With The English Concert playing with earthy punch under Peter Whelan’s dynamic direction, this is a tremendous 300th-anniversary tribute.
Mark Pullinger, The Times
The English Concert’s [2021] recording (with Lucy Crowe a marvellous Rodelinda) has played its part in affirming the work’s qualities, which shone through the orchestra’s vibrant contribution (Peter Whelan conducting) to Garsington Opera’s celebration
Peter Whelan‘s energetic yet unfailingly sensitive direction of The English Concert was well-calibrated in every last measure.
The abiding impression is one of yet more confirmation of the genius residing in vast quantities of Handel’s music.
Andrew Green, Opera Now
The playing of The English Concert [was] thrillingly energised. Conducted by Peter Whelan, they support the singers yet never give the impression of holding back.
Erica Jeal, The Guardian
The English Concert and their musical director Peter Whelan brought Handel’s fabulous score to life in a performance of surpassing rhythmic energy, richly dramatic colouring and heart-breaking lyrical grace.
Ivan Hewett, The Telegraph
The English Concert drew wonderful sounds from their authentic instruments, expertly encouraged by conductor Peter Whelan, who seemed to find the right tempo for each number, and who supported his singers very effectively.
Roy Westbrook, Bachtrack
Setting the seal on the musical underpinning of this thought-through production is the playing of the period-instrument English Concert under conductor Peter Whelan, who motivates the score from the first to the last bar and helps draw from the players sounds that, while consistently delectable, equally underline their dramatic purpose.
George Hall, The Stage
The most accomplished orchestral performance you could ever hope to hear.
The continuo playing from Whelan and Ashok Gupta (harpsichord), Joseph Crouch (Cello) and Theorbo (Sergio Bucheli) was brilliantly expressive, and particular mention must be made of the bassoons (Catriona McDermid, Rebecca Hammond) who gave a nuanced performance.
Melanie Eskenazi, MusicOMH
Peter Whelan conducted The English Concert, and with their crunchy collective attack and smoky, sighing flutes, they were as colourful and as committed as anything on stage.
Richard Bratby, The Spectator
Tickets for Rodelinda are available from the Garsington Opera box office.
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