Ibragimova, BBC SO, Gardner/ BBC Singers, Endymion, Hill, Royal Albert Hall

Two concerts provide a rare meditative moment during this year's Proms frenzy

by Alexandra CoghlanWednesday, 18 August 2010

Alina Ibragimova: a persuasive champion for Huw Watkins's English lyricismSussie Ahlburg

Meditative experiences are hard to come by in the Royal Albert Hall. The twitching, scratching, fidgeting ticks of over 5000 people conspire to break your focus, to draw attention from the musical middle-distance back to the here and now. Last night’s two Proms – whether through programming, performance or just a happy chance of circumstances – both glanced into this distant space, briefly achieving that sense of communion peculiar to Proms audiences. As a birthday tribute to composer-mystic Arvo Pärt, it was fitting indeed.

Sadly the intention to segue straight from the distant tolling of the Pärt into the Britten was foiled by the enthusiasm of the audience

Ibragimova, Tiberghien, Wigmore Hall review – light, bright and melodic Brahms

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