Poulenc and Adams Concert Review: CBSO Delivers Witty Thrills 2026

The CBSO/Yamada review of the Poulenc and Adams pairing showcases a stylish, witty, and thrilling concert experience that captivates audiences. Kazuki Yamada led the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in a program that juxtaposed Francis Poulenc's irreverent charm with John Adams' powerful minimalism, resulting in an evening of musical brilliance.

The Brilliant Pairing of Poulenc and Adams

American minimalism rarely elicits laughter, but this concert proved an exception. By pairing Adams' 1980 epic Harmonium with Poulenc's slyly humorous works, Yamada created a dialogue between two seemingly opposite composers. Poulenc's Sinfonietta unfolds as a series of impeccably shaded dances and marches, thumbing its nose at traditional symphonic development. Yamada's interpretation was lucid and urbane—a crisp musical suit with whimsical woodwind solos and harp.

Poulenc's Sinfonietta and Two-Piano Concerto

The evening's riotous coda came with Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos. Dutch duo the Jussen brothers made their Proms debut, bounding onstage in matching suits and attacking this satirical piece with irrepressible energy. Their fingers flew absolutely as one, delivering enormous stylish fun. Poulenc's music targets modernism as much as Mozart, and the Jussens captured every punchline.

John Adams' Harmonium

Adams' Harmonium treats voices as pulsing points of light in "Negative Love" and an explosive jangle in "Wild Nights." The CBSO Chorus, bolstered by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, provided the rippling textural canvas required. This quasi-choral concerto demands precision and power, which the combined forces delivered with thrilling intensity.

Key Takeaways

• The pairing of Poulenc and Adams highlights the diversity of 20th-century classical music.
• Yamada's conducting brought out both the wit of Poulenc and the depth of Adams.
• The Jussen brothers' performance was a standout, combining technical mastery with playful energy.
• Combined choirs elevated Adams' Harmonium to new heights.

Comparison Table: Poulenc vs. Adams in This Concert

FAQ

This CBSO/Yamada concert demonstrated that classical music can be both intellectually profound and delightfully entertaining. The pairing of Poulenc and Adams offered a night of contrasts—wit vs. weight, satire vs. sincerity—all executed with supreme artistry. For those seeking a thrilling orchestral experience, this performance was a must-hear.