“Johnston’s variety of tone, from plaintive higher registers, through a warm mid-range, to mournfully rich lower notes, was astonishing.”
Guy Johnston performed John Tavener’s The Protecting Veil with the Brighton Philharmonic and Joanna MacGregor on Sunday 29th March, which was reviewed by Bachtrack:
“There are consistent elements running through – a rising three notes that begin the chant-like melodic line, a sweeping slide, and glassy chimes from the full strings – and Tavener uses plentiful technical devices such as inversion and repetition, but ultimately, the meditative nature disguises any obvious calculation. It requires the soloist to be totally committed to its world, and Johnston certainly was, particularly in the lengthy unaccompanied fifth section, where he gave some of his quietest, most intense playing. MacGregor led the BPO with precision and their pealing interjections had a real shine. Meanwhile, Johnston’s variety of tone, from plaintive higher registers, through a warm mid-range, to mournfully rich lower notes, was astonishing. A wonderful performance from Johnston, but also raising MacGregor and the BPO strings’ game to a new level.”
Read the full review:
bachtrack.com/review-macgregor-johnston-brighton-philharmonic-dome-march-2026
Photo credit: Andrew Staples