Published: 05 April 2011
Category: Artists

Danail Rachev returned to the Philharmonia Orchestra in April, making his debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall and also Leicester’s De Montfort Hall. Rachev stepped in for conductor Juraj Valcuha, who was forced to withdraw from these concerts at a few days’ notice. The programme included Rossini’s William Tell Overture, Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A major K.488 with Ingrid Fliter and Brahms’ Symphony No.2. Reviews from the concerts can be found below:

"Bulgarian conductor Danail Rachev, Music Director of Oregon’s Eugene Symphony since 2009 and Assistant Conductor at the Philadelphia Orchestra, replaced an indisposed Juraj Valčuha. The galloping closing section (of Lone Ranger fame) of the Overture to Rossini’s “Guillaume Tell” cannot fail to bring the house down, but it was the subtlety of the opening – with exquisite phrasing from cellist Timothy Walden and four colleagues – that commanded attention... The Philharmonia Orchestra’s playing was exemplary throughout... In Brahms’s Second Symphony the essentially lyrical first movement came off particularly well – warmth and energy in ample supply... The emotional depths of the heartfelt Adagio were well caught by Rachev, who also found just the right combination of charm and sparkle in the Allegretto grazioso third movement and then a thrilling degree of energy in the propulsive finale."
Classical Source

"A last-minute change of conductor saw the Philharmonia under the baton of US-based conductor Danail Rachev, who brought an inspired serenity to a fine concert by the orchestra... Rossini's overture to William Tell began the concert. The quiet opening had a lightness which continued until the final gallop, which was crisp and energetic and one could almost feel horses pounding over the ground. Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A was executed with delicacy and integrity. Pianist Ingrid Fliter gave a performance in which every note counted: a good amount of passion and energy, but with a beautiful light touch at the keyboard which suited the work to perfection. Brahms' Symphony No.2 in D had a warm tone with a feeling of being driven forward with gentle energy. The lively final Allegro brought the evening to a spirited conclusion, again leaving listeners in awe of a world-class performance."
Leicester Mercury

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