REVIEW: John Wilson and Sinfonia of London – The Greatest Hits of Rodgers and Hammerstein

In a triumphant return to Glasgow, the Sinfonia of London under the baton of the incomparable John Wilson bring the greatest and most glorious hits of Rogers and Hammerstein (and some Rogers and Hart classic standards too).

It is hard to believe that one man had a hand in most of the greatest and best-loved musicals of all time. It is hard not to agree with Wilson’s assertion that Richard Rodgers was the greatest composer of the 20th Century. Wilson covers five of the biggest hitters: Oklahoma!, The King and I, Carousel, South Pacific and The Sound of Music accompanied by special guests Nathaniel Hackmann, Louise Dearman and Scarlett Strallen.

Crystal clear, razor-sharp and note perfect throughout, the orchestra soar through the entire programme, including the overtures to The King and I and South Pacific and a show-stopping Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.

Together, band and musicians deliver stunning renditions of Oh! What a Beautiful Morning, If I Loved You, Younger Than Springtime, The Sound of Music, Some Enchanted Evening and the ever-rousing You’ll Never Walk Alone to name just a few.

It really doesn’t get any better than this. It is clear that the musicians have been hand-picked from the finest professionals in the country. The singers unsurpassed. It is rare to find quality such as this – the entire production is a thing to be treasured. Musical perfection.