classical music & opera
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The UK composer’s work premiered to gasps of astonishment at the Proms in 2014. His ‘sound theatre’ piece, filmed by fixed cameras and headsets worn by musicians, is available to watch exclusively here from 24 June at 5pm BST
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Minimalist music is far from a modern invention. The violinist picks her favourite works that prove that you can get something out of nothing
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A quarter century of broadcast Europa Concerts are brought together in this extensive DVD set that features some exceptional performances
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Antonio Pappano and the ROH orchestra outshine the drama in this atmospheric revival of Benoît Jacquot’s 2004 production
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From the archive, 17 February 1848: The Observer reviews Hector Berlioz conducting his orchestra at the Drury Lane theatre
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The conductor and artistic director of Garsington Opera on Mozart, football and the future. Just don’t ask him to do karaoke - he’ll get cross
facing the music
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Bach and Stravinsky were early inspirations, and today, the conductor, composer and viol player’s musical interests range from Bobby McFerrin to Gershwin and Ancient Greece
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From Joni Mitchell, Steve Reich, Svetlanov and Mackerras to John McEnroe and the Mr Men – the pianist on the people in his musical life, past and present
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The English National Opera is ‘a trauma scene’ after a spare of resignations at the top, funding cuts and strike threats by performers. Into this lion’s den walks an American director with not much experience, but a whole lot of optimism
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Comment 'You do not need to be educated to be touched, to be moved and excited by opera'
Graham VickGraham Vick was the keynote speaker at the 2016 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards. This is a transcript of his speech. -
you may have missed
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Daniel Kramer’s new production offers few insights into Wagner’s drama. Anish Kapoor’s sets – although striking – don’t help
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The Ring cycle may be the pinnacle of operatic ambition, but, as Opera North’s critically acclaimed production shows, it needn’t cost the earth to perform or watch. Conductor Richard Farnes reflects on an affordable epic
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The director’s take on Verdi’s tragic opera has costumes by Valentino and sets by Batman’s production designer … and still it is traditional and cliched
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Michael Güttler has taken over as conductor of Glyndebourne’s Meistersinger with only a few weeks’ notice. How has he approached a mammoth project that most musicians would expect months, if not years, to prepare for?
guides
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Tom Service's survey of the 50 symphonies that changed classical music
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Tom Service introduces 50 composers from the contemporary classical music scene
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popular
Syrian National Orchestra ‘When there is violence, you have to make music'