From Salzburg to London: the major summer festivals are getting underway
The Stresa Festival opens with a section dedicated to jazz, electronic and world music; the section focusing on early and classical music begins on 19 August
Key points
In mid-July, the major European summer festivals get underway. In Salzburg, we can enjoy fresh interpretations of the great operas – and discover lesser-known works too; we can also explore new plays from the European theatre scene; all this is complemented by compelling symphonic and chamber music programmes. At the Proms in London, we can certainly spend less than in Salzburg; decide on the spur of the moment – without having to plan months in advance; and also listen to music other than classical in the traditional sense.
Salzburg
From 17 July to 30 August, the renowned Festival presents operas, plays, symphonic and chamber concerts. Among the operas is *Carmen*, in which star Asmik Grigorian makes her debut in the title role; Currentzis conducts his Utopia Orchestra, with direction and choreography by Gabriela Carrizo, founder of the dance-theatre company Peeping Tom, a troupe that will play a key role in the production. Then there is *Saint François d’Assise*, the major work by one of the great composers of the twentieth century, Olivier Messiaen, and the culmination of his artistic career; it premiered in Paris in 1983; here, the direction, set design, costumes and lighting are by Romeo Castellucci (we recall the success of his recent production of “Pélleas et Mélisande” at La Scala); Maxime Pascal conducts the Vienna Philharmonic. In theatre, we highlight a world premiere by Nobel Prize winner Elfriede Jelinek; and the latest work, “Europa”, by Wajdi Mouawad, winner of the European Prize for Playwriting. In the symphonic programme, there are concerts by the Vienna Philharmonic (including those conducted by Muti), which has been the Festival’s orchestra since its foundation; and guest orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic. In the chamber music programme, there are numerous concerts of the very highest standard (as usual), including one featuring Martha Argerich and Renaud Capuçon (three sonatas: Debussy, Schumann, Beethoven). Check the website to see which of these performances and concerts will be broadcast by Austrian Radio and specialist TV channels – both live and as recorded programmes.
London
From 17 July to 12 September at the Royal Albert Hall, the Proms festival features symphonic music every evening, with the chance to sit in the section closest to the orchestra for just eight pounds, without having to book in advance. Admittedly, these are standing places; but this is the quintessential experience of this festival. The musical programme is led by the BBC orchestras, though other ensembles from the UK and abroad will also be performing. It’s not just classical music, though: whilst the opening night features Ravel, Copland, Gershwin, Finzi and a world premiere, on the 18th there will be a celebration of progressive rock, with orchestral arrangements of pieces by ELP, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Mike Oldfield and Renaissance.And on the 19th, we’ll also be listening to soundtracks by John Williams and Hans Zimmer, performed by the Blake Dyke Band. All the concerts are broadcast live on BBC Radio 3; some are also broadcast on Rai Radio 3.
