THE RING CYCLE PART 4 – GOTTERDAMMERUNG

“It is nothing short of a wonder that music director Jaap van Zweden has, within a few years, transformed the Philharmonic into a Wagnerian orchestra to be reckoned with, whose lush sound and technical finesse, not to mention the musicians' fierce sense of dedication, were again very much in evidence in this second performance on January 21…While van Zweden may not be the most individual interpreter of this music, his pacing was unerringly right, with orchestral balances perfectly calibrated and the architecture of the music firmly within his command. It was a magisterial rendition that faithfully revealed Wagner's score in all its glory.”

Vincent Lau, Classical Net

“You’re hearing one of the best Wagner orchestras in the world.”

Geoff Brown, The Times

“Jaap van Zweden: Lord of the Hong Kong Ring.”

Jo Litson, Limelight

“Götterdämmerung was his [Jaap van Zweden] crowning glory and, by most measures, a phenomenal success.”

Alan Yu, bachtrack

“The Hong Kong Ring is pretty good, easily equal to many other Rings, and much better than some.”

Josh Roland , Classical Iconoclast

“[The HK Phil] with playing emotionally consistent and dramatic tension finely calibrated. Whatever Van Zweden has been doing, his musicians can now go the distance.”

Ken Smith, Financial Times

“It is fair to say that what started as a very competent sounding orchestra in 2015 has now evolved into an excellent Wagner vehicle… Music Director Jaap van Zweden has created a strong, confident and surprisingly warm sound. The orchestra was nuanced throughout, bombastic when necessary, and van Zweden moved it ahead at a healthy clip that was always engaging, never lagging and frequently sensational."

Philip Eisenbeiss, Interlude