Beth Taylor’s commanding Sea Pictures the highlight of the LPO’s all-Elgar evening

Beth Taylor, Edward Gardner & the London Philharmonic Orchestra
© Mark Allan Photography

Beth Taylor (mezzo-soprano)

Edward Gardner (conductor)

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Pieter Schoeman (leader)

7.30pm, Wednesday 26 November 2025

Royal Festival Hall, London

★★★★★

Elgar, Edward (1857-1934): In the South (Alassio), Concert overture for orchestra, Op. 50

                                             Sea Pictures, Op. 50

                                             Sospiri for string orchestra and harp, Op. 70

                                             Enigma Variations on an Original Theme for Orchestra, Op. 36

In the South (Alassio):

'They started as they meant to go on, with a joyous rendition of In The South (Alassio) full of lush energy from the off'.

Edward Gardner conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra
© Mark Allan Photography

Sea Pictures:

'... her rich dark mezzo tones captivating, with every word audible and expressively delivered, even at the lowest end of her range'.

'A superlative performance – surely a recording with this team should follow?'

Sospiri:

'Gardner and the LPO strings with harp kept things understated here ... as a result, it had all the more emotional impact'.

Edward Gardner & Beth Taylor with the London Philharmonic Orchestra
© Nick Boston

Enigma Variations:

'Gardner and the LPO gave us a reading full of energy and freshness. The big moments were there, but Gardner always kept things moving along, avoiding any wallowing'.

Read my full review on Bachtrack here.