Reviews
Handel - Messiah
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maxim EmelyanychevRoyal Albert Hall, London, 21 December 2018
The most engaging music-making of the evening came from the Philharmonia Chorus, over a hundred-strong, offering an unfailingly solid sound that rose to the acoustic challenges presented by the venue. With precise, clipped diction and lots of articulation the chorus brought bags of energy to the big numbers: "And with his stripes" had contrapuntal intensity, and "He trusted in God" bristled and burned. "Surely he hath borne our griefs" and "Since by man came death" had expressive range and striking emotional colouring.
Benjamin Poore, bachtrack.com, 23 December 2018
Amadeus Live!
Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Ludwig WickiRoyal Albert Hall, London, 2 November 2018
The Philharmonia Chorus was on top form with a well-judged mixture of power and pathos. In particular, the heartbreaking Lachrimosa from the 'Requiem' was both haunting and sublimely beautiful.
Alija Al-Hassan, broadwayworld.com, 3 November 2018
Brahms - Ein deutsches Requiem
Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Karl-Heinz Steffens
Royal Festival Hall, London, 25 March 2018
The Philharmonia Chorus had been superbly prepared by Gavin Carr and delivered a clear, lean sound with faultless intonation. There wasn't a hint of strain to the heftier contrapuntal passages and the text was projected with admirable directness.
Peter Reed, www.classicalsource.com, 26 March 2018
First and foremost, my praise goes to the chorus – and chorus master Gavin Carr – for their outstanding singing. It was one of the best choral singing of the Brahms Requiem I've heard. They sang with a perfect balance of compassion, warmth and clarity of text, and the fugal sections were executed with precision and conviction. Stefan Bevier would have been very proud. Five stars.
Nahoko Gotoh, https//bachtrack.com, 29 March 2018