Some months ago New Yorkers enjoyed an opportunity to hear a gifted young American pianist, Thomas Nickell play Mozart’s Concerto in A Major, K. 414 and a new concerto by a living English composer, David Matthews, supported by a splendid chamber orchestra in the best English tradition, The Orchestra of the Swan, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, conducted by its founder, David Curtis. They received an especially warm response from their sold-out hall, and they have every reason to come back. This will occur in early June 2018. Meanwhile you can listen to David Curtis talk about chamber orchestras, The Orchestra of the Swan in particular, and English music, which, I believe has been rather neglected on these shores in recent years.

This may be changing. Thanks mostly to Thomas Adès, Tanglewood is doing some justice to English music this summer, and before that, Mr. Curtis and The Orchestra off the Swan will return  to New York with more treasures from their repertory In listening, you will note his healthy attitude to new music.

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For our review of The Orchestra of the Swan’s concert with Thomas Nickell, click here.

For a preview of English music at Tanglewood, prefacing a review of an important performance of Elgar’s The Apostles, click here.