Tugan Sokhiev leads the Philharmonia in Mahler and Mendelssohn

Although both works have the goal of E major in common, the final destinations of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Mahler’s Symphony no. 4 couldn’t be more different. The radiant, effervescent culmination of the former is far from the transcendental purity gained as the latter fades to its close. Led by Tugan Sokhiev, the Philharmonia’s performances of the two pieces were also varied. After some fairly unremarkable Mendelssohn, the Mahler saw more life from both orchestra and conductor.

Read my full review at Bachtrack.

Arts and culture in Istanbul

Last week I headed to Istanbul to find out more about the city’s arts and culture scene. While over there, I reviewed the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra’s 15th anniversary gala with Roberto Alagna and looked around Borusan Contemporary. I also met the BIPO’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sascha Goetzel along with Ahmet Erenli and Zeynep Hamedi (General Manager and Chairperson respectively at Borusan Culture and Arts). Funded by Borusan Holding (an industrial conglomerate), BCA is coordinating a number of projects to affirm Turkey’s cultural heritage on an international level and at home.

Take a look at my review and article to find out more.