Philharmonia Lan Shui Bavouzet

Concert Review: Philharmonia

Dec 29, 2023, Shenzhen Concert Hall

Philharmonia Orchestra - Lan Shui - Jean Efflam Bavouzet

Elgar - Mozart - Mendelssohn

The Philharmonia under Lan Shui is touring China with pianist Bavouzet. This was billed as a "New Year's Concert". In this they are competing with many other orchestras for audience. Starting late December to early January many orchestras are offering "New Year Concerts" in SZ. SZSO of course, and other Chinese pick up orchestras. Other visiting ones include legit ones such as Russia's State Academy Orchestra "Svetlanov" and Siberian Symphony (I'm attending both), UK's BBC Concert Orchestra (not BBCPO); of dubious origin are various pick-up orchestras from France, Italy and Austria. All offer some Strauss waltzes and a soloist, usually a soprano.

This program is definitely not the usual New Year fare, but it was lighter than usual. Not the kind of program that I'd usually opt for but I was eager to hear the Philharmonia for the first time. Always been a fan of this orchestra. Of course, everyone knows its heydays under Klemperer from EMI recordings. I also love it under Ashkenazy (arecordings on Decca). These days, it is overshadowed by the London Symphony and London Philharmonic, but it maintains a position high up in the British eschelon. I was also eager to hear Lan Shui for the first time. Although from China, his career has been overwhelmingly overseas, most famously for bringing the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to the first rank (many recordings on BIS).

First was Elgar's Serenade for Strings. This has always been a difficult piece to bring off. Very fine dynamic gradation and modulation, particularly in the slow movement, is necessary to bring out the wistful, reflexive side of the piece, but the overall direction must not be impeded. It was well done on this occasion, but slightly on the cool side. The upper strings had a very slightly dry character from my seat, but the lower strings were powerful and warm.

Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 17, K453, was surprisingly substantial! Bavouzet played with his customary flair (as evidenced by his excellent cycle on Chandos). The woodwinds were simply superb partners in the dialogue. The strings also dug in hard and Lan Shui gave stylish direction. As perfect as perfect can be, and more weighty (by merit) than many a heavier concerto. Indeed, one of the very best concerto performances I have heard! necore was Massenet's Toccata.

Second-half was Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3, "Italian", which received a flowing rendition. The strings were very well articulated, though from my seat the upper strings still could have been sweeter, though they were very powerful. The winds tried valiantly but were sometimes caught out of breath (they must dread Mendelssohn). It was not the most gossamer of interpretation but nonetheless a very good big band one (it's popular to go HIP in this piece now).

The hall was well attended and the audience was enthusiastic. Encore was a Chinese piece, I think 茉莉花？A satisfying concert!