Simon Rattle’s contribution to the London Symphony Orchestra’s centenary tribute to its former president, Leonard Bernstein, celebrated the irrepressible versatility of Bernstein the composer. But Wonderful Town was an unqualified, uncomplicated delight. This was the hour-long concert version, which sacrifices narrative continuity to preserve the best numbers in Bernstein’s score. Though no stage director was credited, there was a theatrical framework of sorts, including a conga that embroiled most of the London Symphony Chorus in the fun. The other concert in Rattle’s pre-Christmas brace took up the theme of late works, which threads through his first London season.

Source: The Guardian December 17, 2017 13:41 UTC