Carol Main

Carol Main reviews two Edinburgh International Festival concerts. Classical Jam, devised and led by Nicola Benedetti, brought together 13 young instrumentalists from around the world for an informal, largely unrehearsed chamber-music programme, earning four stars for its spontaneity, vitality and broad repertoire. Rising Stars of Voice, mentored by soprano Louise Alder and pianist James Baillieu, showcased eight emerging singers; soprano Katie Carmichael and collaborative pianist Francesca Lauri received particular praise, although the ensemble’s Brahms performance could have benefited from greater sensitivity and restraint.

Carol Main reviews two Edinburgh International Festival concerts focused on emerging musicians. Classical Jam, devised and led by Nicola Benedetti, brought 13 young instrumentalists together for a spontaneous, varied chamber-music programme, earning praise for its vitality and freedom despite occasional rough moments and excessive length. Rising Stars of Voice, mentored by Louise Alder and James Baillieu, showcased strong young singers, with soprano Katie Carmichael and pianist Francesca Lauri singled out for particular praise, although the ensemble Brahms performance would have benefited from greater restraint and sensitivity.

The Scotsman reviews three Edinburgh International Festival music events. Gnoss earns four stars for a lively and skilful contemporary folk set, despite the temporary replacement of flautist Connor Sinclair. A four-star YOLA and Big Noise family concert at Usher Hall is praised for inventive programming, strong young musicianship and an uplifting communal spirit. Death of Gesualdo receives three stars: the theatrical staging at Queen’s Hall was difficult to see from many seats and lacked intimacy, but The Gesualdo Six delivered an exquisite, calming performance of Carlo Gesualdo’s highly unusual music.

Three Edinburgh International Festival events received five-star reviews. Nicola Benedetti’s First Night at The Hub was praised for its intimate atmosphere, eclectic programming and star-studded performances. The National Youth Orchestra of the USA, conducted by Karina Canellakis and featuring pianist Kirill Gerstein, delivered an energetic and technically impressive programme spanning Barber, Gershwin, Bartók and Ravel. At the Queen’s Hall, mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor gave a powerful EIF debut alongside pianist Hamish Brown, culminating in the world premiere of Stuart MacRae’s song cycle Medusa.