmed. Charles Rosen, in his Continue reading Coffee Concert 20th March 2022 – Mithras Trio – Strings Attached Review by Michael Wilkinson

Brighton Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble with Joanna MacGregor

Ruth Rogers and Nicky Sweeney Violin, Jon Thorne Viola, Peter Adams Cello, Joanna MacGregor Piano.

On a very stormy weekend it was particularly pleasing to see a large audience for this concert and with two very attentive young children in our complement. The concert was led by Joanna MacGregor who introduced the first half as American and the second European.

George Gershwin’s Lullaby certainly sounded American. It is catchy, rhythmic and sinuous and beguilingly simple on first hearing; however Continue reading Coffee Concert 20th February 2022 – Joanna MacGregor Piano & Brighton Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble – Strings Attached Review by Helen Simpson and Guy Richardson

Maxwell Quartet
Colin Scobie violin, George Smith violin, Elliott Perks Viola, Duncan Strachan Cello.

Today’s concert was the first of the new year, in a difficult winter with uncertainty over the pandemic continuing. However, the commitment of the large audience was obvious and there was a real sense Continue reading Coffee Concert 23rd January 2022 – Maxwell Quartet – Strings Attached Review by Helen Simpson and Guy Richardson

 

Do you get more for your money at a Maxwell Quartet concert? Plenty of evidence here. Three extra unbilled pieces: an arresting Scottish Lament for a husband who, riding away from his own wedding feast, fell off his horse and died in the mud – plus two reels Continue reading Coffee Concert 23rd January 2022 – Maxwell Quartet – Other Reviews

The Brahms Horn Trio gave the Attenborough Centre Audience much to intrigue them in this unusual but continually interesting recital. The performers, Huw Watkins (piano), Benjamin Baker(violin) and Ben Goldscheider (horn) are consummate performers in works that demand considerable versatility.

The opening piece, Mozart’s Quintet in E flat, for horn, violin, two violas and cello, K.407, from 1782, was rearranged by Goldscheider for this trio. In its original form, there is a certain depth Continue reading Coffee Concert 5th December 2021 – Brahms Horn Trio – Strings Attached Review by Michael Wilkinson

 

There comes a potent moment at every live concert. When the audience are giving their thanks, admiration, and whatever else, to the performers as their final applause. Is it heartfelt? Is it diplomatically generous? Is it polite and lukewarm? It’s not just an audience verdict, it’s a human connection deepened when the vibe is good. Continue reading Coffee Concert 5th December 2021 – Brahms Horn Trio – Other Reviews