Britten Sinfonia, Barbara Hannigan (soprano, conductor)

Exploring the inspiration of Stravinsky, the programme had a fresh sense of excitement and pace while Hannigan was stunning throughout. Turning from conductor to soprano created a thrilling dynamic, and her soaring, rich, quivering soprano voice filled the Dome beautifully. Mozart’s ‘Bella mia fiammma…’ featured difficult intervals and timing which was all the more impressive for her operatic emotion and spirit in the absence of stage design and context of the plot. Stravinsky’s ‘Pulcinella Suite’ was a wonderful way to end, consisting of daring little ballet vignettes perfectly suited to the small, intelligent orchestra, with the wind and brass players particularly moving the listener in the later pieces.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 12 May 2015

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