Classical Music Reviews
Against a backdrop of fear, surveillance and political violence, the play explores the absurdity of tyranny, the courage of resistance and the enduring power of art to speak truth when words cannot.
A new play which premieres at Park Theatre on 27 August and runs until 10 October, is set to explore the life and music of Dmitri Shostakovich. Holy Fool by Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers […]
Resonance: Farrenc, Schumann, Durosoir
To my count, this is the eighth post on Classical Explorer featuring playing by Emanuel Despax: he is worth the focus, for sure, a rare meeting of musical sensitivity and high technique. ThePiano Quintet in […]
Jessye Norman: The Unreleased Masters on Decca
After Pappano’s Tristan, Jessye’s Isolde: as part of Decca’s “The Unreleased Masters,” a selection of excerpts which “for various reasons, was never published”. Masur’s way with the Prelude is mobile, and climax-focused, the Leipzig Gewandhaus […]
Conducting is a profession of lifelong learning: Vasily Petrenko on nurturing talent & broadening horizons
Vasily Petrenko’s Academy for Young Conductors in Yerevan, Armenia (Photo: © Primavera Foundation of Armenia) Vasily Petrenko’s Academy for Young Conductors takes place each year in Yerevan, Armenia. The Academy brings together Vasily Petrenko, Music […]
Classical Music News
Double Bassist Eduard Marcu wins Junior Guildhall Lutine Prize 2026
Guildhall School of Music & Drama is delighted to announce that double bassist Eduard Marcu has been awarded First Prize at the final of Junior Guildhall’s most prestigious award: The Lutine Prize. Cellist Yoko Afi […]
Telekom Beethoven Competition and Zenezen Partner to Back Rising Pianist Seth Schultheis
Bonn, April 2026 — Momentum continues to build for American pianist Seth Schultheis, First Prize winner of the 2025 Telekom Beethoven Competition, as a new partnership aims to support not just his artistry—but the long-term sustainability […]
BBC PROMS 2026: STAR-SPANGLED SPECTACLE MEETS BRITISH BACKBONE IN AN 86-CONCERT SUMMER MARATHON
Royal Albert Hall, London and venues nationwide 17 July – 12 September 2026 The BBC Proms returns this summer with a swaggering, globe-spanning 2026 season that feels both celebratory and strategic: 86 concerts across eight weeks, […]
ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA’S JENNY MOLLICA APPOINTED TO LEAD THE ROUNDHOUSE
The announcement was made today that Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of English National Opera (ENO), has been appointed the new CEO of the Roundhouse. She will step down from her current role in summer 2026. […]
