News and Press

BACHTRACK ★★★

One of the dilemmas for a conductor is when to perform popular pieces. This is not really a problem if you are already in the Premier League of conductors – people will always come to see you. However, if you are not yet a household name, you need to pick your moments.

CLASSICAL SOURCE

Placing Verdi’s Requiem on Maundy Thursday is a sure way to highlight the relationship between religious ritual and dramatic intensity. In a work where Verdi sets texts in a conspicuously operatic manner, the gulf between religion and drama can easily be amplified. This performance under Vasily Petrenko’s efficient direction gave priority to vivid expression. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, although a performance in Holy Week might arguably give some consideration to a more reflective stance that tempers speeds and vocal style.

Ahead of our feast of orchestral and choral works with composer Eric Whitacre on Wednesday 31 May at the Royal Albert Hall, journalist Hannah Nepil uncovers the Grammy Award-winner's musical style and preparations for his new work.

Skyping from his Los Angeles home at some ungodly hour in the morning, Eric Whitacre immediately turns his smooth charm on full beam. “Why don’t you start by telling me about you?” he says, flashing his Colgate smile. It takes a while to bring the composer-conductor round to the more pressing topic: his upcoming gala performance, conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.