Page 447 - Aldeburgh Festival 2022 FINAL COVERAGE BOOK

Coult and the writer Alice Birch have ingeniously combined the idea of mass extinction with

personal emancipation. The central character, Violet, is a woman suffering from depression

whose existence up to this point — controlled by a domineering husband — has been without

meaning. She is galvanised by the impending catastrophe into action. Touring to July 18
Richard Morrison

Read the full Violet review

Klaus Makela generated moments of real excitement leading the Oslo Philharmonic
MARK ALLAN/BARBICAN

Klaus Makela thrills with the Oslo Philharmonic

What transformed this performance, however, was Makela’s speed control. If your stomach

muscles aren’t tightening as the music’s pulse quickens at key points, the conductor has let
down the composer, which Makela didn’t do at all. Instead he generated moments of excitement

— except possibly in the Sibelius encore, Lemminkainen’s Return, when the mythological hero

rushed home so fast it’s a wonder he didn’t trip up.

Geoff Brown

Read the full Oslo Philharmonic/Makela review