thu 28/03/2024

Le Cercle de L'Harmonie, Rhorer, Barbican Hall | reviews, news & interviews

Le Cercle de L'Harmonie, Rhorer, Barbican Hall

Le Cercle de L'Harmonie, Rhorer, Barbican Hall

An average evening of Mozart redeemed by soprano Sally Matthews

Jeremie Rhorer: A fine musical pedigree but a lacklustre performance

While we are far from lacking in top early music ensembles in the UK, there’s no denying that the French have a special affinity for this repertoire. While The Academy of Ancient Music and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment are virtuosic champions of the genre, if we were all stuck in a sinking hot air balloon I’d lose both before sacrificing Les Musiciens du Louvre, Les Talens Lyriques, Le Concert d'Astrée or Les Arts Florissants. So it was with anticipation that I made my way to the Barbican last night to hear the UK debut of Le Cercle de l’Harmonie, the newest French orchestra on the block.

While we are far from lacking in top early music ensembles in the UK, there’s no denying that the French have a special affinity for this repertoire. While The Academy of Ancient Music and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment are virtuosic champions of the genre, if we were all stuck in a sinking hot air balloon I’d lose both before sacrificing Les Musiciens du Louvre, Les Talens Lyriques, Le Concert d'Astrée or Les Arts Florissants. So it was with anticipation that I made my way to the Barbican last night to hear the UK debut of Le Cercle de l’Harmonie, the newest French orchestra on the block.

There’s no denying the quality of Matthews's voice, which spun smoothly over Mozart’s generous vocal lines

Share this article

Comments

I went yesterday. Sally is stunning, she brought tears to my eyes more than once! Stunning performance!!! It seems that it was recorded! I hope to have that CD when it comes out. One of the best if not the best "Laudate Dominum" and "Kyrie"... I heard; from heaven....! The Orchestra and Choir was "tout en nuance", blending very well with Sally, which helps bravo Jérémy.

Add comment

newsletter

Get a weekly digest of our critical highlights in your inbox each Thursday!

Simply enter your email address in the box below

View previous newsletters