2011 CONTENTS

Articles published during the year 2011 are listed below in chronological order of publication, with the most recent at the top of the list:

• Ensemble. A Variety of Events - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on music for the Christmas and New Year period in Italy, for children and for those who love children


• Ensemble. 2011 Specials - A roundup of London concerts enjoyed by Bill Newman, featuring recitals by Alice Sara Ott, the Emerson Quartet, Martin Fröst and Roland Pontinen, the Orchestra of the Polish EU Presidency, Kreeta-Julia Heikkilä and Roope Grondahl, and Martino Tirimo's Rosamunde Trio


• Ask Alice - A visit to Covent Garden for 'Die Meistersinger', with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• DVD Spotlight. Highly Intriguing - The Vienna Boys Choir in the Far East, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. '... a refreshingly different portrait of this hugely versatile group ...'


• Profile. Inner Meaning - Bill Newman talks to Kazan pianist Rustem Kudoyarov


• CD Spotlight. Handsome Praise - Rachmaninov piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The uncelebrated John Lill is totally in command throughout ...'


• Successful and Fulfilling - On the rediscovery of the Italian symphonic tradition, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Superb Music - Susanna Phillips sings Debussy, Messiaen and Fauré, heard by George Balcombe. '... Fauré knew how to make music live ...'


• CD Spotlight. Glorious - Henri Barda plays Brahms, Beethoven and Chopin, recommended by Bill Newman. 'The performances are in a class of their own.'


• DVD Spotlight. Brilliant Sounds - Pergolesi's 'Adriano in Siria', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The music is as bewitching as the story is dotty.'


• CD Spotlight. Gorgeous Colours - Schubert from the Tokyo Quartet, heard by Howard Smith. '... a great deal in their favour ...'


• CD Spotlight. Really Delightful - Christmas music from Mainstreet Brass, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz. 'This lovely collection really does provide something for everyone ...'


• Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - Handel's 'Messiah' from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. 'Back to Bloch' - Sybil Michelow on the Importance of being Ernest Bloch


• Ask Alice - On hitting music students with string bows, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Tension and Mystery - Rimsky-Korsakov orchestral suites, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... the music is dear to the heart of these players ...'


• CD Spotlight. Communicative Benediction - Hermine Haselböck sings Mahler lieder, recommended by Howard Smith. '... on a par with legendary German mezzo Christa Ludwig ...'


• CD Spotlight. Searing Intensity - Havergal Brian's 'Gothic' Symphony impresses Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Breezy Treatment - Familiar and unfamiliar music from The Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Triumphant Macbeth - Under Riccardo Muti's baton, Verdi's first Shakespearean opera inaugurates Rome's opera season, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Deeply Affecting - A Remembrance Concert in Clapham, attended by Michael Graubart


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Presented - Christmas vocal pieces, heard by Patric Standford. '... lively readings ...'


• CD Spotlight. Entirely Captivating - The Nativity story told through music, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a balanced and fulfilling listening experience.'


• Ensemble. Beautifully Tragic - Tom Taffinder reports on Stephen Sondheim's 'Merrily We Roll Along' at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama


• Ensemble. Plenty to Bite Into - Derby Concert Orchestra celebrates Christmas, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On trusting in the force of the cello, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Magnificent Form - Peter Katin plays Brahms, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Katin is in his element, moulding the arching phrases with complete mastery.'


• Ensemble. Excellent Stagecraft - Gounod's 'Faust' transmitted live in high definition from New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Balanced Exploration - Mike Wheeler listens to Ensemble Viva play Schumann, Mendelssohn and Beethoven


• Of Bagatelles and Weightier Matters - Julian Jacobson reports on the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Beethoven Senior Intercollegiate Piano Competition


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Artists - Zemlinsky and Messiaen from Ensemble Liaison, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Melba's spot-on quartet recording ... fares brilliantly ...'


• Ensemble. An Immoralist Black Comedy - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on a controversial new production of Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' which opened La Scala's 2011-12 season in Milan


• Quite Superb - Julian Jacobson plays Beethoven, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Thoughtful Performance - Derby Bach Choir's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Wonderful Music - Works by Julian Anderson, Mozart and Tchaikovsky performed by Janine Jansen, Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, enjoyed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Airy Textures - The Piatti String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Previously Unknown - Music by Silvius Leopold Weiss, heard by Ron Bierman. '... difficult to improve upon ...'


• Ensemble. Believable Characters - Handel's 'Rodelinda' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed from the HD transmission by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Triumphant Return - Gounod's 'Faust' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Extremely Beautiful - Arrangements of Dvorák songs recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The intense rapport between both artists can immediately be felt ...'


• Ensemble. Flying Colours - Yelian He and Yasmin Rowe play Chopin, Beethoven and Piazzolla, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Most Interesting - 'Satyagraha' by Philip Glass, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Beautiful Tone - Music for flute and piano, admired by Ron Bierman. 'The romantic-flute repertoire has never sounded better.'


• Ensemble. Poetic Insight - A recital by Erdem Misirlioglu, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Joyous Music-making - Cyprien Katsaris plays Mozart, heard by Robert Anderson. '... imbued with the very spirit of Mozart's Salzburg ...'


• CD Spotlight. Chalk and Cheese - The nylon-string guitar of Tony R Clef, heard by Howard Smith. '... extraordinary recorded clarity.'


• Ask Alice - On visiting the O2, and choosing between dentistry and music, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Exciting Sonorities - Oliver Rudland's 'The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark', enjoyed by Robert Anderson and a six-year-old friend


• Power and Delicacy - Alexander Romanovsky plays Haydn and Rachmaninov, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Luminous Scoring - Jongen, Dukas, Fauré, Respighi and Messiaen from Jonathan Scott, Cristian Mandeal and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Fine Collection - Operatic bass arias sung by William Powers, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... a formidable mixture of operatic styles ...'


• Merely Addictive? - Music and 'Godhead: The Brain's Big Bang', explored by Gordon Rumson


• CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Coupling - Mendelssohn and Franck quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. '... strenuous and compelling ...'


• CD Spotlight. Truly American - Spirituals, hymns and folk music, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... I have nothing but praise for the whole enterprise.'


• Ensemble. Thrilling Singing - Elgar and Duruflé with a surprise soloist, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On unruly behaviour on orchestral weekends and in concerts, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Tormented Souls - Sex and power in the aftermath of a Middle Eastern war, when 'Semiramide' opens the opera season in Naples, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Stunning Portrayals - Debussy and Bartók, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Buoyant Works - A recital by Amber Yiu-Hsuan Liao, heard by Howard Smith. '... often engaging and perfectly serviceable.'


• CD Spotlight. Imitative Textures - Choral music by Giaches de Wert, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The singing is of the standard King's College effortlessly produces.'


• CD Spotlight. Soundscapes and Ornithology - Music by Jonathan Harvey, heard by Jennifer Paull. '... spiritual mind and fertile imagination ...'


• CD Spotlight. Restful Indeed - English music by Hurd, Milford and Blackford, heard by Howard Smith. '... an ideal approach in music of pastoral character.'


• Ensemble. Convincing Jazz - Will Todd's 'Mass in Blue', heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Date with the Devil - Gounod's 'Faust' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Fascinatingly Varied - The Eblana String Trio and David Curington at Derby Chamber Music, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Alert - Handel Works for Italy, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Lucy Crowe has the range, agility, and subtlety ...'


• Ask Alice - Troubles and traumas at specialist music schools, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Fiery Impetuosity - Tchaikovsky orchestral music, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a powerful and committed performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Sheer Conviction - Handel's 'Agrippina', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Handel's music survives gloriously, with singers and orchestra at top voltage.'


• Courage and Finesse - A recital by pianist Arisu Nakao, heard by Bill Newman


• Tonal Refinement - Cédric Tiberghien plays Debussy Preludes, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Wagnerian Glory - 'Siegfried' from New York in HD, appreciated by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Tragic Programme - Tom Taffinder reports from Welsh National Opera


• Ensemble. Sharply Etched - Mozart and Shostakovich from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Romeo makes love to LA! - Barbier and Carré's version of Shakespeare, as set by Charles Gounod, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Truly Dexterous - Music for solo violin and viola, heard by Howard Smith. '... an urbane, ear-catching sound.'


• Ask Alice - A tale of six mottos, any number of mice, three cats, two vets, a conductor, a composer and a press release, from Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Unabashedly Melodic - Orchestral music by A Paul Johnson, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... performances that range from good to strong.'


• Ensemble. Brilliant Throughout - Kirill Karabits conducts the RPO, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Very Moving - A recital by Janine Jansen and Itamar Golan, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Pyrotechnic Skills - Lionel Cottet and Louis Schwizgebel-Wang play Beethoven, Schubert, Zanon and Brahms, and impress Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Faust versus Faust - Two concerts conducted by Antonio Pappano, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Imperious Disdain - Tchaikovsky's 'The Queen of Spades', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Enviable Technique - Rachmaninov piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. '... no compromise for the faint-hearted.'


• CD Spotlight. Immediately Appealing - Music by James Cohn, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'Conti is outstanding and in complete control throughout ...'


• Deliciously Bubbly - James Baillieu plays Beethoven, Schumann, Gottschalk and Paganini via Liszt, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Lyric Expressiveness - Russian music for cello and piano, recommended by Howard Smith. '... much here to praise ...'


• Ensemble. Saturday Delight - 'Don Giovanni' from New York Metropolitan Opera in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On modern cello recital repertoire, with Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. The Future? - A performance by Operama, reviewed by Karen Haid


• Ensemble. The Lady without the Lake - Rossini at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Innermost Passions - Ralph Kirshbaum and Shai Wosner play Beethoven, Janácek, Brahms and Schumann, enjoyed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Innumerable Delights - Rubinstein plays Chopin, heard by Robert Anderson. '... recordings of remarkable consistency ...'


• CD Spotlight. Appealing Performances - Guitar music by Ponce and Tansman, heard by Patric Standford. '... a real pleasure ...'


• Ensemble. Special Musical Connections - Bill Newman attends a fundraising concert for the Raphael Sommer Foundation


• CD Spotlight. Impetuous and Ruminative - Music for cello and piano by Schumann, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... imaginative gestures of great power and significance.'


• Ensemble. Nearly Late Romantic - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of the new production in Florence of Janácek's 'The Makropoulos Case'


• CD Spotlight. Delights Galore - Lyapunov's piano music impresses Bill Newman. '... endearing charm.'


• Ask Alice - On drowning out Katherine Jenkins, and a 77,000 person Mexican wave, with Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Pianistic Tribute - Jean-Yves Thibaudet plays Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson. '... remarkable performance ...'


• Ensemble. Rapturous Praises - Yasmin Rowe, Sarah Sew and Tadashi Imai at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Focussed Sound - The Hallé Orchestra plays Schubert, Dvorák and Beethoven, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Neatly Sung - Handel's 'Flavio' from English Touring Opera, by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Eyes of History - Piano music by Mussorgsky and Prokofiev, heard by Robert Anderson. '... good value ...'


• CD Spotlight. Moderate Interest - Chamber music by Craig Madden Morris, heard by Howard Smith. '... Kwak is a more than capable soloist ...'


• Vividly Captured - A piano recital by Richard Uttley, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Most Electrifying - Toscanini's Verdi Requiem from Carnegie Hall, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... I find the 1951 adrenalin rush positively exhilarating.'


• Ensemble. Bustling Energy - A mainly classical programme from Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Loads of Variety - Latin music from Rachel Barton Pine, recommended by Howard Smith. '... immaculate, relaxed, resonant performances ...'


• Ask Alice - On cellists playing violin, and a story about Cortot and Enescu, from Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. An Outright Winner - Dave Lee and friends' horn-centred pot pourri, strongly recommended by Howard Smith. '... positively mesmerizing ...'


• CD Spotlight. Farrago of Fun - The Hoffnung Music Festival Concert, recommended by Howard Smith. '... though these show their age, the sound remains adequate.'


• CD Spotlight. A Wealth of Gifts - Hugo Wolf's Mörike-Lieder, heard by Robert Anderson. '... much expressive dexterity ...'


• Ensemble. A Fine Representation - Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' at New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Sheer Triumph - Chicago's Music of the Baroque season opens with Beethoven and Mozart, reviewed by Barbara Sealock


• Ensemble. A Tale of Two Conductors - Robert Anderson attends two orchestral concerts in London


• Ensemble. Complex Orchestration - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Verdi Festival, which is short of money but not of ideas


• Ensemble. Energy and Grandeur - Derby Cathedral Choir celebrates the anniversary of William Boyce, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Dance Rhythms - A visit from the Moscow Philharmonic, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• DVD Spotlight. Beyond Criticism - Paul Galbraith plays Mozart, Bach and Britten, recommended by Howard Smith. '... palpable, near-orchestral grandeur.'


• Ask Alice - On solos and orchestra politics, with Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Seated on a Cloud - Vadim Gluzman and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vassily Sinaisky, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Clarity of Expression - Yasmin Rowe plays for the Keyboard Charitable Trust, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Intense and Believable - Handel's 'Xerxes', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Beautifully Controlled - Mike Wheeler listens to Suk, Dvorák, Ravel and Debussy from the Hallé Orchestra in Nottingham


• Ensemble. A Little Bit of Magic - Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Full-blooded Performance - Music for violin and piano by Ravel and Lekeu, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... the whole recital has rare commitment and power.'


• Ensemble. Time is a Strange Thing - Teatro Real, Paris Opéra and La Scala join forces for the centenary of 'Der Rosenkavalier', reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Romance, Intrigue and Tragedy - Gaetano Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Greg Moomjy


• Ensemble. An Extraordinary Performance - 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'Pagliacci' at Arizona Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - Tricky orchestra questions for the world's most vibrant Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Wonderful Playing - Christoph Eschenbach and the Vienna Philharmonic visit Brisbane, reviewed by Gillian Wills


• An Outstanding Evening - Bill Newman listens to American pianist Rorianne Schrade


• Ensemble. Infectious Verve - Los Angeles Opera's 'Così fan tutte', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Beautifully Played - Bill Newman attends two orchestral concerts at London's Royal Festival Hall


• Ensemble. A Memorable Evening - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on the Richard Strauss masterpiece co-produced by Rome's Teatro dell'Opera and the Salzburg Festival


• CD Spotlight. Imaginative Work - Chamber music by John Veale and Robert Crawford, heard by Patric Standford. '... well managed ...'


• Ask Alice - On desperation in singers and orchestral players, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Uncommon Joy - Florian Mitrea at London's St Martin-in-the-Fields, heard by Malcolm Troup


• Ensemble. The Grand Inquisitor - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the first performance of Alessandro Solbiati's 'La Leggenda' in Turin, and raises the issue of the replicability of modern grand opera


• CD Spotlight. Early Flowering - Music for Henry V and the House of Lancaster, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The six voices of the Binchois Consort are equally happy when heard one by one or as a group.'


• A Valedictory Confession - Peter Donohoe's complete Beethoven piano sonata cycle impresses Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Powerful Capabilities - Piano trios by Weinberg and Shostakovich, heard by Howard Smith. '... notable gusto ...'


• Ensemble. A fine performance - Tchaikovsky's 'Eugene Onegin' at Los Angeles Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Superb Realms - Puccini's 'Il Trittico', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Joining Forces - British Art Songs, heard by George Balcombe. '... a strong affinity ...'


• Ask Alice - On the cut-throat world of piano teaching, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sensitivity and Incisiveness - Enikö Magyar and Timothy End launch Derby Chamber Music's new season, and impress Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Sonorous Phrases - J S Bach keyboard concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a delightful and appropriate lightness.'


• Ensemble. Music and the Pride of a Nation - Giuseppe Pennisi takes a glimpse at the Enescu Festival's Jubilee programme


• CD Spotlight. Many Riches - The Deller Consort performs Purcell, recommended by George Balcombe. 'Alfred Deller is fantastic ...'


• Ensemble. Life-Enhancing - Jonathan Dove's 'Mansfield Park' reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. Castles from the Mist - Vassily Primakov plays Rachmaninov, recommended by Barbara Sealock. '... a triumph in more ways than one.'


• Ask Alice - On Nicola Benedetti, losing the 'Max' in Max Bruch and the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Strikingly Appropriate - Music by David Jephcott, heard by Howard Smith. '... drastically short on musical fibre.'


• Ensemble. To the Glory of God - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Sagra Musicale Umbra, celebrating old and new continents


• CD Spotlight. Hammer and Tongs - Franz Liszt funeral odes, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Orchestra and conductor have all the requisite diablerie.'


• Turning Gravity into Grace - Malcolm Troup has three encounters with the sublime


• CD Spotlight. Unpretentious but Satisfying - Piano music by Erik Chisholm, heard by Michael Graubart. '... effortless technique ...'


• Ensemble. Exciting Teamwork - Roderic Dunnett was in Worcester for the 2011 Three Choirs Festival


• CD Spotlight. Pure Welsh Magic - Richard Lewis, the great tenor, heard by Alice McVeigh. '... beg, borrow or steal.'


• Ask Alice - On stopping performances due to illicit recordings, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Double Experiment - Avant-garde and late romanticism at La Sagra Malatestiana, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. A Sure Affinity - Jocelyn Swigger plays American piano music, and impresses Howard Smith. '... bold dissonances, conveyed with commanding assurance.'


• Ensemble. Full Immersion - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on 'La Salustia' and 'La Serva Padrona' from the Pergolesi Festival


• CD Spotlight. Luxuriant Music - Orchestral works by Paul Dukas, heard by Patric Standford. '... a fine performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Opulent Sonorities - Brahms violin sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Zina Schiff has the range of tone colour and subtlety of vibrato to put the music convincingly across.'


• Ensemble. Shh ... Out! - Malcolm Miller was at the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's 75th Anniversary Prom for an audience composition to remember ...


• Ask Alice - On downloading Brahms Sextets and coping with Greek rodents, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Fiery Drama - 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'I Pagliacci' at New Zealand Opera, enjoyed by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Songs of Exiles - The Canterbury Cellos, heard by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Grand Style - Gregory Moomjy describes the sly return of Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen' to the magical forest of New York's Lincoln Center


• Ensemble. Illuminating the Spectrum - Contemporary music at Salzburg, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Persuasive Simplicity - Serghei Constantinov at Steinway Hall in London, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Superlative Performers - A buoyant divertissement of eclectic items, heartily recommended by Howard Smith. '... a true delight ...'


• A Firm Grasp - Peter Litman plays the organs of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Glorious Eroticism - Vocal music by Lassus, impresses Patric Standford. '... an impressive recording, beautifully sung ...'


• A Whimsical Novel - Edmund Bealby-Wright's 'This Farewell Symphony', read by Karen Haid


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is accused of ignoring the BBC Proms


• CD Spotlight. Coruscating Brilliance - Spanish inspirations for two pianists, heard by Robert Anderson. '[A] joyous recital ...'


• Great Things to Come - Malcolm Troup listens to a recital by the all-conquering but still largely unsung pianist Gloria Campaner


• Ensemble. The Legacy of Bel Canto - Rossini's 'William Tell' at the Caramoor Festival, discussed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. A Cautionary Tale - Pulitzer Prize-winning choral and orchestral music, heard by Karen Haid. '... an important and largely successful undertaking.'


• Ensemble. Faith and the Devil - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Janácek and Strauss at the Salzburg Summer Festival


• CD Spotlight. Zapped Fugues - Michael Kieran Harvey's tribute to Frank Zappa impresses Gordon Rumson. 'The virtuosity is astounding.'


• CD Spotlight. Diversely Exhilarating - Cheryl Barker pays tribute to Joan Hammond, heard by Howard Smith. '... four recital items have the ideal accompanist in Timothy Young ...'


• Musicianship and Panache - Michael Harris at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Tony Westerman


• Ever Responsive - Two recitals by Alberto Portugheis impress Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. A No-nonsense Approach - Orchestral music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. '... not quite the whole story.'


• Ensemble. Severity and Comedy - Offenbach's 'Tales of Hoffmann', commended by Gregory Moomjy


• Ensemble. A Real Triumph - The 2011 Sferisterio Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Compositional Thought - Piano music by John Corigliano, recommended by Karen Haid. 'Oppens and Lowenthal give strong performances of this music.'


• Ensemble. An Invaluable Experience - 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in New York, appreciated by Gregory Moomjy


• Finest Attributes - Wigmore Hall recitals by Danny Driver, and by Jack Liebeck and Katya Apekisheva, admired by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Patriot and Terrorist? - New aspects of Rossini brought to light at the 2011 Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, discussed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Thrill to Watch - Verdi's 'Nabucco' in HD from Sicily, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Consummate Artists - Malcolm Troup reports on the BPSE Summer Festival at London's Regent Hall, where for the first time Music, not consumerism, called the shots


• Ensemble. Sorcerers and Apprentices - Collaborative organ performances at Derby Cathedral by Peter Gould, Tom Corfield, Christopher Johns, Ben Bloor and Sachin Gunga delight Tony Westerman


• Ensemble. Dark Lyricism - Mark-Anthony Turnage's 'Greek' at the Buxton Festival, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Structural Thinking - Recitals on the organ at Derby Cathedral by Andrew Dewar, David Briggs and Anthony Hammond, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Asian Aid - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the 2011 Puccini Festival


• Ensemble. Sparkling Delight - Shirley Ratcliffe hears I Fagiolini at the Holt Festival


• Ensemble. Santa Fe, The City Different - Maria Nockin enjoys the summer opera fare in North America's oldest capital city


• Ensemble. A Delicate Balance - Giuseppe Pennisi has mixed feelings about 'Aida' at the Baths of Caracalla


• DVD Spotlight. Blocks of Snow - 'Cavalleria rusticana' and 'Pagliacci', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... not always marooned in frozen wastes.'


• DVD Spotlight. Seldom Equalled - Michelangeli plays Beethoven, Galuppi and Scarlatti, and impresses Howard Smith. 'His relentless perfectionism allows him spellbinding precision ...'


• DVD Spotlight. A Modern Orfeo - Music by Elodie Lauten, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... a pleasing half-hour chamber opera ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Creative Ageing? - Biana Kovic's 'Virtuoso', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... there's little new here at all.'


• DVD Spotlight. Imaginatively Produced - Mesut Özgen plays contemporary guitar music, enjoyed by Patric Standford. '... an impressive performer who selects a distinctive repertoire ...'


• DVD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Ballets choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'Apart from the galvanised buckets it's all effectively eye-catching ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Outrageously Flamboyant - Christian Lindberg as trombonist, composer and conductor, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... an extraordinary character ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Refined Qualities - Minkus' 'Don Quijote' from the Ballet Nacional de Cuba impresses Gerald Fenech. '... gorgeous sound and visuals.'


• DVD Spotlight. Doubly Effective - A classic documentary with music by Copland, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a fascinating picture of America ...'


• DVD Spotlight. A Needless Diversion - 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The applause of the Amsterdam audience is notably muted.'


• DVD Spotlight. A Common Objective - The Ramallah Concert, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a tremendous, emotional, not-to-be-missed experience.'


• DVD Spotlight. A Disparate Experiment - 'Aria - Special Edition', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'You never know what you're gonna get.'


• DVD Spotlight. Dramatic Truth - Giuseppe Verdi's 'Don Carlo', reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a strong candidate for the library shelves.'


• Ask Alice - On becoming a 'musicians are smarter' sceptic, and swimming to France across the English Channel, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• DVD Spotlight. Wonderfully Resourceful - Rossini's 'Il Turco in Italia', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The orchestra under Antonello Allemandi seem to have relished the evening as much as I did.'


• DVD Spotlight. Not for Everyone - A collaboration between Turnage and Scofield, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... well executed ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Admirable Intentions - Gillian Rogell teaches chamber music, observed by Howard Smith. 'It's all fairly basic stuff ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Characteristic Schubert - 'Alfonso und Estrella', appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... splendidly sung and played ...'


• CD Spotlight. Often Spectacular - The American String Project, seen and heard by Patric Standford. 'The performers are undoubtedly superb ...'


• Great Energy - Timothy Byram-Wigfield plays the organ at Derby Cathedral and impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On pain caused by too much practicing, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Charming and Lively - Piano music by Ricky Ian Gordon, recommended by Robert Hugill. 'Nauman plays ... consummately ...'


• Ensemble. Wagner in the Alps - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from the 2011 Tiroler Festspiele


• Ensemble. Immense Promise - Malcolm Miller reports on the recent Israeli and Bloch music competitions


• Ensemble. Sheer Brilliance - Rossini's 'William Tell', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Uncommonly Addictive - Choral music by Eriks Esenvalds, recommmended by Howard Smith. '... exciting music of the utmost graciousness.'


• Ensemble. Emotional Awakening - More from the Buxton Festival, with Mike Wheeler


• Mysterious and Interesting - Hans Hielscher at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. The Passing of Time - Donizetti's 'Maria di Rohan' at the Buxton Festival impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On complaining about music exam results, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. The Quality of Mercy - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the 2011 Aix-en-Provence Festival and reports on four of the six operas


• CD Spotlight. Keyboard Diablerie - Beethoven Sonatas and Symphonies, heard by Robert Anderson. '... stunning performance ...'


• Ensemble. Tremendously Exciting - The Dante Quartet at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Great Performances - Dvorák's Cello and Piano Concertos, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... it's a pleasure to hear Mstislav Rostropovich at this early stage of his career ...'


• Ensemble. Achingly Beautiful - Vivaldi's 'La verità in cimento' at Garsington Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. Subtly Harmonized - Moeran solo folksong arrangements delight Patric Standford. '... a delightful exploration of the sensitive and creative treatment of folksongs ...'


• Ask Alice - On temporary disability and bias in music competitions, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Formidable Hurdles - Music by George Rochberg, heard by Howard Smith. '... an eloquent performance, effectively recorded.'


• Profile. All-Involving - Turkish pianist Idil Biret talks to Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Compelling and Pleasurable - Arthur Friedheim plays Liszt, Chopin, Gottschalk and Henselt, heard by Patric Standford. '... a slightly improvisatory interpretation ...'


• CD Spotlight. Seductive Rhythms - Reconstructed Gershwin piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Alicia Zizzo ... can tackle whatever bravura demands Gershwin may make on her ...'


• New Contexts - Malcolm Miller reports on a recent Symposium on Beethoven's Diabelli Variations


• A Stunning Voice - A recital by Vuyani Mlinde impresses Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - On intonation in cello sections, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• New Talent - Hannah Yip's Derby Cathedral recital impresses Mike Wheeler


• Fun to Read - 'Dwynwen's Feast' by I H Smythe, read by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. No Sense or Sensibility - George Balcombe dismisses Patrick Piggott's book about music in the life and writings of Jane Austen


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Mastery - Beethoven Piano Concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... worth a king's ransom.'


• CD Spotlight. Subtle Touches - 'Die schöne Müllerin', heard by Robert Anderson. '... a memorable performance.'


• Ensemble. Overtly Operatic - Sinfonia Viva's summer schools' residency project, attended by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Lasting Magic - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the Italian premiere in Ravenna of Mercadante's 'I Due Figaro'


• CD Spotlight. Unaffected Restraint - Halida Dinova plays music that tells stories, heard by Howard Smith. '... a mesmerising interpreter ...'


• Ask Alice - Irate choral singers, grade exams and tendonitis, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Serious Intentions - Bill Newman listens to Stephen Hough


• Ensemble. Exotic Soundscapes - Two London concerts featuring music from the opera to the orient, attended by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. A Choral Delight - The Antioch Chamber Ensemble, heard by Patric Standford. '... most valuable.'


• Ensemble. Vocal Passion - Maria Nockin makes a virtual visit to Covent Garden for Verdi's 'Macbeth'


• Ensemble. A Conductor's Opera - A new production of Puccini's 'La bohème' at Rome's Teatro dell'Opera, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Especially Satisfying - Music by Lee Actor, strongly recommended by Ron Bierman. '... an outstanding release.'


• Ask Alice - Agony aunt Alice McVeigh goes for zero classical music content in her latest rantings on social networking, sport and mice, guaranteed to annoy the editor (her only remaining reader)


• CD Spotlight. A Towering Rage - Shostakovich's Symphony No 11, heard by Robert Anderson. '... total conviction.'


• Ensemble. An Important Milestone - Robert Hugill was at Grange Park Opera's 'Tristan and Isolde'


• Ensemble. A Formidable Climax - Steve Reich at 75 - Repetitions, Resonances and Renewals, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Warmly Spontaneous - Ravel songs, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... utter conviction ...'


• CD Spotlight. Powerfully Atmospheric - Arvo Pärt's Symphony No 4, heard by Patric Standford. '... calm, simple and strong.'


• CD Spotlight. Striking Power - Leslie Howard plays Rachmaninov, heard by Howard Smith. '... a staggering technique.'


• Ask Alice - A possible threat to the punctuation supremacy of classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Vitally Sung - Heritage Opera's 'Così fan tutte' impresses Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Dramatically Potent - Robert Hugill was at Chelsea Opera Group's performance of Puccini's 'Manon Lescaut'


• Ensemble. Musical Outlooks - Bill Newman attends a selection of concerts at London's Wigmore Hall


• Ensemble. A Complete Delight - Wagner's 'Die Walküre' at New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed in HD from Arizona by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Equal Partners - Chamber music by Barbara Harbach, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. '... more humor than can be found in the entire oeuvre of many contemporary composers.'


• Ensemble. A Deep Impression - Rory Macdonald conducts the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Genuinely Touching - Janácek's 'From the House of the Dead', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Hokey Plot? - Mike Wheeler was at Opera North's 'Fidelio'


• Ask Alice - On the rising cost of music hire, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Smoochy - The Royal Philharmonic's Gershwin celebration in Nottingham, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Towards a Better World - Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra are currently on a world tour. Giuseppe Pennisi listens to their concert in Rome


• Ensemble. Unique Harmonies - Shostakovich's 'Moscow, Cherry Town', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Artistic Freedom - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the sophisticated music festival in a Tuscan mountain convent and stays for the full three days


• Ensemble. Simple but Effective - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare' in Versailles, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. When Verdi Slept - 'La Battaglia di Legnano', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Tuning in Afresh - Bill Newman listens to Bulgarian pianist Vesselin Stanev


• Ask Alice - On 'Swinging Samson' and musicians' brains, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Seductive Lyricism - Walton and Barber Violin Concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Bowes is wonderfully convincing on all counts.'


• CD Spotlight. Outside the Box - A recital by Gunnar Johansen, heard by Howard Smith. '... a floodtide of seismic power and romantic fervor ...'


• Profile. Humanizing Emotions - American conductor James Conlon talks to Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Spiritual Outpourings - CD Spotlight. Spiritual Outpourings. Alexander Romanovsky plays Rachmaninov, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... passion and elegance.'


• Ensemble. Uncurbed Impulses - Bizet's 'Carmen' at San Diego Opera, appreciated by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Original but Controversial - 'Sicilian Vespers' as conceived by Verdi, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh says farewell to her musician aunt


• Ensemble. Highly Atmospheric - Massenet's 'Werther', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Ready Solace - Brahms piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Atzinger is at his best ...'


• Ensemble. In Fine Style - George Frideric Handel's 'L'Allegro, Il Penseroso ed Il Moderato', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Vividly Characterised - Alexei Stepanov conducts the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Intense Confrontation - Verdi's 'Ernani' - more revolutionary than patriotic, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Truly Beautiful - Gounod's 'Faust' at San Diego Opera delights Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Remarkable Development - Quilter songs from Trevor Alexander and Peter Crockford impress Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Very Credible - Verdi's 'Il Trovatore' from New York Metropolitan Opera in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Dramatic Beauty - Works by Eötvös and Bartók, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Delightfully Engaging - Alison Balsom plays Hummel's Trumpet Concerto, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Touching Portrait - Shostakovich chamber music, heard by Mary Isaac


• Palpable Sincerity - Robin Daniels pays tribute to the Scottish tenor Kenneth McKellar (1927-2010)


• Ensemble. More Fantasy? - Robert Hugill has reservations about Terry Gilliam's production of Berlioz's 'The Damnation of Faust'


• CD Spotlight. A Hint of Bitters - Music by William Ferris, heard by Howard Smith. 'Well worth investigating.'


• Ask Alice - On Royal-Wedding-itis, cello rosin and a thumbs up for Obama, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Ambiguous Alchemy - Choral music by Jonathan Harvey, explored by Jennifer Paull. '... truly spellbinding ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Eupeptic Vitality - Mozart and Michael Haydn for violin and viola, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Maya Magub makes a very effective protagonist ...'


• Ensemble. Christ Re-Crucified - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the Italian première of Bohuslav Martinu's Greek Passion


• CD Spotlight. Inestimable Worth - Joan Sutherland's debut recital, assessed by Howard Smith. 'No other single disc has these historic performances.'


• Ensemble. An Engrossing Performance - Bach's 'St John Passion' from the Richard Roddis Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Great Success - Sergey Sobolev plays Chopin, Liszt and Schumann, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Historical Fantasy - Rimsky-Korsakov's 'The Tsar's Bride', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Vibrant Music - Mendelssohn Trio and Sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... ready skill and deft handling ...'


• Ensemble. Extreme Sex - Set in the aftermath of a nuclear war, the first performance of Luca Francesconi's 'Quartett' is reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Rapturous Beauty - Richard Strauss's 'Capriccio', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Positively Spellbinding - Music for clarinet, piano and cello, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a fine recording ...'


• Ensemble. Total Concentration - Juan Diego Flórez sings Rossini's 'Le Comte Ory', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Sympathetic Hand - Jane Glover accompanies Felicity Lott's Mozart, heard by Robert Anderson. '... joyous music-making.'


• CD Spotlight. Eclectic Style - A triple concerto by Graham Reynolds, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'Performances are equal to the occasion ...'


• Profile. A Nurturing Environment - Maria Nockin talks to American mezzo Kate Lindsey


• Ensemble. Finely Balanced - Mike Wheeler listens to Derby Choral Union


• Ensemble. Orchestral Nuances - Thanks to a sparkling 'Barber of Seville', Giuseppe Pennisi rediscovers the beauty of Rossini's orchestration


• Ensemble. Meticulously Handled - The Rivoli String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Haunting Beauty - Britten song cycles, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Nothing can detract from the magic ...'


• CD Spotlight. Meant to Last - J S Bach cello suites, enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... brilliance and beauty ...'


• Ensemble. Great Delicacy - Mike Wheeler listens to the Hallé Orchestra in Liszt, Schumann and Brahms


• Ensemble. A Great Occasion - The Derby Roundhouse debut as a concert hall, described by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Rewarding Performances - Arizona Opera's 'The Abduction from the Seraglio', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Too Clever by Half - A very British version of Mozart's 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail' returns to Rome, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Stupid questions and idiotic social networking, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Unmissable Talents - An array of artists at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Hope for the Future? - Roderic Dunnett experiences Peter Maxwell Davies' new opera 'Kommilitonen!'


• CD Spotlight. Witness to Atrocities - The poetry of Anna Akhmatova, heard by Howard Smith. '... a cause for unstinting applause and praise.'


• Ensemble. Poise and Grace - Bill Newman listens to Emre Engin and Alison Rhind


• Ensemble. Golden Sounds - 'Der Rosenkavalier' in San Diego impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Composer's Authority? - J S Bach transcribed for guitar, heard by Robert Anderson. '... consummate skill ...'


• Mahler versus Mahler - Two symphony orchestras are playing Mahler in Rome, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Somewhat Lacklustre - Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, heard by Howard Smith. '... a tumultuous, dynamic conclusion.'


• Variety of Mood - Brahms and Stanford from The Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Orchestral Story-telling - Mike Wheeler listens to Strauss, Rimsky-Korsakov and Khachaturian from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra


• A Pleasant Evening - Lisa Friend and Mark Kinkaid in recital, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. To Suit the Voice - Gregory Moomjy takes a sneak peek at the divas and divos of tomorrow, as heard at New York Metropolitan Opera's National Council auditions


• Confident and Artistic - Thomas Hicks wins first prize in the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's annual Junior Competition, reported by Julian Jacobson


• Ensemble. New Ideas - Malcolm Miller enjoys the Meitar Ensemble in concert and reports on the conference 'Art Musics of Israel'


• Ensemble. Freedom and Passion - A Ferrero / Dallapiccola double bill in Modena, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Trendy in Bromley, and bluesy music with a twist, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Exuberantly Florid Writing - Mike Wheeler listens to António Teixeira's Te Deum


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Rendition - Donizetti's 'Lucia di Lammermoor', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Depth of Concentration - Stephen Kovacevich plays Beethoven, Schumann and Bach, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Tad More Sensual - Simon Keenlyside sings Don Giovanni with the Cleveland Orchestra, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. Surprisingly Believable - Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw' impresses Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - Technology and music, plus Elgar in Lowestoft, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. An Irresistible First - Handel's 'Xerxes' in Wellington, New Zealand, enjoyed by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. An Exciting Evening - Jonas Kaufmann's Los Angeles recital impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. An Individual Spirituality - Contemporary music from London's Trinity Laban Conservatoire, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Sex and Absolute Power - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare in Egitto', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Deeply Expressive - Mahler, Weber and Strauss at Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Poise and Vitality - Mike Wheeler listens to Lucille Burns and Catherine Milledge


• Ensemble. Deeply Satisfying - Outreach work for Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Perfection Itself - Michail Lifits at London's Wigmore Hall delights Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Varied Moods - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, heard by Robert Anderson. '... admirably captured ...'


• Ensemble. Simple and Effective - A new production of Verdi's 'Nabucco' celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italy's Unification, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Different Couples - English Touring Opera's 'La Clemenza di Tito', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Riveting Characterization - Verdi's 'Otello' at Arizona Opera impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Distinct Insights - Dejan Lazic plays Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... a crisp, vernal, excellently deliniated performance ...'


• Ensemble. Vigour and Brilliance - The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra plays Adams, Bernstein, Falla and Gershwin, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Impressive Achievement - Berlioz's 'The Trojans' at Berlin's Deutsche Oper, assessed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - A brief encounter with field-mice, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Real Triumph - The first Milan performance of Britten's 'Death in Venice' impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Inside the Music - Mike Wheeler listens to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra


• Ensemble. An Eclectic Mix - Mieczyslaw Weinberg's 'The Portrait' at Opera North, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Think Again - A Late Review of Anvil (and some musings on Classical Music Equivalents), by Gordon Rumson


• Malcolm Smith (1932-2011) - A celebration, not an obituary, by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Happy Melodies - Rossini's 'Il Turco in Italia' delights Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. The Wizard from Oz - David Arditti attends a celebration for the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Percy Grainger


• Ask Alice - Correspondence between film maker Phil Grabsky and classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Zip and Sparkle - Alexandra Dariescu plays Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin and Constantin Silvestri, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - The London Mozart Trio impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Riotous Production - Mark Anthony Turnage's 'Anna Nicole', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Lyrical Richness - Arensky Piano Trios, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The Rachmaninov Trio Moscow plays with obvious affection for the music and enviable skill.'


• Protect and Survive - Mike Wheeler was at the Annual Conference of the Association of British Orchestras


• Ensemble. Psychological Portraits - Opera North's 'Carmen', experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Richly Expressive - The Cleveland Orchestra begins its annual South Florida residency, by Lawrence Budmen


• CD Spotlight. Do we get it? - Contemporary Canadian music for marimba, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'Meunier proves equal to all the demands ...'


• Ensemble. Full of Irony - Shostakovich's 'The Nose', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - In search of Beethoven and stress-free jobs, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. High Standards - Bill Newman listens to various artists at London's Wigmore Hall


• CD Spotlight. Vital and Committed - Music for string quartet by Janácek and Dvorák , recommended by Robert Anderson. '... an outstanding disc ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Strange Choice - Violin concertos by Vivaldi, heard by Howard Smith. '... reliable and persuasive ...'


• CD Spotlight. Tough Assignment - Michelle Stebleton plays music for solo horn, and Paul Sarcich is impressed. '... both musical and technical satisfaction ...'


• Absolutely Outstanding - Kotaro Fukuma's performances of Schumann, Chopin and Liszt amaze Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Consummate Artistry - The Israel Piano Trio, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. A New Light - Gregory Moomjy listens to Tchaikovsky from Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic


• Ensemble. Fresh and Gleaming - Sinfonia Viva's performance at the 2011 Association of British Orchestras conference impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On grooming violin superstars and oriental domination, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Emphasis on Personalities - John Adams' 'Nixon in China', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Stylish and Powerful - Donizetti's 'Belisario', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Sovereign Advocacy - Haydn, Hummel, Leopold Mozart and Neruda trumpet concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... expect nothing but the best ...'


• CD Spotlight. Delicate Mastery - Orchestral music by Glazunov, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... dashingly done ...'


• CD Spotlight. Great Fluency - Music by Pierre Moulu, heard by George Balcombe. '... magically moving individual lines and harmonies.'


• CD Spotlight. Instinctive Artistry - Jill Crossland plays Mozart and Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... a distinctive, beautifully considered performance.'


• Ensemble. Great Sensitivity - The Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Splendid Performance - Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, heard by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. A Magnificent Celebration - Three Rodrigo guitar concertos, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Alfonso Moreno is a superb protagonist, technically impeccable ...'


• CD Spotlight. Knowledge and Imagination - Lavinia Meijer plays recent music for harp, and impresses Paul Sarcich. '... an exceptional player ...'


• Ensemble. Stunning Musical Performance - Donizetti's 'Lucrezia Borgia', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Full of Delights - Nicola Benedetti and the European Union Chamber Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Drama and Comedy - British humour under the Neapolitan sun, in 'L'Elisir d'Amore' in Rome and San Francisco, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Smooth Delivery - Maria Nockin was at San Diego for Puccini's 'Turandot'


• Ensemble. For King, Country and Sex - Marco Tutino's 'Senso', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - An overdose of Mozart and crazy fitness machines, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Deeply Satisfying - Elena Kuschnerova plays J S Bach, selected by Howard Smith. '... decisive and fresh as a dewfall.'


• CD Spotlight. Unjustly Neglected - Orchestral tone poems by Boughton and Bainton impress Robert Anderson. '... performed with conviction and sensitivity ...'


• Ensemble. The Quality of Mercy - Verdi's 'La Forza del Destino', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Variety within Unity - A special concert dedicated to the music of British composer Ian Stewart, heard by Mary Isaac


• Ensemble. Opulent and Effective - Puccini's 'Turandot' in Arizona, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Fun with the Slides - Haydn, Shostakovich and Beethoven from The Aves Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Unmistakably French - 'Les Nuits d'Eté', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi from Rome's Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia


• Ask Alice - On strengthening fingers and selling cellos, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• An Ever-Active Hive - Robert Anderson examines the latest score from Acuta Music


• CD Spotlight. Quite Breathtaking - David Korevaar plays Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, admired by Howard Smith. '... lots to admire ...'


• CD Spotlight. Finely Displayed - Alfred Brendel plays Liszt, recommended by Robert Anderson. 'Michael Gielen backs Brendel's eloquence with unobtrusive skill.'


• Ensemble. Unmistakably American - William Bolcom's 'A View from the Bridge', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Beautifully Sung - An evening with Juan-Diego Flórez, by Robert Hugill


• Subtly Controlled - Spanish pianist Javier Perianes plays Schubert, Chopin, Debussy and Falla, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On pensions, money, burglars, bankers and teeth, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Poignant Sounds - String quartets by Peter Garland, heard by Patric Standford. '... remote and apparently disengaged ...'


• Ensemble. A Memorable Programme - Bach Cantatas at London's Royal Academy of Music, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Unmistakably Italian - A fresh start for Gnecchi's 'Cassandra', by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Excellent Performance - Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic at the Movies, seen and heard by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Perfectly Adequate - Jacques Rouvier's Debussy Préludes, heard by Julian Jacobson. '... the performances lack a degree of intensity and personal involvement.'


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Rendition - Puccini's 'La Fanciulla del West' at the movies impresses Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - The trouble with banks, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Inspired Artistry - The Israel Piano Trio at London's Wigmore Hall, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Mediterranean Splendour - Dancing to Bizet's 'L'Arlésienne' and 'Carmen', by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Many Levels - Chamber music by Mozart and Smetana, heard by Howard Smith. '... judged to perfection ...'


• New Year Blues - A roundup of recent London concerts by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Brave Assurance - Elmar Oliveira plays J S Bach, heard by Robert Anderson. '... full and vibrant ...'


• Ensemble. Eros versus Thanatos - 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in Paris, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On schools and academies, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sensitive and Vivid - Laura Isaacson and Patricia Capone, heard by Mary Isaac


• CD Spotlight. Elegaic Melancholy - A new recording from Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, exceeds Howard Smith's highest expectations. '... beyond criticism ...'


• Real Individuality - Julian Jacobson was at the 2010 Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition


• CD Spotlight. An Appropriate Memorial - Songs by Moeran, Warlock and Geoffrey Stern, heard by Patric Standford. '... a well balanced programme and clean, clear studio performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. Aristocratic in Inspiration - Matthew Cameron plays Liszt, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... dignity and eloquence.'


• CD Spotlight. A Compelling Magnetism - Elena Kuschnerova plays Musorgsky, heard by Howard Smith. '... superbly evocative ...'


• Boundless Energy - Warren Mailley-Smith, heard by Mary Isaac


• CD Spotlight. Supreme as Duettist - Schubert for piano four hands, heard by Robert Anderson. '... delicious passagework.'


• Ensemble. Music and Art - Karen Haid experiences Roma Opera Omnia