A selection of M&V 'United Kingdom' articles

Ensemble. Vividly Colourful - Nikolaj Znaider conducts the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beautifully Captured - Mike Wheeler listens to the Mavron Quartet

Ensemble. Restrained Intensity - Mike Wheeler drops in on the City of London Sinfonia's Fauré Requiem tour

Ensemble. A Fascinating Insight - Georg Tintner's 'The Ellipse' and music by other Viennese émigrés, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. A Virtuoso Storm - Alexander Romanovsky joins Cristian Mandeal and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Prism of Time - Malcolm Miller looks back to a Simon Bainbridge performance last summer, and forward to Wigmore Hall's Bainbridge Study Day this month

Ensemble. Warmly Resonant - J S Bach's B minor Mass, heard in Derby Cathedral by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. War and Peace - Music by Karabits and Silvestrov, heard by Howard Smith. 'Another enterprising feather in Naxos' richly plumaged cap.'

A Thoughtful Account - Richard Uttley plays Beethoven, Grieg, Britten, Bartók, Debussy, Timothy Jackson, Liszt and Schumann, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Warmth and Clarity - Smetana, Beethoven and Dvořák from The Czech Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Consummate Skill - Music for newly designed oboes impresses Patric Standford. '... as fascinating and challenging as it is revelatory.'

Ensemble. Profoundly Moving - Sibelius and Elgar from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Mature or Immature? - Roderic Dunnett asks some questions about 'Die Feen', a Wagner rarity performed recently by Chelsea Opera Group

CD Spotlight. A Manipulating Baton - Rachmaninov orchestral music, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Vasily Petrenko gives us an extreme interpretation ...'

Ensemble. Vindictive Depths - Mike Wheeler was at Opera North's 'Otello'

Ensemble. Breaking Silence - Gergely Madaras conducts Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Fierce Snarling - Sinfonia Viva's latest schools residency project, experienced by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Truly Powerful - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences Ravenna's first performance of Britten's 'The Rape of Lucretia'

Ensemble. Involving and Engrossing - Derby Bach Choir's St John Passion impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Expert Young Performers - Haydn's 'Creation' at Harrow School, heard by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Young Turks in Kensington - Jaqueline Tu, Ensemble 111 and Thibauld Back de Surany, heard by Michael Tremberth

Ensemble. Startlingly Effective - Purcell and Poulenc from Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Shimmer, Sizzle and Shock - Roderic Dunnett is enthralled by Alban Berg's 'Lulu', currently on tour with Welsh National Opera

Ensemble. Deeply Moving - Handel, Elgar and Mahler, heard by Mike Wheeler

Rich Colours - Mike Wheeler listens to the Eblana String Trio and pianist Andrew Dunlop

Ease of Technique - Malcolm Miller listens to the competitors at the 2013 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition

Impressive Control - A piano recital by Richard Uttley, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Enduring Legacy - Sibelius symphonies, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an important enterprise ...'

Ensemble. Exhilaratingly Refreshing - Yutaka Sado and the BBC Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler

Beautifully Judged - Mike Wheeler listens to Finnish pianist Juho Pohjonen

Ensemble. Something more Exotic - Camels on the Silk Road, experienced by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Cruelly Written Out - Simon Broughton listens to works by Gideon Klein and Hans Krása

Ensemble. Nimble Playing - Music for saxophone and piano played by Huw Wiggin and James Sherlock, heard by Mike Wheeler

Life around the Piano - Pianos and Wine - Jaqueline C Tu compares the selection of alcohol and musical instruments

CD Spotlight. Novel Results - The first release on Robert King's new label, heard by Robert Anderson. '... may lack something in grandeur but nothing in subtlety.'

Ensemble. Orchestral Colours - Garry Walker conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Wholly Inspiring - A recital by Elaine Huckle, heard by Howard Smith. '... her tonal resources are robust and the delivery pleasingly straightforward.'

Ensemble. Deeply Sensitive - Mike Wheeler listens to the European Union Chamber Orchestra

Fromage Dangereux - French-Canadian pianist Louise Bessette, heard by Mike Wheeler

Think of Something Beautiful - Malcolm Miller pays tribute to contralto Sybil Michelow

Ask Alice - An encounter with Birtwistle's Minotaur at Covent Garden, for Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Life around the Piano - In the first of a new series, Jaqueline C Tu describes a tussle with a small pianist

CD Spotlight. A Winning Combination - Songs, ballads and rondos based on Haydn, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... unfailingly practiced in late eighteenth century performing style ...'

CD Spotlight. Inescapably Attentive - British music for piano duo, heard by Howard Smith. '... Mercury emerges with captivating ethereal qualities.'

CD Spotlight. Elegant Precision - A recital by Charlotte de Rothschild, heard by Howard Smith. '... consistently reliable ...'

Ensemble. Perennial Themes - A winter programme from Passamezzo, heard by Emma Tristram

Ensemble. Sturm und Drang - The Gould Piano Trio, heard by Michael Tremberth

CD Spotlight. Muscular and Energetic - Orchestral music by Witold Lutoslawski, heard by Howard Smith. '... played with conspicuous élan ...'

Ensemble. A Seasonal Nod - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Charisma, Punch and Pull - Roderic Dunnett listens to Valery Gergiev conduct Szymanowski and promote the opening of Mariinsky2

Ensemble. On Sparkling Form - Derby Cathedral Choir's Handel 'Messiah', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Gallic Sheen - Christmas choral music from Arsys Bourgogne, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a well-recommended stocking-filler ...'

Ensemble. Crunchy Bitonality - Music by Julian Dawes, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Bounce and Swagger - Musica Donum Dei's 'Handel and Other Visitors to London', heard by Mike Wheeler

An Uplifting Concert - Malcolm Miller was at the 20th Intercollegiate Beethoven Piano Competition

CD Spotlight. Highly Recommended - Music for Advent intrigues Gerald Fenech. '... one of the discs of the year as far as choral music is concerned ...'

Ensemble. Whizzy Visuals - Gounod's 'Faust', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Elements of Panto - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' entertains Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Natural Stage Presence - Guild Music's concert to celebrate the launch of two new CDs, reviewed by Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Passionate Urgency - Janácek's 'The Makropoulos Case', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Full Rein - Derby Bach Choir sings Haydn, Vivaldi and Beethoven, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Splendid Violinist - Peter Fisher's 'Music from the Movies', enjoyed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Taking Risks - English Touring Opera's Autumn productions, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

CD Spotlight. Special Enchantment - Richard Hickox's 'Light of Life' impresses Howard Smith. '... Chandos/Hickox win hands down.'

Ensemble. Elegant as well as Functional - Thomas Adès' 'The Tempest' live in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. An Inspired Choice - Benjamin Ellin, Elgar, Grieg, Dvorák and Janácek from Mark Elder, Jamie Phillips and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Serene Flow - Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Dvorák from the Aquinas Piano Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Poise and Charm - Poulenc, Debussy and Puccini from Derby Choral Union, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Finely Judged - Chinese pianist Di Xiao, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Spirited Playing - Matthew Coorey conducts Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Contrapuntal Flight - Piano duos by Hans Gál, heard by Robert Anderson. '... played with their customary skill by Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow.'

Most Impressive - Bill Newman listens to Swiss-Italian pianist Francesco Piemontesi

Ensemble. Transfiguration and Redemption - Vaughan Williams' 'Pilgrim's Progress', appreciated by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Two Worlds - Malcolm Miller looks forward to the Wagner bicentenary and back to a semi-staged performance of Jonathan Harvey's 'Wagner Dream'

CD Spotlight. Skillful and Imaginative - Music by Arlene Sierra impresses Patric Standford. '... an impressive and valuable first volume introduction ...'

Ensemble. Fairy-tale Magic - Mike Wheeler listens to the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra

Ensemble. Achingly Beautiful - Agostino Steffani's 'Orlando Generoso', experienced by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Exquisitely Floated - Soprano Catrin Woodruff joins the Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Great Delicacy - Jenny Lin at Notttingham's Royal Concert Hall, heard by Mike Wheeler

Lucidity of Touch - Leonora Armellini plays for the Keyboard Trust, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Total Rapport - Jonathan Dormand and Marisa Gupta's Fauré, Brahms and Prokofiev impress Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Intertwining Counterpoint - The St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Cerebral Performances - Liszt-Wagner piano paraphrases, heard by Howard Smith. 'Fisch performs these transcriptions with striking clarity and communicative sensitivity.'

Ensemble. A Notable Evening - Music by Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky and Taneyev, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. New Light - Mozart's Requiem from the Sitwell Singers impresses Mike Wheeler

Superbly Realised - Llyr Williams plays for the Chopin Society UK, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Expressive Power - Malcolm Miller listens to The Sixteen's 'The Earth Resounds'

Pianistic Colour - Jong-Gyung Park at Derby Chamber Music impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Relaxed Evening - Bill Newman attends a 'family sing-song' event in London

CD Spotlight. Tonal Clarity - Music by Jonathan Little, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully performed ...'

Ensemble. A Fabulous Evening - Hokusai Chamber Orchestra's memorial concert for the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami impresses Bill Newman

Ensemble. The Flame of Music - Malcolm Troup reports on new arrivals from China and Lithuania at the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Summer Festival in London

Ensemble. A Taste for Melody - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Spontini's recently discovered comedy 'La Fuga in Maschera'

CD Spotlight. Buxom and Comely? - Music by Gustav Holst, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... music of charm and individuality.'

Ensemble. A Fervent Spirit - Malcolm Miller muses on the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra's recent Beethoven and Boulez cycle in London

Ensemble. Brazilian Flags - The Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms, heard by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Glorious Singing - A recital by Alice Coote and Graham Johnson, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... interpreted with great zest and passion ...'

CD Spotlight. Fascinating Music - Works from the Eton Choirbook, heard by Robert Anderson. '... vibrant and alive.'

Superb Control - Tom Corfield gives ths last of this summer's Derby Cathedral summer organ recitals, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Uniquely English - A tribute to violinist Ralph Holmes, heard by Howard Smith. '... an invigorating spontaneity ...'

Beautifully Played - Terence Bennett listens to organist David Liddle

A Challenging Listen - Peter Gould at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Terence Bennett

DVD Spotlight. Brilliant - Music from Tyneside and beyond, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a rich cavalcade of internationally known and local singers ...'

Calmness and Frenzy - H J Lim plays at Wigmore Hall, and Bill Newman passes judgement

CD Spotlight. Real Worth - Orchestral music by Patric Standford stimulates Robert Anderson. 'All the music on this CD is logical, intelligible, and gripping.'

Ensemble. The Finest of Them All - The 2012 Hereford Three Choirs Festival, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Purity of Sound - Richard Strauss, Fauré, Debussy, Poulenc, Wolf and Berg from Christiane Karg and Malcolm Martineau, heard by Bill Newman

Spell-Binding - A recital by organist Steven Grahl, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Potent Emphasis - Malcolm Miller was at the recent Bloch and Israeli Music competitions

CD Spotlight. Serving the Memory - Vaughan Williams conducted by Hickox, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... this series will undoubtedly please British music aficionados.'

CD Spotlight. Divine Service - George Dyson's 'The Canterbury Pilgrims', admired by Robert Anderson. '... suitably exciting.'

Boldly Shaped - D'Arcy Trinkwon at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Uniquely Memorable - The Kronos Quartet at the BBC Proms, heard by Malcolm Miller

Nicely Paced - Martyn Rawles at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Excellent Performances - Keyboard works by John McCabe, recommended by Bill Newman. '... ideal interpreters ...'

Ensemble. An Interesting Production - Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Production to be Proud Of - Mozart's 'Il Re Pastore' at New College Oxford, reviewed by Alice McVeigh

Playing Devil's Advocate - Bill Newman tells the story of his visit to London's St John's Smith Square to hear Idil Biret play Beethoven

Ensemble. Thrilling Singing - A Sibelius and Rimsky-Korsakov double bill, experienced by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Less is More - Handel's 'Jephtha' at Buxton, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. First-class Second-rate Strauss - Mike Wheeler visits the Buxton Festival

Delicacy and Clarity - Bill Newman listens to young Chinese pianist Jianing Kong

Great Energy - Jane Watts launches Derby Cathedral's series of summer organ recitals, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Recording - John Joubert's string quartets, heard by Alice McVeigh. 'The Brodskys throw themselves into the lament for Shostakovich ...'

Ask Bill! - Everything you've wanted to know about music (and more) from your self-appointed agony uncle, Bill Newman, who also visits London's Wigmore Hall to hear French pianist Bertrand Chamayou

Ensemble. Mystery and Drama - Benjamin Britten's chamber opera 'The Turn of the Screw' opens the 55th Spoleto Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Intensely Expressive - Italian baroque choral music, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Enchanting Music - The Castalian Quartet and friends, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Mills and Chimneys - Sinfonia Viva's schools residency project, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

He Played Every Single Note! - Alexei Volodin at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Wonderful Performances - Latvian magic from pianist Reinis Zarins, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Incandescent Performance - Nigel Kennedy with the Royal Philharmonic and Andrew Litton, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tender Lyricism - Andrew Gourlay and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Judge not lest you be Judged! - Malcolm Troup reports on the 2012 Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's chamber music masterclass, concert and competition

CD Spotlight. Melodic Best - Recent concerti for strings, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Warmly recommended.'

Ensemble. On Confident Form - Derby Cathedral Choir marks the royal jubilee, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Avowedly Definitive - John McCabe plays his own 'Tenebrae', heard by Howard Smith. '... imbued with anger and monumental in both structure and outlook ...'

Ensemble. Engrossing and Moving - Giuseppe Pennisi was at La Scala for a new production of 'Peter Grimes'

Ensemble. Thrilling Renditions - Martino Tirimo plays Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Superbly Played - Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Luminescently Virtuoso - Erdem Misirlioglu's BPSE competition winner's recital, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Total Commitment - Alexander Liebreich conducts the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. High Praises - F W Murnau's 'Faust' impresses Bill Newman

Ensemble. Beauty of Tone - Danill Trifonov's prizewinner's concert from the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Sheer Beauty - Bruckner 8 from Barenboin and the Staatskapelle Berlin, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Born to Excel - Recent concerts in London, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Powerfully Involving - Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Serenely Reflective - Choral music by Bob Chilcott, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the singing has a transcendent quality ...'

Ensemble. Strength of Purpose - Nicholas Collon conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Compellingly Memorable - Haydn, Shostakovich and Schubert from the Allegri Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Great Conviction - Mendelssohn, Mozart and Vivaldi from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Gleaming Sonorities - Handel, Haydn, Delius and Mozart from the European Union Chamber Orchestra impress Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Thoroughly Enjoyable - Mike Wheeler listens to the Richard Roddis Singers on tour

Ensemble. Superb Playing - Bill Newman listens to a selection of instrumental chamber music in London

CD Spotlight. A Fine Partnership - Daniel Norman and Christopher Gould sing Britten, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the surest of touches ...'

Ensemble. Intelligent Phrasing - J S Bach's 'St John Passion' at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Emotional Impressions - Bill Newman listens to Neapolitan pianist Clelia Cafiero

Ensemble. Powerfully Expressive - Holst, Howells, Finzi and Liszt from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Modest Performances - A guitar recital by Stephen Reck, heard by Patric Standford. '... a competent and varied presentation ...'

Ensemble. An Exciting Five Years - Mike Wheeler was at André de Ridder's last concert as Principal Conductor of Sinfonia Viva

Ensemble. Mysterious Thresholds - Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius' at Harrow School moves Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Brilliantly Incisive - Bach's St Mark Passion in a new English translation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

South Bank Pianists - Bill Newman listens to Peter Donohoe, Richard Goode and Peter Jablonski

CD Spotlight. Ferocious Virtuosity - Britten concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... worth rescuing ...'

Ensemble. Haunting Performance - Rob Buckland joins Jonathan Trout and Derby Concert Orchestra for Borodin, Glazunov, Piazzolla and Rachmaninov, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Splendidly Evocative - Beethoven, Cecilia McDowall and Schumann from the English Piano Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Compelling Settings - Lassus, Gesualdo, Purcell, Byrd, J S Bach, Bruckner, Brahms and Tucapský from the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sensuous Depths - A selection of orchestral concerts at London's Royal Festival Hall, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - Sinfonia Viva contributes to the UK's 'Music Nation', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Comedic Flair - Britten's 'Albert Herring', reviewed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Natural Affinity - Klaggerud, Petrenko and the Philharmonia, heard by Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. Interpretatively Distinctive - Recent music for viola and piano, recommended by Howard Smith. '... keen, committed musicianship.'

Ensemble. Soulful Intensity - Bellini's 'Norma', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Deftly Trimmed - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Expressive Insights - A recital by Lara Melda, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Superb Control - Wagner, Bruch and Elgar in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beautifully Precise - Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Ysaÿe from the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Complete Engagement - Mike Wheeler listens to pianist Helen Reid

Ensemble. Mesmerising Stillness - Stephen Hough joins Marin Alsop and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sublime Music-making - Kurt Masur conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Humour and Fizz - Eddie Daniels and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kristjan Järvi, heard by Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A Great Evening - Beethoven and Dallapiccola from Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Paying Homage - Nikolai Demidenko plays Schubert at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Thrilled Beyond Measure - Jurowski conducts the LPO, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Memorable Occasion - Redwood, Shostakovich, Janácek and Mozart from André de Ridder and Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Remarkable Performance - Eisler, Gershwin, Mozart, Poulenc, Schumann and Weill from Katie Bray and William Vann, heard by Mike Wheeler

Superbly Interpreted - Jonathan Biss plays Beethoven and Janácek, heard by Bill Newman

Fun-and-games Time - Mike Wheeler listens to Venetian pianist Alessandro Taverna

Ensemble. Brilliant in the Extreme - Mozart and Brahms from the Razumovsky Ensemble, enjoyed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Lilting Charm - Bill Newman listens to the Danish String Quartet

Dramatic Excitement - Christian Blackshaw has begun his Mozart piano sonata Marathon in London, and Bill Newman was in the audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ensemble. Airy Textures - The Piatti String Quartet, heard 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. Believable Characters - Handel's 'Rodelinda' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed from the HD transmission by Maria Nockin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ensemble. Serious Intentions - Bill Newman listens to Stephen Hough

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

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

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 ...'

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

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

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

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!'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ensemble. A Touch of Élan - Héloîse Geoghegan and Michael Joyce, heard by Mary Isaac

Passport to Heaven - Bill Newman listens to the Russian pianist Nelly Akopian-Tamarina

Drama and Poetry - Mary Isaac listens to Russian pianist Olga Stezhko

CD Spotlight. Murder Accomplished - Rutland Boughton's 'The Queen of Cornwall' impresses Robert Anderson. '... a brave attempt ...'

CD Spotlight. Thoughtful and Elegiac - String quartets by David Matthews, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'The performances do full justice to the music.'

Ensemble. Real Spirit - A Christmas offering from Derby Choral Union, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Evident Satisfaction - Mike Wheeler listens to a reconstructed cantata by Neil Garland

Ensemble. Substantial and Astonishing - Robert Hugill listens to sixteenth century Christmas music sung by the Chapelle du Roi

Ensemble. Unfailingly Musical - Mike Wheeler listens to Handel's Messiah from Derby Cathedral

Ensemble. A Good Feel - Christmas music from the Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler

Authority and Nobility - Elisabeth Leonskaja celebrates Robert Schumann, appreciated by Mary Isaac

Ensemble. Truly Miraculous - The Emerson Quartet, heard by Bill Newman

Highly Impressive - A recital by Michael Ierace, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Spirited Performance - Mike Wheeler listens to Voices and the Derby Concert Orchestra

Vigour and Energy - Benjamin Frith saves the day, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ideally Matched - Malcolm Troup hears 'the art of the piano reborn' in Syrian pianist Riyad Nicolas

CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Recording - The complete solo songs of E J Moeran, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully sung ...'

An Eloquent Devotee - Ronald Stevenson's writings on Grainger, read by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Lively and Fluent - 'Orpheus in the Underworld' at London's Royal College of Music, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Crisp and Lively - Haydn's Creation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Delightfully Entertaining - Mozart, Schubert and Weill, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A very happy occasion - A promotional recording of Oliver Rudland's 'The Conquests of Zeus', heard by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Cherubini's 'Medée', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Generous Tonal Warmth - Derby Choral Union's Mozart Requiem, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Convincingly Pitched - Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw', heard by Mike Wheeler

Confidently Entertaining - A recital by John Paul Ekins delights Bill Newman

Ensemble. Mix-and-match - Ensembles from the Royal Northern College of Music, heard by Mike Wheeler

Command and Panache - Russian pianist Rustem Kudoyarov, heard by Mary Isaac

Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - Johannes Goritzki and Julian Jacobson at London's Royal College of Music, heard by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Great Vitality - Verdi's 'Don Carlo', heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Finely Shaped - Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Very Rewarding - The Derwent Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler

Interpretative Approaches - A recital by Lars Vogt impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Vividly Projected - Richard Roddis and Beate Toyka perform Robert Schumann, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Searing Eloquence - A centenary performance of Elgar's Violin Concerto, heard by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Glowing Performance - The Sitwell Singers begin a new season, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Liquid Finger-work - Mike Wheeler listens to a piano recital by Cordelia Williams

Ensemble. Incisive Energy - Music-making by Natalie Clein and Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Total Commitment - Bart's Choir's Verdi Requiem, heard by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Superb Pianism - A London recital by Julian Jacobson, heard by Robert Anderson

A Golden Treasury - Havergal Brian on European and American music, read by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Better Late than Never - The BPSE Late Summer Festival, attended by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Highly Dramatic - The Wihan Quartet at Kings Place, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Blistering Whirlwind - More from the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Flying Colours - A piano recital by Theresia Renelt, appreciated by Mary Isaac

Ensemble. Growing Up - Hans Werner Henze's 'Pollicino' thrills children and adults in Florence, by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Most Memorable - A recital by Soojin Han and Tadashi Imai impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Fine Performances - Mike Wheeler listens to James Rippingale, Jonathan Trout and the Derby Concert Orchestra

Ensemble. An Apt Mix - Alena Baeva, Terje Mikkelsen and The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Gripping Intensity - Verdi's 'Macbeth' at New Zealand Opera impresses Howard Smith

CD Spotlight. Haste or Speed - J S Bach gamba sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitive and very musical.'

CD Spotlight. Ingeniously Crafted - Orchestral music by Donald Tovey, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... the Malmö Opera Orchestra plays handsomely for George Vass.'

Ensemble. Highly Effective - Bax, Chopin and Prokofiev from Artur Pizarro, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Surrealist in Language - The homogeny of Jonathan Harvey, investigated by Jennifer Paull. '... superbly interpreted ...'

Ensemble. Strongly Musical - Handel's 'Radamisto' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Superb from the word 'go' - Donizetti's last Tudor Queen returns to Rome, and Carmela Remigio enchants Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Firmly in Period - Grange Park Opera's 'Madama Butterfly', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Vocal Colour - Simon Keenlyside sings Schubert, Wolf, Fauré and Ravel, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a wondrous variety ...'

Ensemble. Very Welcome - Robert Hugill experiences Stephen Oliver's 'Euridice'

Ensemble. Hugely Satisfying - As New Zealand arts funding strikes a sour note, Howard Smith listens to the Vector Wellington Orchestra

Ensemble. Intensely Gripping - Bizet, Richard Strauss and Vaughan Williams from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Unmitigated Fun - Covent Garden at the cinema, experienced by Maria Nockin

Beautifully Subtle - Bobby Chen launches Derby Chamber Music's new season, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Wondrous Variety - Piano music by Chopin and Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Dominic Piers Smith survives not only intact but triumphant ...'

Ensemble. Bravura Performance - A piano recital by Anthony Hughes, heard by Mary Isaac

CD Spotlight. Marvelously Incisive - Rózsa and Korngold violin concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... breathtaking virtuosity from soloist and orchestra alike.'

CD Spotlight. Firstrate Ensemble - Accompanied harpsichord sonatas by Charles Avison, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... both brilliant and sensitive ...'

Majesty, Moment and Control - Ben Bloor's concluding recital for Derby Cathedral's 2010 summer organ series impresses Tony Westerman

DVD Spotlight. Forthright Tempos - The Wihan Quartet plays Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... little to truly set their work apart ...'

CD Spotlight. Matchless Artistry - The Wihan Quartet plays Dvorák, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the finest of bravura chamber performances.'

Profile. With Perfection in Mind - Bill Newman talks to all four members of the Wihan Quartet

CD Spotlight. Clear Tonal Focus - Music for cello and piano by Krzysztof Meyer, recommended by Patric Standford. '... fine playing ...'

CD Spotlight. A Vigorous Spirit - Music by Matthew Taylor, heard by Patric Standford. '... skill and personality in equal measures ...'

Liszt with Languid Ease - Christopher Herrick at Derby Cathedral, heard by Tony Westerman

CD Spotlight. Quite Orgiastic - Petrenko conducts Shostakovich, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... very much on the ball ...'

Ensemble. Airborne Fingers - A BPSE lunchtime recital by Harvey Dagul and Isobel Beyer, praised by Malcolm Troup

Highly Characterful - Tom Corfield plays Whitlock, Howells, Messiaen, Bach and Peeters, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Truly Fascinating - A Santa Fe Opera digest, including the recent Kaye Edition of 'The Tales of Hoffmann', by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Striking Originality - Piano music by Moscheles, Mendelssohn and Schumann, heard by Robert Anderson. '...Todd Crow deserves unstinted gratitude.'

CD Spotlight. A Worthy Introduction - Song cycles and chamber music by Gareth Walters, heard by Patric Standford. '... deserves a firm place in the CD library.'

A Vigorous Account - Peter Gould at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Performance to Cherish - Lawrence Budmen submits a further report from the Tanglewood Festival 2010

Incisive Playing - Daniel Hyde at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Elgar and Bax - A sepia album from World War I, heard by George Balcombe. '... intense emotion, beautifullly replicated ...'

CD Spotlight. Enviable Ease - Irena Portenko plays Chopin, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... easy fluidity of touch and tone ...'

A Performance to Remember - A recital by Emanuel Rimoldi impresses Bill Newman

Ensemble. Impeccable Standards - Bill Newman's pick of June and July concerts at London's Wigmore Hall

CD Spotlight. Strength and Lyricism - Chamber music by Hugh Wood, heard by Patric Standford. '... taut stamina.'

Ensemble. Exquisite Music-making - Miklós Perényi and András Schiff at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. A Remarkable Event - Paul Sarcich visits the West Cork Chamber Music Festival

Robustness and Transparency - Francis Jackson plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Wondrously Expansive - Ronan Magill's recital at London's Wigmore Hall impresses Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Real Poise - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Linear Clarity - Julian Jacobson's Wigmore Hall recital impresses Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Gentle Passions - Music by John Jeffreys, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully paced ...'

Ensemble. Deft Stagecraft and Virtuosity - Bloch and Israeli Music, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Indulging in Forbidden Consecutives - Mastersingers at the BBC Proms, reviewed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Limpid Clarity - 'The Barber of Baghdad' by Peter Cornelius, experienced by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Family Life - A Bernstein double bill at Buxton, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Sensitively Played - A recital by Stephen Disley, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Small Masterpiece - Richard Rodney Bennett's 'All the King's Men' impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Political Overtones - George Benjamin's 'Into the Little Hill', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Rather Quirky - Massenet's 'Manon' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Terrific Pace and Direction - Verdi's 'Luisa Miller' at the Buxton Festival, recommended by Mike Wheeler

Scholarship and Humour - Simon Lindley opens Derby Cathedral's summer season of organ recitals, reviewed by Tony Westerman

Ensemble. Young Purity - A Covent Garden 'Salome' revival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Pure Magic - Opera North's 'Rusalka', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Strongly Stated and Idiosyncratic - 'Composing in Words: William Alwyn on his Art', read by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Special Praise - Bizet's 'Carmen' at Kentish Opera, enjoyed by Pippa Hare

Ensemble. Sisters Under the Skin - Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda' at Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

DVD Spotlight. A Glorious Time - Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... tender expression and all requisite vim.'

Ensemble. Puzzling and Frustrating - Mozart's 'Idomeneo' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Total Confidence - Sinfonia Viva's summer schools project, 'Floratorio', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Spellbinding Artistry - Jonathan Plowright plays Chopin, recommended by Howard Smith. '... positively hair-raising.'

Ensemble. Contemporary Resonance - Grange Park Opera's 'Capriccio', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Bewildering Variety - 'The Love of Three Oranges' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Colourful and Large Scale - Francesca Zamballo's production of 'Carmen', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Programmatic Titles - Piano music by John Pitts, heard by Patric Standford. 'The performances by Steven Kings are excellent ...'

Ensemble. Great Fun - The Hallé Orchestra ends Nottingham's orchestral season, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Grandest Lines - Donald Tovey's cello concerto, heard by Robert Anderson. '... satisfyingly masterful.'

Ensemble. Intelligent and Satisfying - English National Opera's new production of 'Tosca', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Neatly Balanced - A City Lit music gala, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Great Abilities - Piano trios by Donald Tovey, heard by Robert Anderson. '... diatonic convictions ...'

CD Spotlight. Cosmic Distance - Choral music from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, recommended by George Balcombe. '... such clarity ...'

Stimulating Fare - Eugene Alcalay plays Bartók, Dutilleux and Beethoven, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Airy Textures - Handel's 'Judas Maccabaeus', heard by Robert Anderson. '... the choral mood is everything.'

Ensemble. Pushing Back the Boundaries - London Sinfonietta's 'British Experiments', reviewed by Chris Graham

Ensemble. The Real Thing - Spanish music from the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Serious Fun - Lynn Norris looks back at the life of composer, conductor and pianist Aubrey Bowman

Ensemble. A Unifying Mood - A new song cycle by Julian Dawes, heard by Malcolm Miller

DVD Spotlight. A Little Wizardry - Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... the playing is stylish and alert throughout.'

Ensemble. Vivid Contrasts - Mike Wheeler listens to Pinchas Zukerman and the Royal Philharmonic

Ensemble. Love's Eternal Empire - Music by Janácek and Suk impresses Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Cross Section - Bill Newman comments on some recent concerts at London's Wigmore Hall

Ensemble. Museum Culture? - Experimental music by Cage, Cowell, Feldman, Rzewski, Satie and Wolff, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Hilariously Funny - Arizona Opera's 'The Barber of Seville', appreciated by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. An Ideal Balance - An evening with the Northern Sinfonia and friends delights Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Atmosphere is Everything - Weber's 'Der Freischütz', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Delightful Contributions - Nicholas Kok conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler

Winning Ensembles - Malcolm Miller was at the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Chamber Music Competition

Deeply Expressive - Helen Cha plays John Mackenzie, Bach, Haydn and Chopin, heard by Mike Wheeler

A Genuine Beethoven Pianist - Simon Watterton gives a lunchtime recital in London, heard by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Smiling Poise - Derby Chamber Music ends its season on a high, reported by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Sensitive Account - Choral music by Rossini, Elgar and Handel, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Thoroughly Impressed - Maria Nockin talks to baritone Alan Opie, who is about to sing Germont for San Diego Opera

Ensemble. Seldom Performed - 'Lulu' lands at La Scala, by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Distinctive Fervour - Music for Holy Week sung by the Chapelle du Roi, heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beautifully Realised - Haydn, Poulenc, Szymanowski and Walton, sung by Derby Bach Choir and the girl choristers of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Wide-ranging Discourse - Sinfonia Viva plays Beethoven, Anna Meredith, Nico Muhly, Ravel and Schumann, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A New Path - Music by Oliver Rudland, heard by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Boldly Programmed - Music by Antonín Tucapský, Petr Eben and Vaughan Williams, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Huge Fun - J S Bach and a single popping cork, heard by Howard Smith. '... riven with eccentricities ...'

Ensemble. A World-class Orchestra - Mike Wheeler listens to the Bergen Philharmonic

Ensemble. Power and Expressiveness - Janácek's 'Katya Kabanova', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Soulful Intimacy - A concert by Yasmin Levy lingers in Malcolm Miller's memory

Ensemble. Fine Tone - Derby Grammar School and High School Choral Society, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Highly Imaginative - Sinfonia Viva's schools residency concert, attended by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Splendid Richness - Music from Goldsmiths Chamber Choir and Brass Ensemble, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Wholly Serious - Handel's 'Tamerlano' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beautifully Turned - Horn trios by Lennox Berkeley, Jeremy Thurlow and Haydn impress Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Enjoyable Evening - Opera North's 'Ruddigore', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Strong Performances - Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Celebrating in Style - Derby Concert Orchestra's sixtieth birthday, with Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sense of Purpose - Beate Toyka and Thomas Solzbacher celebrate Chopin, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ask Alice - On the benefits of singing, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ninety Stars are Born - Giuseppe Pennisi tours Austria with a young Italian symphony orchestra

Ensemble. Beautifully Expressive - The Isolani Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Crisp Performance - 'Belshazzar' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Wilfully Distorted - Petrenko conducts the RLPO, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Fine Drama - Chelsea Opera Group's 'La Traviata', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Black Comedy - Prokofiev's 'The Gambler' impresses Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Chicago Baroque - Trio Settecento's A German Bouquet, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... very fine performances of some rarely heard but attractive music ...'

CD Spotlight. A Spectral Atmosphere - Murray McLachlan plays music by Shostakovich and friends, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an outright triumph for the label and for McLachlan.'

Ensemble. High Voltage - Sol Gabetta joins Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. Splendidly Imaginative - Julian Jacobson and Meng Yang Pan celebrate Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year, enjoyed by Mary Isaac

Ensemble. A Hyperrealistic Setting - Robert Hugill has some reservations about Jonathan Miller's 'L'elisir d'amore'

Ensemble. Crisp and Energetic - Ilya Gringolts, Sinfonia Viva and André de Ridder, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Shattering Conviction - Mike Wheeler listens to Markus Stenz and the Hallé in music by Colin Matthews and Mahler

Ensemble. Something Magical - Andris Nelsons conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. In Full Voice - Britten's 'St Nicolas' at Canterbury Cathedral, enjoyed by Pippa Hare

CD Spotlight. Fifty Years - Celebrating Lyrita's recordings of British music, by George Balcombe. '... a meticulous reproduction of orchestral sound ...'

Ensemble. Sparks Really Flew - Mike Wheeler listens to the Denner Ensemble

Mature and Considered - Stephen Savage plays Beethoven, heard by Julian Jacobson

Ask Alice - On the craziness of worldwide auditions, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

DVD Spotlight. A Rarity - Jonathan Dove's 'The Adventures of Pinocchio', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... considerable merits on display ...'

CD Spotlight. A Forthright Approach - J S Bach's St Matthew Passion, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the Ex Cathedra performance is a triumph.'

DVD Spotlight. Unfailing Energy - Bartók's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, welcomed by Patric Standford. 'The video reveals Solti's benign authority ...'

CD Spotlight. Great Poise - Petrenko conducts Shostakovich symphonies, recommended by Paul Sarcich. '... care and thoughtfulness ...'

CD Spotlight. Lovely Accounts - Chamber music by Robert Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... the performances suffer from a worrying anemia ...'

Magnificent Scholarship - Robert Hugill reads the new Cambridge Handel Encyclopaedia

CD Spotlight. Miniaturist Skills - Music by Carey Blyton, heard by Patric Standford. '... a delight for both performer and listener.'

Ensemble. Crisp and Stylish - Derby Choral Union performs Handel's 'Messiah', enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

DVD Spotlight. Attractive and Skilful - Royal Opera's 'Hansel and Gretel', recommended by Patric Standford. '... a first class cast ...'

Ensemble. Verve and Flair - Derby Concert Orchestra plays film music, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Vividly Characterised - Mike Wheeler listens to the Sitwell Singers

Ensemble. Dancing in the Air - Mary Isaac enjoys a concert of music from Latin America

Charismatic and Inspiring - Lynn Norris talked to the late Roy Budden about his life with music

World-ranking Pianism - Malcolm Troup marvels anew at the artistry of Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. A Particular Pleasure - Christine Brewer sings Wagner, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Consistently High Standard - Julian Jacobson reports from the 2009 Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition

Ensemble. Tremendous Gusto - The Derby Bach Choir joins the 'Sing Hallelujah' project, reported by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Thoughtfully Conceived - James Judd conducts Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

CD Spotlight. Impressive Singing - Vocal and choral music by Cecilia McDowall, heard by Patric Standford. '... attractive, lyrical and sometimes forceful ...'

Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - Sinfonia Viva plays Judith Weir, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Discoveries Ahead - Malcolm Miller samples 'The World of Jewish Music' in London

CD Spotlight. Crossing Boundaries - Historical English Christmas music, heard by Howard Smith. '... sheer "joie de vivre" ...'

Ensemble. Particularly Effective - Mozart's 'Così fan tutte', heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Warmth and Richness - Massenet's 'Werther', heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Really On Form - A concert by the Derby Bach Choir, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Style and Drama - Gluck's 'Alceste', heard by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Mice in the Manger - A selection of Christmas music, enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... an amazing collection.'

Ensemble. A Sparkling Concert - Sabbath music from the Zemel Choir, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Quirky Opera - Mike Wheeler experiences Janácek's 'The excursions of Mr Broucek'

Ensemble. A Fascinating Anthology - Music on the theme of angels, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Finely Controlled - A concert by the Polish National Radio Symphony, heard by Mike Wheeler

Refreshingly Imaginative - A recital by Helen Reid impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Too Good to Miss - Robert Hugill was at the first night of Tchaikovsky's 'The Tsarina's Slippers' at Covent Garden

Ensemble. Much Praise - 'Orpheus in the Underworld' from Kentish Opera, reviewed by Pippa Hare

CD Spotlight. A Superb Work - Thomas Arne's 'Artaxerxes', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Roy Goodman and his team give their all ...'

Ensemble. A Bold Piece - Jonathan Dove's 'Swanhunter', reviewed by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Boisterous Energy - Vaughan Williams' piano concerto, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Highly recommended ...'

A Model of Clarity - A new score of Elgar's 'Mina', appraised by Robert Anderson

CD Spotlight. Highly Challenging - Music for unaccompanied violin, heard by Howard Smith. '... searching performance ...'

Ensemble. Vivid and Enlivening - Donizetti's 'Maria di Rohan', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Lyric Warmth - Jennifer Larmore sings Barber, Berlioz, Ravel and Britten, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a compelling disc ...'

Ensemble. A Cogent Argument - Mike Wheeler listens to Stephen Johnson and the BBC Philharmonic

CD Spotlight. Splendidly Performed - Baroque music for cello, recommended by Howard Smith. 'An exemplary CD ...'

CD Spotlight. A Stimulating Recital - Contemporary music for oboe and ensemble, heard by Patric Standford. '... a wide range of interest.'

Ensemble. Strong Performances - Handel's 'Susanna' from Les Arts Florissants, assessed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Passionate Commitment - Victoria's 'Missa Gaudeaumus', welcomed by Robert Anderson. '... a joyous celebration ...'

Ensemble. A Virtue of Necessity - Robert Hugill was at English Touring Opera's 'Alcina'

Ensemble. Life-enhancing - Mike Wheeler listens to the Atrium Quartet

Ensemble. A Nice Blend - Mendelssohn, Haydn and Beethoven from the Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Dark and Serious - Robert Hugill was at English Touring Opera's 'Tolomeo'

CD Spotlight. A Rare Collection - The collected 78rpm recordings of Peter Warlock, heard by Patric Standford. '... some interesting and revealing performances.'

Ensemble. An Enthralling Performance - Robert Hugill reviews Handel's 'Flavio'

Ensemble. Profoundly Beautiful - William Christie's 'Dido and Aeneas' impresses Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Glittering Technique - Music by Gershwin for piano and orchestra, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... commendable drive and clarity.'

Ensemble. Inexorable Momentum - Music by Dvorák, Rachmaninov and Sibelius from Sergio Tiempo, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Buoyancy and Lyricism - Derby Cathedral Choir celebrates four composer anniversaries, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Jaw-Dropping Technique - Sharon Bezaly plays Gubaidulina, Beamish and Takano, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a beautiful tone at any volume in any octave ...'

Ensemble. A Classy Show - Pimlico Opera's 'Rigoletto', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Alert Playing - A recital for oboe and harp, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Deeply Felt - Verdi's 'Don Carlo' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Particularly Memorable - Elgar, Rachmaninov and Sibelius from the Hallé Orchestra, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Nicely Judged - A recital by harpist Anneleen Lenaerts impresses Mike Wheeler

Arts and the Colour of Politics - Béla Hartmann muses on growing social equality and democratization

Ensemble. Perfectly Measured - Bill Newman listens to Aldo Ciccolini

Ensemble. Expertly Structured - Mike Wheeler was at a song recital by Richard Roddis and Philip Robinson

Ensemble. Sterling Performances - Donizetti's 'Linda di Chamounix', heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Brilliant Opportunities - A Rossini double bill, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Imaginative and Challenging - Music by Philip Wilby, heard by Patric Standford. 'Nothing stands still for long ...'

Ensemble. The Boys - Bill Newman was at Nettle and Markham's thirtieth anniversary recital

Ask Alice - On statistics, surveys and rock groups networking and the guitar, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ardent Charms - Bill Newman reviews two recitals by pianist Igor Tchetuev

DVD Spotlight. Extreme Individuality - A film about Delius, seen by Paul Sarcich. '... a commendable breadth.'

CD Spotlight. Exceptional Assurance - J S Bach organ sonatas, heard by Howard Smith. '... an immensely satisfying conclusion.'

Bizarre Perception - Alistair Hinton discusses a recent article on English music by David Hamilton

Ask Alice - On location, social networking and the guitar, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Very Powerful - Orchestral music by Vytautas Bacevicius, reviewed by Gordon Rumson. 'He had much to say and said it very well.'

The Philosophy of Absence - Jennifer Paull investigates four releases of Cage's Number Pieces

Outstanding and unforgettable - Lilya Zilberstein's recital at London's Wigmore Hall impresses Bill Newman

An Invigorating Performance - Paul Hale provides a fitting end to Derby Cathedral's summer organ series, and Mike Wheeler was there

Ensemble. Sing ye to the Lord - Roderic Dunnett was at the 2009 Hereford Three Choirs Festival

Convincingly Handled - Tom Corfield plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ask Alice - On orchestral horn solos and funding cuts, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Especially Successful - Gillian Wills reports from the Australian Fesival of Chamber Music

Ensemble. Unity of Conception - Malcolm Troup was at the BPSE Summer Festival in London

Balancing Act - Beethoven in E flat, with Julian Jacobson and friends

Highly Effective - Peter Gould helps celebrate the seventieth anniversary of Derby Cathedral's Compton Organ, as noted by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Suite Brolga - Music of David Salisbury at the 2009 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, reported by Malcolm Tattersall

A Liquid Lunch - A recital by Evelyne Berezovsky, heard by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Compelling Performance - Members of Psappha at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Lively Characterisation - An organ recital by Ian Tracey, heard by Mike Wheeler

Marvelously Gifted - Bill Newman listens to pianist Alexander Romanovsky

Ask Alice - On rites of passage, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Effectively Projected - York Minster's Robert Sharpe plays the organ at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Faultless Performances - Beethoven from The Nash Ensemble, welcomed by Howard Smith. '... a class of its own.'

Thoughtfulness of Approach - A recital by Australian pianist Jayson Gillham, reviewed by Bill Newman

A Dexterous Journey - Alessandro Taverna at London's Steinway Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

A Real Find - Robert Davies made a remarkable impact when he stood in as Papageno late in the run of English Touring Opera's 'The Magic Flute'; Roderic Dunnett profiles him and celebrates the progress of other ETO cast members

Ensemble. A Magisterial Presence - William Christie conducts Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Cumulative Weight - Mike Wheeler listens to Peter Williams at the organ of Derby Cathedral

Ask Alice - On classical music in London's Royal Albert Hall, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Making a Real Fuss - Robert Hugill looks forward to English Touring Opera's HandelFest this autumn

Ensemble. A Slow-burn Approach - 'The Lighthouse' by Peter Maxwell Davies, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Sparkling Account - The Kanazawa-Admony Piano Duo pays tribute to Carola Grindea, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Grippingly-staged - Mike Wheeler is delighted to be surprised by Donizetti's 'Lucrezia Borgia'

Ensemble. Buoyant and Fresh - André Messager's 'Véronique' delights Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Full Rein - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, heard by Mike Wheeler

Clear Detail - Mike Wheeler listens to organist Matthew Owens at Derby Cathedral

Ensemble. Elemental Music - Malcolm Miller listens to music-theatre works by Harrison Birtwistle

A Useful Survey - Thomas May's 'The John Adams Reader', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Different Sort of Beauty - Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Splendidly Varied - Thomas Trotter at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Thought-provoking - Music by Harle and Maxwell Davies, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Thrilling Performance - Verdi's Requiem from Derby Bach Choir, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

A Natural Aristocrat - 'Cardus - Celebrant of Beauty' by Robin Daniels, reviewed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Dramatic Essentials - 'Carmen' from Paris, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - 'The Fragile Shell' amazes Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Another Treat - Martinu's 'Mirandolina' at Garsington Opera, by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. A Compelling Portrait - Verdi's 'Don Carlos' impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Focused Intensity - Purcell and MacMillan from The Sixteen, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Heady Delight - Shostakovich's operetta 'Moskva, Cheryomushki', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Excellent Throughout - A lunchtime piano recital by Maiko Mori, heard by Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. Deceptive Naturalness - Red Priest's 'Nightmare in Venice', entertains Howard Smith. '... irrepressible, chic ...'

CD Spotlight. Essentially Lyrical - Hindemith viola sonatas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a committed and convincing performance throughout.'

Ensemble. A Poignant Question-mark - Opera North's 'Abduction from the Seraglio', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sonic Imagination - Mike Wheeler listens to Horses Brawl

Ensemble. Refreshing Surprises - A concert in London by the Zemel Choir, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Actually Sung - Weill and Brecht's 'Threepenny Opera', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. A Real Work-out - Jane Parker-Smith at the organ of St Gudula, Rhede, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Student Life and Love - Puccini's 'La bohème' from Kentish Opera, enjoyed by Pippa Hare

Ensemble. Dramatic and Responsive - Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra' from Chelsea Opera Group, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Notable Success - Grange Park Opera's 'Norma', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - On children, competitions and TV, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Refreshing Contrasts - Malcolm Miller reports from the 2009 BPSE Chamber Music Competition

CD Spotlight. Highly Engaging - Emma Johnson plays Bernstein, Copland and Dankworth, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... outstanding performances ...'

DVD Spotlight. Superlative Music - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the flames are formidable ...'

CD Spotlight. In Calm and Storm - John Hardy's 'Blue Letters from Tanganyika', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... colorful, filmic, and open to pleasurable listening ...'

Ensemble. Refreshingly Different - Mike Wheeler listens to the Prague Symphony Orchestra

A Symbol of Peace - Howard Smith comments on Alberto Portugheis' recent publication

Ensemble. Coherently Brilliant - Robert Hugill was at the opening performance of English National Opera's 'Peter Grimes'

Caressing Hands - Andrejs Osokins at London's St Martin-in-the-Fields, heard by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Intensity of Playing - Robert Hugill was at the start of Endymion's 30th birthday celebrations

Ask Alice - On employment in music, insanity, rottweilers and the European Union, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Record Box. An Inspired Creation - Music by Jonathan Little, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Exciting Results - A new partnership between Charles Dutoit and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, experienced by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Unique Sonorities - Britten's Peter Grimes, heard by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. A Deft Touch - Mendelssohn and Kurt Weill from Sinfonia Viva, with no complaints from Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sometimes Impressive - Bellini's 'Norma' from English Touring Opera, heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. An Eloquent Performance - Music from the Richard Roddis Singers and the Helix Ensemble, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Declamatory Eloquence - Mendelssohn, Haydn and Shostakovich from the Navarra Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Addition - Chamber music by Brian Ferneyhough, heard by Patric Standford. '... strong and committed performances ...'

CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Voice - Music by Vincent d'Indy, recommended by Robert Anderson. 'The eloquent solo viola of Lawrence Power is crucial ...'

Ensemble. New Colours - Leslie Anne Lewis conducts a new chamber ensemble arrangement of Bloch's Sacred Service, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Perfection - Benjamin Britten folksong arrangements, recommended by Howard Smith. '... this release is worth several times it's weight in gold.'

Ensemble. Notable Liveliness - 'Jephtha' at the London Handel Festival, heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Superb Team - Haydn, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Highly Resourceful - Mike Wheeler listens to a new work by Richard Roddis

Ensemble. Humanity and Generosity - Malcolm Miller attends a memorial concert for David Sonin

Ensemble. Simply Magical - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Sibelius and Mendelssohn played by the Hallé Orchestra

Ensemble. Expert Playing - Music for voices and brass, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Vigorous and Declamatory - Sacha Grynyuk plays for Derby Chamber Music, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sheer Exuberance - Elizabeth Watts and Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Full of Vitality - Glinka, Tchaikovsky and Schubert from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tremendous Conviction - Mahler's Symphony No 2 in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Quite a Charmer - 'Alessandro' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Something Different - Rossini's opera 'Ermione', reviewed by Robert Hugill

An Unexpected Treasure - Jeanette Hanscome talks to author Helen Martens about her new book 'Felix Mendelssohn: Out of the Depths of His Heart'

Record Box. Wonderfully Auspicious - Haydn from the Florestan Trio, reviewed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. An Involving Performance - Brahms' German Requiem, sung by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Fire in its Belly - Lothar Zagrosek conducts the Konzerthausorchester, Berlin, heard by Mike Wheeler

The Piano Spoke - A recital by Dora de Marinis, reviewed by Gustav Schiller

Ensemble. Luxurious Textures - Sacred music from the Phoenix Chorale, heard by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. A Worthy Feast - Christopher White and Melanie Reinhard at London's Foundling Museum, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Talented Youth - Malcolm Miller was at the 2009 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition

Easy Grace - Martyna Jatkauskaite plays Mozart and Schumann, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Complete Success - An evening long retelling of the 'Romeo and Juliet' story, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Crisp and Incisive - English Touring Opera's 'Magic Flute', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Piquant Contrast - Music by Fauré and Poulenc, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Winning Freshness - Music by Bach, Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, Mozart and Wagner, played by Sinfonia Viva, and heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Compositional Mastery - Maxwell Davies' Naxos Quartets 9 and 10, applauded by Howard Smith. '... much to admire ...'

CD Spotlight. Sovereign Horn Territory - Music for horn and orchestra, recommended by Howard Smith. '... stunning breath control and consummate understanding ...'

Ensemble. Nicely Thought-out - The early music ensemble Concert Royal celebrates the Purcell anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Haunted Loneliness - Orchestral music by Benjamin Britten, heard by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Thought-provoking - John Adams' 'Dr Atomic' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - 'Theodora' at the London Handel Festival, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

A Major Pleasure - A new study score of Elgar's 'Empire March', reviewed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Elegance and Authority - Leila Josefowicz and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Wonderful Music - The Cardinall's Musick sings William Byrd, recommended by Robert Hugill. '... the scholarship in the set is impressive ...'

Intrinsic Virtue - A concert and Handel exhibition at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Ineffable - Medieval music by Busnois, Domarto and Pullois, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... profoundly moving.'

Ensemble. Dignity Personified - Apollo's Fire performs 'Dido and Aeneas', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Operatic Passions - Francesco Cilea's 'Adriana Lecouvreur', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Lucidity and Conviction - Karis Stretton plays Messiaen, impressing Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Rich Sound - Handel's 'Samson', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beautifully Handled - Haydn, Dvorák and Lawrie Rose from the Iuventus Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Boston String Quartet's 'Xibus', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'What all this signifies is not at all clear.'

Ensemble. A Near-perfect Occasion - Alice McVeigh braves the snow to listen to Fretwork at London's Wigmore Hall

Record Box. Great Beauty - Music by Guillaume Dufay impresses Gerald Fenech

Ensemble. Fresh Energy - Sinfonia Viva begins its Mendelssohn celebrations, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Potent Alchemy - The launch of a new series of Bach Cantatas at London's Royal Academy of Music, heard by Malcolm Miller

Record Box. Fresh and Inspired - Gerald Finzi's 'Dies natalis' rewards Patric Standford

Record Box. Full and Resonant - Violin concertos by Bohuslav Martinu, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Wonderful Sound - Mozart's Requiem at Canterbury Cathedral, praised by Pippa Hare

Record Box. Beautifully Performed - Choral music by Pawel Lukaszewski, recommended by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. A Glistening Treasury - Songs with orchestra from Deborah Riedel, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a bounteous seam of unfamiliar, wholly blissful vocal gems ...'

Ensemble. Infectious Enthusiasm - Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble, heard by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. A Healthy Revival - Choral music by Randall Thompson, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... performances and recording are exemplary throughout.'

Record Box. Dazzling Works - Contemporary music from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, recommended by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Imaginatively Programmed - Handel arias from the Classical Opera Company, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Record Box. Stirring Performances - String chamber music by Imogen Holst, recommended by Gerald Fenech

A Stressful Collaboration - Gerard Schurmann describes his involvement with the music score for 'Lawrence of Arabia'

Record Box. Richly Moving - Jamie Walton plays Shostakovich, recommended by Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. A Skilful Balance - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... rhythmically brisk, considered performances ...'

Pure Fashion? - Several Composers in Search of an Identity, by Béla Hartmann

Record Box. Admirable Musicianship - Caroline Clemmow and Anthony Goldstone play Chopin and entertain Robert Anderson

Record Box. Entirely Idiomatic - Vaughan Williams from Japan, reviewed by Robert Anderson

Record Box. Magical and Sensitive - A recording by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain inspires Patric Standford

DVD Spotlight. Perfectly Cast - The Sleeping Beauty, recommended by Howard Smith. '... utterly enchanting ...'

Record Box. Unjustly Neglected - Violin concertos by Nikolay Roslavets impress Gerald Fenech

Record Box. Nothing Happens - 'the sound of one', reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall

CD Spotlight. Get Up and Dance - Elizabethan street songs, heard by Maria Nockin. '... plain good listening ...'

Ensemble. Shade and Nuance - Chamber music by Julian Dawes, appreciated by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Complexity of Thought - Eugene Feygelson and Malcolm Troup play Beethoven and Bloch, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Amazing Confidence - Concertos by Handel, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... the playing here is some of the most incisive that I have heard ...'

Immaculate Blend - Christmas music from the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Shining Confidence - Derby Cathedral Choir's performance of Handel's 'Messiah' invigorates Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Great Agility - The Aquinas Trio plays Haydn, Ravel and Saint-Saëns, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Bold and Inventive - Charles Avison's reworkings of Scarlatti, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Avison's deployment of massed strings is wonderfully effective ...'

Record Box. An Unfolding Cycle - Gergiev conducts Mahler, heard by Patric Standford

Record Box. Unique Timbres - A recording by The Brahms Trio Prague, reviewed by George Balcombe

CD Spotlight. Pride of Place - Piano music by Frank Bridge, praised by Howard Smith. 'A standing ovation for Mark Bebbington ...'

Ensemble. Simply Too Long - Mike Wheeler sits through film scores and Christmas music

Potential and Achievement - The sixteenth Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition, experienced by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Powerfully Sonorous - Fauré, Bliss, Brahms and Weber played by the Frith Piano Quartet, and reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Masterly Account - Donizetti's 'Parisina d'Este', heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Jubilant Energy - The Derby Bach Choir begins its 50th anniversary celebrations, reported by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Curate's Egg - Tangos and fantasies, explored by Howard Smith. '... good in parts.'

Record Box. A Rewarding Experience - Music from The Phoenix Chorale impresses Patric Standford

Ensemble. Compact and Imaginative - Judith Bingham's 'Shakespeare Requiem' receives its first performance, heard by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Thrilling Performance - Wagner, Mozart and Schubert from Julian Bliss, Andreas Reiner and the Munich KlangVerwaltung, impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Profoundly Moving - English Touring Opera's 'Rusalka', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. In Memory of Hickox - Vaughan Williams' 'Sancta Civitas', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Brilliantly Realised - Bellini's 'I Capuleti e i Montecchi', heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Expressive Warmth - Ruth Palmer plays the Barber Violin Concerto, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

A Welcome Return - Tessa Uys at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Lovely Performance - A recital by Bálint Székely and Mariko Kondo, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Tonal Understanding - The Belcea Quartet plays Schubert and Beethoven, enjoyed by Bill Newman

Record Box. Rich Variety - Oboe music by Edwin Roxburgh, heard by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Lively Playing - A concert by Zephyr, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Seeds of Genius - Alberto Portugheis plays Beethoven at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. A Wonderful Weekend - 'Tosca' and 'Mikado' in Arizona, enjoyed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Strength and Toughness - Independent Opera's 'Pelléas et Mélisande' impresses Robert Hugill

Rare Talent - Young Concert Artists Trust recitals, reviewed by Bill Newman

Finely Executed - A Beethoven recital by James Lisney, reviewed by Thomas Bielinski

Ensemble. Inner Calm - Holst and Vaughan Williams from Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Dancing Goblins - Music by Bazzini, heard by Howard Smith. '... Hanslip brings it off with suitable aplomb.'

Committed and Tough - Malcolm Troup plays Bloch's Piano Sonata, appreciated by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. A Fascinating Work - The first performance of Gabriel Jackson's Requiem, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Fascinating Rarities - Taneyev string trios, heard by Julian Jacobson. '... a performance of real commitment and assurance ...'

Ensemble. Nicely Judged - Beethoven, Stravinsky and Weber from The Hallé Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler

Record Box. A Youthful Composer - Orchestral music by William Alwyn, heard by Patric Standford

DVD Spotlight. Understandably Controversial - Derek Jarman's 'War Requiem', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... cutting room virtuosity.'

Ensemble. A Brilliant Idea - A Bernard Stevens celebration at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Superb Cast - Rossini's 'Mathilde de Shabran' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

DVD Spotlight. Some point? - Tony Britten's 'new version' of Verdi's Falstaff, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Shame on him ...'

DVD Spotlight. Engaging Integrity - Mark Dexter plays Peter Warlock, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... a triumphant success ...'

CD Spotlight. Poetic Lyricism - Tim Hugh and Olga Sitkovetsky at London's Wigmore Hall, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... breathtaking musicianship captured my attention ...'

Ensemble. Quirky Humour - Uri Caine meets Sinfonia Viva, and Mike Wheeler listens

Ensemble. Deeply Thoughtful - Byrd, Vaughan Williams, Parry and Elgar from the Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Second Oscar? - Music by Rachel Portman, reviewed by K C Devereaux. 'Portman's score ably captures the poignancy ...'

Ensemble. An Accomplished Performance - Matthew Moss sings British music, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. High Spirits - Freddy Kempf and the Moscow Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Exhilarating Performance - Tim Lowe plays Haydn, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Very Convincing - Handel's 'Partenope', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Old and New Worlds - Ioana Osoianu talks to Keith Bramich about her life in the East and West

Ensemble. A Concentrated Distillation - Peter Brook's 'La Tragedie de Carmen', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Delicate Balance - Cavalli's 'La Calisto', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Refreshingly Poetic - Eleftheria Kotzia returns to Derby, and Mike Wheeler listens

Ensemble. Drama and Bite - A concert by the Op 3 piano trio, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Tonal Contrast - A recital by Victoria Simonsen and Simon Lane, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Full of Delights - Handel's 'Parnasso in Festa', recommended by Robert Hugill. '... some truly superb Handel singing (and playing) ...'

Record Box. Wit and Energy - Music for piano and orchestra by Benjamin Britten, enjoyed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. A Special Pleasure - The Greenwich Trio, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Inner Detail - Beethoven and Tchaikovsky from Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Inhibited by Cleverness - 'Cav and Pag' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Record Box. Beautiful Moments - Mozart wind serenades, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall

Ensemble. Gloriously Colourful - The British Society of Music Therapy looks back, with Margaret Campbell

Record Box. Vitality and Wit - Piano music and songs by Robin Milford, appreciated by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Spellbound Audience - The Sixteen at Stour Music, reviewed by Pippa Hare and Rosie Evelegh

Scrupulously Done - Andrew Barnett's 'Sibelius', read by Robert Anderson

Record Box. Joyous Tintinnabulation - The Play of Daniel intrigues and delights Robert Anderson

Ensemble. A Bright Future - Malcolm Miller was at the final night of the 2008 BBC Proms in London

Evocative Canvases - A recital by Miriam Brickman, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Snappily Executed - Jonathan Dove's opera 'Flight' impresses Robert Hugill

Record Box. Many Moods - Orchestral music by Glazunov, recommended by Robert Anderson

Record Box. Joyful Interplay - Corelli from the Purcell Quartet, heard by Alice McVeigh

A Labour of Love - John Suchet's 'The Treasures of Beethoven', read by Howard Smith

Ensemble. Glorious Melody - British Youth Opera's 'La Rondine', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Other Trumpets - Fascinating electro-acoustic collaborations, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... individual works are challenging listening but stunningly achieved.'

CD Spotlight. Striking Originality - Chamber music by Roger Smalley, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the performance may be regarded as definitive.'

Youthful Freshness - Gareth Green gives the final organ recital in Derby Cathedral's summer series, and Mike Wheeler was in the audience

Ensemble. Snap and Crackle - The Artemis Quartet plays music by Beethoven, Stravinsky and Schubert, reported by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Simplicity and Eloquence - Quatuor Ebène plays Haydn, Webern and Schubert, reviewed by Bill Newman

A Perfect Joy - Emanuel Ax plays Beethoven and Schumann, and impresses Bill Newman

Ensemble. Restrained Passion - Valeriy Sokolov and Eric Ferrand-N'Kaoua play Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Enescu and Prokofiev, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Wonderful Mozart - Bill Newman listens to the Razumovsky Ensemble

Ensemble. Rhythmic Drive - Mike Wheeler listens to The Midas Touch Organ Duo

Ensemble. A Wonderful Experience - Maria Nockin visits Santa Fe for operas by Verdi, Mozart, Britten and Handel, plus the first American performance of Kaija Saariaho's 'Adriana Mater'

Thought and Understanding - Wanda Jeziorska finds food for thought in Mishka Momen's latest recital

Much Subtlety - Peter Sutton's play 'Elgar and Alice', read by Robert Anderson

Urgency and Drama - Dora de Marinis plays Beethoven at the Regent Hall Summer Festival, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Dynamic Extremes - Mike Wheeler enjoys Timothy Noon's recital of Bach, Bohm, Dubois, Messiaen and Widor

CD Spotlight. Virtuoso Credentials - Music for viola and piano by York Bowen, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... above praise.'

Ensemble. Highly Charged - A recital by Daniel Kuzmin and Alberto Portugheis, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

An Interesting Programme - An organ recital by Martin Neary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Force of Nature - The Matsumoto/Jacobson Duo and The Art of Falconry, by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Any Questions? - Bernstein's 'Candide' at English National Opera, enjoyed by David Wilkins

Lucid Messiaen - Cathy Lamb at the organ, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Amorous Inclinations - Early music from England and France, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz

Mightily Impressed - Nikolai Demidenko plays Chopin, enjoyed by Bill Newman

DVD Spotlight. Enchanting - Hérold's 'La fille mal gardée', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... Covent Garden at its best.'

Ensemble. Musical Inventiveness - The Gwilym Simcock Trio, enjoyed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Four Heroes - Mike Wheeler enjoys a multi-player organ recital

Ensemble. Off the Wall - Contemporary opera at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Musical Quintessence - Orchestral music by Leroy Anderson, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... immediately appealing melodies ...'

Ensemble. Pace and Wit - Albert Lortzing's 'Der Wildschütz', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Propulsive Energy - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

The Speed Merchant - Jonathan Scott plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

DVD Spotlight. Fortunes in Love - Mozart's 'Mitridate', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... marvellous singing throughout ...'

Ensemble. Radiant Lyricism - Victoria Grigorieva and Ekaterina Lebedeva play Beethoven and Ravel, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Extraordinary Clarity - Naji Hakim begins the Derby Cathedral summer organ recital series, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Highly Intelligent - Verdi's 'Don Carlo', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Sustained Intensity - Rex Harley enjoys Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen' at Longborough Festival Opera

CD Spotlight. A Thrilling Experience - Kevin Bowyer plays Alkan, reviewed by Alistair Hinton. '... flawless technique and missionary commitment ...'

Ensemble. No Excuses Necessary - Robert Hugill enjoys Puccini's 'La Fanciulla del West' at Grange Park Opera

Ensemble. Traditional or Radical? - Dvorák's 'Rusalka' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Bess of Hardwick - Derbyshire celebrates an important sixteenth century figure, by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Attractive Freshness - Celebrations in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beauty of Line - Andreas Scholl in London, heard by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Thematic Economy - Orchestral music by Albert Roussel, heard by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Robert Hugill at English National Opera's 'Der Rosenkavalier'

Ensemble. Stylish and Enjoyable - 'Bluebeard' at Grange Park Opera, experienced by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Essential Lyricism - The violin concertos of Ernö von Dohnányi, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a very impressive performance.'

Ensemble. A Thrilling Production - Verdi's 'Macbeth' impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sleep and Dreams - Mike Wheeler listens to Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Ensemble. Gallic Elegance - Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Special Magic - Massenet's 'Cendrillon', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. An Enjoyable Programme - Chamber music at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

A Natural Approach - Alex Kobrin plays Haydn, Beethoven and Chopin, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Testing Programme - Bill Newman listens to Mayuko Katsumura and Gordon Back

Ensemble. Peak Form - Mike Wheeler finds Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra a joy to hear

Record Box. Particular Sensitivity - Chamber music and songs by William Alwyn, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Poetic Touches - The Russian State Symphony Orchestra plays Musorgsky, Prokofiev and Rakhmaninov, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Power and Delicacy - Beate Toyka plays Grieg's piano concerto, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tremendous Energy - Mahler and Mozart in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

An Enviable Technique - Matthew Schellhorn's Wigmore Hall début recital, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Pastoral Pleasures - English music for flute, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... the Tavener alone would justify the purchase ...'

Ensemble. Telling Power - Malcolm Miller attends the final concert in a series devoted to music by banned composers

Good-hearted Buoyancy - Dvorák and Brahms from Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - John McCabe pays tribute to a friend and colleague

Ensemble. Excellently Contrasted - Mike Wheeler listens to tenor saxophonists Don Weller and Bobby Wellins, backed by a rhythm section and a string quartet from Sinfonia Viva

Ensemble. A Singing Style - Violinist Jack Liebeck makes a short-notice appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfactory - English National Opera's new production of 'The Merry Widow', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Exciting Times Ahead - Haydn, Beethoven and Judith Weir from Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Lyrical Spaces - A recital by the Tippett Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Chopin in the Boondocks - Stephen De Pledge returns to New Zealand, by Howard Smith

Ensemble. Worth Discovering - 'Atalanta' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Real Large Work - Mike Wheeler listens to Alban Gerhardt, Rory Macdonald and the Hallé Orchestra

Wales loses its patriarch - Roderic Dunnett pays tribute to the Welsh composer Alun Hoddinott, who died in March

Penetrating Musical Insight - Evgenia Rubinova plays Chopin with the Orchestra of Opera North in Huddersfield and Leeds, heard by Patric Standford

Record Box. Glorious Textures - Sacred vocal music by Robert Parsons, reviewed by Patric Standford

DVD Spotlight. Spitfire Coloratura - Die Zauberflöte from Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... this admirable DVD is a double first ...'

Prizewinner's Recital - Malcolm Miller applauds Julian Clef at London's Foundling Museum

Record Box. A Welcome Insight - Orchestral music by Charles Camilleri, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Mirror of Control - Chelsea Opera Group's 'Macbeth', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Geordie Knees-Up - John Wilson conducts the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

All Purpose Pianist - Brazilian Eduardo Monteiro plays at Wigmore Hall and talks to Bill Newman about his varied musical life

Ensemble. A Fascinating Programme - English vocal and instrumental music from Musica Mundi, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Depth and Sonority - The first concert by Malcolm Goldring and the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Triumph - Bach's St John Passion from Derby, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Wonderfully Refreshing - Antoni Wit and the Warsaw Philharmonic on tour impress Mike Wheeler

Timings - Both Sides of the Global Fence - James Gardner, by Jennifer Paull

Ensemble. Highly Promising - Rossini, Schubert and Beethoven from the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Great Fun - More from Sinfonia Viva's school and college residency project, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Excellent Team - Bach's St Matthew Passion from Derby Cathedral, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Great Promise - Malcolm Miller reports from the 2008 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition

An Enviable Reputation - Mike Brewer and The National Youth Choirs celebrate their 25th anniversary, by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' from English Touring Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Wonderfully Inventive - Music and dance on the theme of creation, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Specific Qualities - Michael Hoppé's Requiem, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a talented melodist ...'

Musically Thrilling - 'Maria Stuarda' at San Diego Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Striking Individuality - Choral music by Cecilia McDowall, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... clarity and conviction.'

Remarkable Scope - On Ronald Stevenson's eightieth birthday, Patric Standford reads Colin Scott-Sutherland's 'Ronald Stevenson: The Man and his Music'

Unflagging Energy - Nicola Meecham plays Haydn, Schubert, Ravel, Prokofiev and Gershwin, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Joyful and Celebratory - Schumann and Strauss from Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Delectably Played - A concert by the Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Nicely Caught - A song recital by Richard Roddis and Clive Pollard, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Absurdly Melodramatic - Mike Wheeler catches up with a touring production of 'La Traviata'

Ensemble. Romantic Love? - 'Lucia di Lammermoor' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Believable Mixture - Mike Wheeler enjoys Jonathan Dove's opera 'The Adventures of Pinocchio'

Ensemble. Expressive Power - Mike Wheeler listens to Natalie Clein and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Undermining the Theme? - Malcolm Miller is disappointed by a Barenboim Beethoven recital in London

CD Spotlight. Sweeter than Roses - Amorous music by Purcell inspires Howard Smith. '... glorious song with inspirational accompaniments.'

Ensemble. Faultless Unanimity - A concert by the Roberts Quartet, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Playfulness and Spirit - Mike Wheeler joins the Hallé Orchestra's 150th birthday celebrations

CD Spotlight. A Generous Earful - Peter Dawson favourites from Gregory Yurisch and the Tasmanian Symphony, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... in this repertoire they hardly miss a trick.'

Ensemble. Rebuilt City - Malcolm Miller enjoys the first performance of Judith Weir's choral-orchestral work, 'Concrete'

A Passionate Commitment - Robert Hugill talks to Bach Choir conductor David Hill about Carl Rütti's new Requiem

Ensemble. Thoughtfulness and Insight - Roderic Dunnett was at Armonico Consort's 'The Marriage of Figaro'

CD Spotlight. Impressive Authority - Piano music by Phillip Ramey, reviewed by Anthony Davie. '... totally sympathetic with Ramey's style.'

Record Box. Splendidly Achieved - Music by Robert Hugill, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Story Telling - Robert Hugill was at London's recent Judith Weir weekend

Ensemble. Lavish Entertainment - 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' by Jonathan Dove and Alasdair Middleton, impresses Patric Standford

Ensemble. Sensitively Attuned - Dvorák, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky from the Burlington Piano Trio, by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Bounce and Jollity - Derby Bach Choir's cathedral Christmas presentation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Unexpected Delights - Mike Wheeler listens to The Sitwell Singers

Magnificats and Fantasias - A Christmas programme from Derby Cathedral Choir, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A World of Wonder - Song cycles by John Joubert, recommended by Alice McVeigh. '... a passionate wildness to the piano writing ...'

Record Box. Distinctive and Attractive - 'Snowcarols' and other Christmas music by William Ferris, admired by Patric Standford

Record Box. Spirited Performance - Festive music by Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Points of Contact - Choral music by Britten and Finzi from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Plenty of Atmosphere - A festive concert from the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Oriental Spice - 'A Celebration of Israeli Music', reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Litmus Tests - Malcolm Miller at the fifteenth BPSE Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition

Julian Jacobson - No longer one of British music's best-kept secrets! As reported by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Lively but Disciplined - Robert Hugill reviews a performance of Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda'

Editor's Inbox - Another selection of readers' letters

Record Box. Slow and Indulgent - Marin Alsop conducts Brahms, reviewed by Patric Standford

Irresistible Momentum - Alexander Shelley at Sinfonia Viva's helm, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Poignant Sweetness - Sarah Connolly and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beautifully Judged - Mike Wheeler draws attention to the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Orchestra

Emotional Extremes - Tchaikovsky, Janácek and Schubert from the Iuventus Quartet, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Colour, Energy and Warmth - Mike Wheeler enjoys a performance of the Monteverdi Vespers

Ensemble. Great Delight - Robert Hugill discovers two operas by Elizabeth Maconchy

Ensemble. A Majestic Reading - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Sibelius, Bach and Smetana from Pietari Inkinen and the CBSO

Ensemble. Youthful Talent - Contemporary music from the Guildhall Brass Band, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. New Territory - An unusual version of Puccini's 'Turandot', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Memorable Concert - Chloë Hanslip, Slatkin and the RPO, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Requiem in Blue - Rex Harley was at Harvey Brough's 50th birthday concert

A Pianistic Firecracker - A lunchtime recital by Tali Morgulis, enjoyed by Malcolm Troup

A Superb Outing - Bellini's 'La Straniera', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Genuine Appreciation - Robert Hugill at a concert by Londinium City Voices

Ensemble. Impressively Balanced - Robert Hugill experiences Handel's opera 'Teseo'

Ensemble. Occasionally Stunning - Robert Hugill at English National Opera's 'The Coronation of Poppea'

Ensemble. Beautifully Realised - Music for flute, viola and harp from The Wakeford Ensemble, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. On Fine Form - Jeremy Hagan and the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Dramatically Riveting - Maria Nockin at Arizona Opera's 'Lucia di Lammermoor'

Ensemble. Music of Friends - Malcolm Miller attends a concert in London's Great Chamber of the Charterhouse

Warmth and Vigour - Mike Wheeler listens to a recital by the Adelfi Duo

Ensemble. Dispiritingly Unmusical - The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

'Bach the European' - Malcolm Miller attends András Schiff's 2007 RAM Bach Prize Lecture-Recital

Ensemble. Remarkably Paradoxical - Robert Hugill experiences James MacMillan's opera 'The Sacrifice' at Welsh National Opera

Ensemble. Refreshingly Inventive - Julian Bliss, Nicholas Kok and Sinfonia Viva in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Finesse and Subtlety - Orchestral music by Toru Takemitsu, recommended by Mike Wheeler. '... meticulous care for detail ...'

Ensemble. Fresh and Intense - Gluck's 'Iphigénie en Tauride', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Expressive Power - A recital by cellist Tim Hugh impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Rapt and Radiant - Sarah Connolly, The Hallé Orchestra and Mark Elder visit Derby, and Mike Wheeler was in the audience

CD Spotlight. Monumental - Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius' from Birmingham, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... a rich performance by both chorus and orchestra ...'

Ensemble. Primal Energy - Barenboim and the Vienna Philharmonic play Bartók, Kodály, Enescu and Ligeti

Ensemble. Vibrant Harmony - Shirley Ratcliffe was at Snape Proms to hear The London Adventist Chorale directed by Ken Burton

Ensemble. Brilliantly Engaging - Jirí Antonín Benda's 'Romeo and Juliet', reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Multi-tasking - Peter Gould plays the organ at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Tony Westerman

In Perfect Balance - Mike Wheeler listens to the last of Derby Cathedral's 2007 summer organ recitals

DVD Spotlight. Haunting Imagery - Tony Palmer tells the story of Shostakovich, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a landmark among 20th century cinema documents.'

An Extraordinary Showcase - Malcolm Troup was at the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's annual Summer Festival in London

CD Spotlight. Sheer Enjoyment - Music by Saint-Saëns, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'The LPO is in peak condition ...'

Elgar and Englishness - Alistair Hinton takes issue with Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Record Box. Dissonance-Free - John Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', reviewed by Patric Standford

Grand Scale - Mike Wheeler attends summer organ recitals by Tom Corfield and Johan Hermans

Ensemble. Beautifully Judged - Mike Wheeler makes a final visit to the Buxton Festival for Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro'

Compelling Effect - Malcolm Archer at the organ of Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Capturing the Essence - Mike Wheeler returns to the Buxton Festival to hear members of Sinfonia Viva

Ensemble. Emotional Degradation - Music Theatre Wales presents Philippe Boesmans' 'Julie', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Conservative or Progressive? - Malcolm Miller attends the historic modern revival of Striggio's sixty-part Mass

Ensemble. Brahms and Jazz - Organist Peter Gould joins forces with The Swingle Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Sheer Delight - Orchestral music by Dvorák, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... vigorous and vital ...'

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Elgar and England

Beautifully Arranged - 'Antal Doráti and the joy of making music' by Richard Chlupaty, reviewed by Anna L Franco

Ensemble. Two Worlds Bridged - The first performance of Heiner Goebbels' 'Songs of Wars I have Seen', reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Ravishing Beauty - Malcolm Miller enjoys Jonathan Harvey's 'Wagner Dream' at the Holland Festival in Amsterdam

Ensemble. Simply Wonderful - Mozart's 'Il re pastore' at Garsington, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Uniformly Strong - Tobias and the Angel, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Nimbleness and Warmth - The Armonico Consort at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Temperament and Imagination - Alberto Portugheis enjoys a recital by the Romanian-American pianist Eugene Alcalay

Ensemble. Profoundly Moving - Bellini's 'I Capuletti e I Montecchi', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Richness and Clarity - Ashley Grote opens Derby Cathedral's series of summer organ recitals, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sheer Verve - The Derby Bach Choir sings HMS Pinafore, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Dramatic Effect - Handel's 'Semele' at Grange Park, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Magical - A Stravinsky and Purcell double bill at Opera North, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Classy Performance - Summer with The Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Absorption of Influences - A revival of Bloch's early C sharp minor symphony, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Names of Allah - Malcolm Miller reflects on a John Tavener first performance

CD Spotlight. Lifting the Spirits - A benefit concert for the Kitezh Children's Community, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Berkofsky tailors the accompaniments with demonstrable taste and empathy.'

Ensemble. Back to the Future - Cantors in concert at JMI Central, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. A Riveting Evening - Janácek's 'Katya Kabanová', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Wonderfully Vivid - Robert Hugill praises Grange Park Opera's production of Prokofiev's 'The Gambler'

Ensemble. A Divine Evening - The London Bridge Ensemble plays Brahms, Beethoven and Schumann, enjoyed by Tau Wey

Ensemble. A Celebratory Feel - Grange Park Opera's 'The Magic Flute', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beethoven Rules! - Malcolm Troup reports from the recent Annual Beethoven Chamber Music (Duos) Masterclass and Competition at London's Steinway Hall

Ensemble. Sparkling Performances - The Hallé Orchestra plays Colin Matthews, Debussy, Poulenc and Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Emotional Extremes - Malcolm Arnold string quartets [listen], reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'I recommend savoring the Maggini's outstanding advocacy ...'

Ensemble. Fine Playing - The Czech National Symphony on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sordid Ferocity - 'Rigoletto' at the Grand Theatre in Leeds, UK. Patric Standford at the revival of last autumn's sensational production

Ensemble. Taut Austere Passion - Music with a Britten and Auden connection, performed by John Lofthouse and Stephen Rose, and reviewed by Malcolm Miller

A Real Treasure House - Dialogues with and about John Cage, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Strange Bedfellows - 'Les Noces' and 'Dido and Aeneas' at Opera North in Leeds. Patric Standford was at the first night on 5 May 2007

CD Spotlight. A Heady Mix - Havergal Brian's Symphonies 4 and 12, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... Adrian Leaper marshals his enormous forces well ...'

Fascinating and Rewarding - Machaut, O'Regan and Brumel from The Orlando Consort and Viva Voce, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Featuring the Flute - A recital by Jeanne Baxtresser, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... lovely but relatively rarely heard pieces.'

Ensemble. Emotive Power - Roderic Dunnett sings the praises of John Joubert, following the recent première of 'Wings of Faith' in Birmingham UK

Ensemble. Purity of Style - Malcolm Miller enjoys a Piano Circus event in north-west London

Ensemble. Lithe and Springy - The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Interval Talk - Alistair Hinton comments on Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Ensemble. Eloquent Performance - A concert by Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Energy and Playfulness - A concert by the wind players of Ensemble 360 ends Derby Chamber Music's 2006-7 season and satisfies Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Expressive Fervour - Elgar's 'The Music Makers' in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Gentle and Meditative - Music by Peter Dickinson, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Companion Pieces - A Ravel / Puccini double bill, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Delayed Reaction - Sondheim's 'Merrily we roll along', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Real Inspiration - Verse anthems from FifteenB, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Majestic Performance - Martino Tirimo's final 2006 Mozart recital, reviewed by Bill Newman

Vociferous and Delectable - Martino Tirimo plays Mozart, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Drama and Sonority - The Rosamunde Trio plays Dvorák, Fribbins and Beethoven, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Wondrous Colours - Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung play Schubert, Ravel and Stravinsky, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Godsend - Heritage Opera's 'La Bohème', reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

An Admirable Book - Alan Riding and Leslie Dunton-Downer's companion to opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Beethoven's Supremacy - The 2007 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reviewed by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Various Challenges - Music by Trevor Hold, Elgar, Parry, Stanford, Delius and Vivaldi from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Sonorous Feast - Music-making by Cédric Tiberghien, Jirí Belohlávek and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Simply Ravishing - Sakari Oramo and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra play Mahler, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Silvery Tone - A recital by Serena Leader and Gordon Back, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Real Drama - 'Poro' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Exquisite Finesse - A concert by the Elias Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Highly Dramatic - Nelly Miricioiu in Bellini's 'Beatrice di Tenda', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Tremendous Urgency - Derby Bach Choir's performance of Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - A concert by the Philharmonia of the Nations, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Exploiting the Unexpected - Handel's 'Orlando' from Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Rich Gutsy Tone - Kala Ramnath and friends meet Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Unstoppable Momentum - Masterpieces from the Austro-Germanic symphonic repertoire played by Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Dramatic Story-telling - A performance of J S Bach's 'St John Passion', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. The Power of Music - Performances of 'The Magic Flute' and 'Orfeo' from Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Which Concerto? - A concert by the European Union Chamber Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Italianate Sparkle - Opera North's 'The Elixir of Love', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Colourful Renditions - Recitals by Denitsa Laffchieva and Evelina Puzaite, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Outstanding Performances - Susan Milan at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Magnificent Performance - More reviews from London's Wigmore Hall, from Bill Newman

Ensemble. Creative Heritage - Regrets and remedies, the Wigmore way, by Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. Across the Meadow - British light music, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... a wasteland of clone music.'

DVD Spotlight. Enchanting Mockery - Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Chorus and orchestra under Andrew Greene rollick their way through ...'

Splendidly Sonorous - Sharona Joshua plays a copy of an early piano, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Magical Blend - Malcolm Miller enjoys the Sariel-Ghilione Duo and Yehezkel Braun's new Sonata for Mandolin and Guitar

Ensemble. A Valentine Extravaganza - Julian Jacobson in the first of his orchestral Valentine Extravaganzas, enjoyed by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Boundaries of the Possible - Malcolm Miller admires Simon Bainbridge's new BBC commission, 'Diptych'

Ensemble. A Light-hearted Approach - Handel's 'Agrippina' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Stylistic Eclecticism - A concert by the Eden Chamber Orchestra, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Energy and Drama - Handel's 'Messiah' from The Sitwell Singers, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Thrilling Performance - The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra visits Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. New Light - A performance by Christian Knapp and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

'Shooting the Pianist'! - The eerie case of a South-American pianistic 'revenant', by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. A Yiddish Winterreise - Malcolm Miller reviews a concert to commemorate Holocaust Day

Ensemble. Fiery Performance - The Hallé Orchestra plays Elgar and Wagner, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Illusion and Intrigue - English Songbooks of the 1700s, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... Baroque charms ...'

CD Spotlight. An Interesting Mix - Sacred treasures, enjoyed by Robert Hugill. '... certainly intoxicating.'

Ensemble. An Impressive Partnership - A recital by Katherine Jenkinson and Alison Farr, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Lithe and Musical - Donizetti's 'La Fille du Regiment', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Clarity and Honesty - Malcolm Troup's recital at St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Magical Music Theatre - Patric Standford was at the first night of Opera North's 'The Magic Flute'

Ensemble. Especially Dramatic - Premières by Sheriff and McCabe, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Remarkably Attractive - A rare London concert by Schola Pietatis Antonio Vivaldi, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Record Box. Clear Vividness - The 1751 version of Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Sense of Evolution - Malcolm Miller at an evening of music and drama celebrating 350 years of Jews in Britain

Record Box. A Welcome Novelty - Seasonal music from Naxos [listen], reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. An Absorbing Day - Julian Jacobson reports on the fourteenth BPSE Beethoven Intercollegiate (Senior) Piano Competition

Ensemble. Fluid Phrasing - A Christmas concert by the vocal ensemble 'Aitone', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Without Carols - Renaissance music for Christmas, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... endless web of glorious sound recorded sound ...'

Ensemble. Music in the Spacing of the Spheres - A spectacular version of Holst's 'The Planets' in Cleveland, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Deeply Involving - Emile de Roubaix and the Maraini Quartet play Mozart, Szymanowski and Brahms, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Splendidly Wide-ranging - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Truly Moving - Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Fizzing Performances - The Derby Concert Orchestra and Chorale in Christmas mood, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Meticulously Performed - Songs for children, reviewed by Anna L Franco

Ensemble. Renewal and Revitalisation - Malcolm Miller enjoys the London Jewish Male Choir's 80th anniversary concert

Ensemble. Slav Triumph - Malcolm Troup succumbs to the pzazz of the Burov/Miletic Duo

Ensemble. Energy and Exuberance - Music by Haydn, Karl Jenkins and Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Zip and Sparkle? - The Munich Symphony Orchestra on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

A Radiant Performance - Ashley Wass in Derby, assessed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Resplendent Impact - Derby Bach Choir makes its contribution to the Mozart anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Lovingly Shaped - André de Ridder and Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Transcendental Universality - Celebrating London's multi-ethnic pianism in the elect hands of Ivan Kiwuwa, Mishka Momen and Wu Qian, by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Passionate Sympathy - Another take on Opera North's 'Peter Grimes', by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Electrifying Production - Verdi's 'Rigoletto' from Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Glowing Performance - The Czech Philharmonic on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Noble and Poetic - Sequeira Costa plays Chopin, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Something for Everyone - An evening with the Zemel Choir, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. An Entrancing Evening - Handel's 'Orlando' at Sadler's Wells, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Strong and Appealing - Poulenc's 'La voix humaine' at Opera North, reviewed by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Achingly Beautiful - Leila Josefowicz plays Shostakovich, recommended by Howard Smith. '... her tightrope assurance is breathtaking.'

Ensemble. Elegant Playing - An eclectic programme by Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Spectacular Portrayal - Opera North's 'Peter Grimes', reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Passion and Commitment - English National Opera's 'Jenufa', appreciated by Robert Hugill

Record Box. Gentle Chromaticism - Music by Orlando Gibbons, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Vividly Dramatic - Monteverdi's 'Orfeo', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Quietly Compelling - The Coull Quartet plays Haydn, Shostakovich and Beethoven, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Mature Technique - Alina Pogostkina with Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Light and Sprightly - Handel's 'Theodora', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Strong Performances - 'Jephte' and 'Dido' from English Touring Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Captivating Delicacy - Igor Tchetuev plays Tchaikovsky, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Three Premières - Malcolm Miller applauds the latest concert of music by Julian Dawes

CD Spotlight. Sparkle and Polish - Robin Zebaida plays piano rarities, enjoyed by Bill Newman. '... musical appeal is immediate.'

Ensemble. Simplicity and Directness - Malcolm Miller assesses Opera Project's 'Don Giovanni', currently on tour

Ensemble. Revisiting with Pleasure - Summer at Longborough Festival Opera, enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett

CD Spotlight. Spontaneity and Immediacy - Martino Tirimo celebrates Mozart's 250th Anniversary, enjoyed by Bill Newman. '... outstanding performances.' [listen]

Drive and Energy - Andreas Boyde's recent Derby recital, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - Derby Cathedral Choir sings Mozart, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Modern Style - Pimlico Opera's 'The Barber of Seville', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A masterclass in performing Mozart - A concert by Stephen Hough, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra delighted Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Satisfying the Quest - 'The Nightingale and the Rose' by Oliver Rudland, reviewed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. A Sizzling Account - 'The Tempest' by Thomas Adès, reviewed by Maria Nockin

Ask Alice - On Steven Isserlis, Agnes Poirier and surrender monkeys, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Infallible Beauty - Martino Tirimo's Mozart from Cadogan Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Competition

Ensemble. Glowingly Realised - Robert Manning, David Johnson and Tom Corfield share an organ recital at Derby Cathedral, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Chinese Wunderkind - Nine-year-old Niu Niu's Wigmore Hall début, admired by Malcolm Troup

Record box. Satisfying Breadth - Chamber music by Hummel, appreciated by Patric Standford

Masterly and Musical - An organ recital by Adrian Lucas, appreciated by Tom Corfield

Rhythmic Bounce - Peter Gould at the organ of Derby Cathedral, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Belated Flowering - Six-part consorts by John Jenkins, appreciated by Malcolm Tattersall. '... a wonderful group.'

Ensemble. Intelligent and Cogent - Julian Jacobson attended the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Summer Celebrity Festival

Old-time virtuosity stages a comeback - Daniel Grimwood at St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Malcolm Troup

Bold and Forthright - Marcus Huxley played at Derby Cathedral, and Mike Wheeler was there

Record Box. Enterprising Recordings - Music for piano and orchestra, reviewed by Patric Standford

Bubbling Energy - An organ recital by Malcolm Riley, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Fine Indeed - Stokowski symphonic transcriptions, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an unqualified testament to Stokowski's magic.'

Amazing and Dynamic - An organ recital by Martin Baker, reviewed by Tony Westerman

Ensemble. A Surreal Evening - Mike Wheeler reports from the Buxton Festival

CD Spotlight. Valuable Explorations - 'My Dear Siegfried' - Despatches from No Man's Land, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. 'The work has as much affinity with trance/techno as with the modernist art music from which it developed.'

A Name to Remember! - Mikhail Shilyaev at St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Malcolm Troup

Noble and Moving - An organ recital by Andrew Nethsingha, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tonkori in the Park - World music at the City of London Festival, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

The Big Statement - An organ recital by John Keys, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Wit and Originality - Garsington Opera presents The Philosophers' Stone, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Music in Captivity - Malcolm Miller was at a lecture recital by Ronald Senator, with Teresa Gobel and Miriam Brickman

Ensemble. Touching Contributions - A concert by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

A Force to Reckon With - Malcolm Miller enjoys a Wigmore Hall recital by the young Bulgarian pianist Vesselin Stanev

Ensemble. A Mythic Story - 'Nixon in China', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Fizzing with Energy - The Sitwell Singers celebrate a 40th anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Elegance and Agility - Bach, Arnold and Haydn from Sinfonia Viva in Derby, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Respect and Understanding - A CD celebrating 300 years of Charpentier, reviewed by Peter Howell. 'The performance is excellent throughout.'

CD Spotlight. Melodic Felicity - Salon music by Katharine Parker, reviewed by Robert Hugill. 'Edwards has a lovely soprano voice ...'

CD Spotlight. Contrasting Styles - CDs of medieval music, reviewed by Rex Harley. '... delightful recording ...'

Ensemble. Taking Comedy Seriously - 'L'Elisir d'Amore' at Grange Park Opera, appreciated by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Piano meets Sitar - Malcolm Miller at a CD launch of Peter Feuchtwanger's exotic piano music

Ensemble. Opera to Gogol at - Rimsky-Korsakov's 'May Night' at Garsington Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Fluid Performance - The Chelsea Opera Group's 'I Puritani', reviewed by Robert Hugill

A Touch of Authenticity - A recital by Karolina Marchlewska, reviewed by Tau Wey

Ensemble. Wonderfully Enjoyable - Massenet's 'Thaïs', reviewed by Robert Hugill

DVD Spotlight. Real Water, Real Music - Handel's Water Music: Recreating a Royal Spectacular, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... as authentic as we'll see and hear without a time machine.'

Ensemble. Gripping Stuff - Handel's 'Ariodante' at English National Opera, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Sparkle and Communicability - Joseph Horovitz's 80th birthday celebration, appreciated by Malcolm Miller

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Shining youth

Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - The Budapest Symphony Orchestra on tour in the UK, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Pianistic Phenomenon - Malcolm Troup was at Qian Wu's recent London South Bank recital

Ensemble. All Deception - Shostakovich's opera 'The Nose', enjoyed by David Wilkins

Ensemble. Simple but Effective - 'Tolomeo' at the London Handel Festival, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. World Class Chamber Music - Malcolm Troup on the recent BPSE chamber music masterclass and competition in London

Ensemble. Emotionally devastating - Stephen Sondheim's 'Into the Woods' impresses Mike Wheeler

DVD Spotlight. Moving and Powerful - Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess', appreciated by Robert Anderson. 'The work is in the safest possible hands ...'

Ensemble. Sparkling Performances - Yvonne Kenny and Iain Burnside at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Widely Divergent Composers - Music for violin and piano, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... clear and consistent ...'

Ensemble. The music of Julian Dawes - Malcolm Miller was at the first performance of 'Eleven Hebrew Folksongs'

Ensemble. Powerful Forces - Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms from the Navarra Quartet and Simon Lane, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tremendous Energy - Kurt Weill's 'Arms and the Cow', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Remarkable Achievement - Stephen Barlow's cathedral opera 'King', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Haitink's Beethoven - Malcolm Miller was at the second of three April concerts at London's Barbican Hall

Ensemble. A Rousing Send-off - Nicholas Kok's last concert as Principal Conductor of Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Consummate Style - Robert Hugill is won over by English National Opera's 'Orfeo'

Ensemble. One Generation 4 Another - Malcolm Miller was at the Lord's Taverner's charity pop concert at London's Royal Albert Hall

Ensemble. Breathtaking Pianism - Malcolm Miller was at Ian Hobson's Wigmore Hall piano recital

Ensemble. 'I wandered through Theresienstadt' - Malcolm Miller was at a Terezin concert on the eve of Holocaust Day 2006

Ensemble. Inspiring and Memorable - Handel's oratorio 'Solomon', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Life's Fulfilment - Bill Newman recalls the affection he felt for the great Hungarian conductor-composer Antal Doráti, who would have been 100 years old today

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - School music

Record box. Impressive Refinement - Handel Italian cantatas performed by Arcadia, and reviewed by Patric Standford

The Designer Touch - Tonina Doráti and opera production, as explained to Bill Newman

Ensemble. Spell-binding - Venetian Baroque music from The Derbyshire Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Stylistic Variety - Passiontide music sung by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Admirably Convincing - English Touring Opera's 'Tosca', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Opulently Staged - Donizetti's 'Lucia di Lammermoor', reviewed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Fascinating Fusions - Ladino music from Jewish Music Central marks the UK launch of the book 'The Sephardic Songbook', reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Arresting Playing - A recital by Althea Ifeka and Katherine May, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

What makes a conductor? - 'Conductors in Conversation' by Jeannine Wagar, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Radiantly fresh - Emma Kirkby and the Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Delicacy and Tenderness - The Russian State Philharmonic in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. To the Manner Born - Marcella Crudeli's recital at London's Leighton House, enjoyed by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Fire and Flexibility - Verdi's 'Attila', reviewed by Robert Hugill

The Lion and the Lamb - A Tau Wey piano recital, appreciated by Malcolm Troup

Profile. Tête-à-Tête - Bill Newman talks to British pianist Mark Bebbington

Ensemble. Simply Stunning - A performance of Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius' impresses Mike Wheeler

Fire and Energy - Matthew Coorey and the RLPO in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Witty and Entertaining - 'Sir John in Love', reviewed by Robert Hugill

The Mighty Venetian - Tess Crebbin talks to Charles Beare about the master instrument maker Domenico Montagnana

Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Judith Lang Zaimont about her Symphony for Wind Orchestra in Three Scenes

DVD Spotlight. Ultimate Destruction - Verdi's 'Macbeth', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... much excitement ...'

Ensemble. Velvety Textures - Malcolm Miller enjoys Voces8 in London's new Foundling Museum Lunchtime Series

Ensemble. Worth waiting for - Phyllida Lloyd's production of Verdi's 'Macbeth', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Deeply satisfying - A piano recital by Jane Ford, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Mozart viewpoints - Bill Newman reports on the 250th anniversary

Record box. An appealing programme - Mahler, Schumann and Britten, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Effectively shaped - Bizet's 'The Pearl Fishers', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record box. Colourfully set - Choral music by William McClelland, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Physical and Spiritual - Music on the theme of journeys, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Emotional claustrophobia - A concert performance of Strauss's 'Salomé', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Fresh and Involving - Lunchtime jazz from the Georgia Mancio Quartet, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Plea for peace - Vaughan Williams's 'Dona Nobis Pacem' in Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. An outstanding recital - The Denali Piano Trio, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Flair and momentum - Malcolm Miller enjoys a highlight of the BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Mozart Quartet Series

CD Spotlight. Cuts and Dissolves - Music by Turnage, Rihm and Benjamin, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... a well-planned listening experience ...'

A straight line career path - Conductor Kenneth Montgomery talks to Maria Nockin about his life, his music and upcoming events

Ensemble. Vivid form - 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Thrilling impetus - José Serebrier conducts Glazunov, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... the Scottish players bring appropriate breadth and commitment ...'

CD Spotlight. Bitter strength - Orchestral music by Benjamin Britten, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... outstanding performances.'

Ensemble. Delightful music-making - A concert by the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Buoyant and crisp - 'Messiah' in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Ingenuity and madness? - Malcolm Miller investigates Robert Voisey's '60x60' project

Ensemble. Beethoven winners - Malcolm Miller reports on two European competitions

Ensemble. The ideal match - Celebrating the tenth series of live music at London's Wallace Collection, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Style and concept - Two young pianists of outstanding promise, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Telling contributions - Carols from Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Alert rhythmic sense - The Tempest Saxophone Quartet in concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Much to enjoy - Colin Davies conducts Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius', and Robert Hugill was in the audience

Ensemble. Debussy to savour - Malcolm Miller admires Valerie Tryon in recital

Ensemble. Great panache - Derby Concert Orchestra plays Maxwell Davies, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Hushed intensity - Elgar, Brahms and Strauss in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A gripping evening - 'Billy Budd' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Giants? - Alistair Hinton replies to Patric Standford's latest Provocative Thoughts

Ensemble. One hell of a concert - Hot - An Infernal Cabaret, the latest collaborative project by Peter Wiegold's 'notes inégales' and performance poet Murray Lachlan. Malcolm Miller was there

Ensemble. Grandeur and intimacy - A performance of Handel's 'Solomon', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record box. Noël - Christmas carols and chants played by Anonymous 4, enjoyed by Basil Ramsey

DVD Spotlight. Mysterious nirvana - Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the climaxes are prepared with meticulous cunning.'

Ensemble. Striking sonorities - Twentieth-century British music, sung by Derby Choral Union, and reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Utterly gripping - A recital by Fiona McNaught and Daniel Tong, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Record box. Ignited memories - British light music, reviewed by Patric Standford

An uncanny emerging artist - by Anya Lomakova

CD Spotlight. Sprightly tempos - Rameau ballet suites, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... intelligent performances.'

Ensemble. Moments of magic - 'A Midsummer Marriage' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Changing moods - The Derwent Singers and Sinfonia Chorale, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Pervasive influence - A return visit to London by the Verdehr Trio, reviewed by Peter Dickinson

Ensemble. Maturity and insight - Julian Bliss and Sinfonia Viva in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A creditable performance - Richard Strauss's 'Salome' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Spirit of friendship - Malcolm Miller admires Schubert and Mendelssohn at the London début of the newly formed piano trio 'Opus 3'

Class actions? - Alistair Hinton replies to Patric Standford's latest on 'Class acts'

Ensemble. High expectations - A concert by The Quince Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Punchy dynamism - Sinfonia ViVA at Derby's Guildhall, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Aesthetic and didactic - Music by Respighi and Mussorgsky, reviewed by George Balcombe. 'Tadaaki Otaka conjures the composer's unique sound ...'

Ensemble. A terrific evening - 'Dialogues des Carmélites' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

A broad spectrum - Roderic Dunnett was at the 2005 Rotherham Arts Festival

Incandescent conviction - Mozart, Schubert and Beethoven in Littleover, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Magic piccolo? - English Touring Opera visits Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A fine sound - A concert by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. The freedom of jazz - 'All Rise', by Wynton Marsalis, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Frenetic pace - Nielsen's 'Maskarade', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Old and new - The first public appearance of a new chamber choir, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Playful rapport - A recital by Harriet Adie and Jessica Burroughs, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Passion and yearning - Sujeeva Hapugalle gives a piano recital at London's Leighton House, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Vivid energy - Gerald Barry's new opera 'Petra von Kant', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Record box. Accomplished playing - Kumiko Ida's British piano album, appreciated by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Symphonic structure - The Hallé Orchestra plays Vaughan Williams in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Enjoyment all round - Greek guitarist Eleftheria Kotzia in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Provocations - Alistair Hinton and Chad Wozniak discuss Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Drama in the music - Robert Hugill muses on the staging of Handel's oratorios

Useful insights - Daniel Felsenfeld's book 'Samuel Barber and Benjamin Britten. Their lives and their music', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An exuberant performance - Mike Wheeler reviews the last of Derby Cathedral's summer organ recitals, given by Tom Corfield

Ensemble. Exquisite finesse - A song recital by Andrew Kennedy and Simon Lepper impresses Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Roulades of passion - Oleh Krysa and Tatiana Tchekina at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Enjoyably feisty - Derby Cathedral organ recitals by Ian Hare, Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin, Peter Gould and Jonathan Gregory, David Briggs, Simon Bell and David Johnson, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Profile. Emotional contours - Ian Wilson, featured composer at the 2005 Presteigne Festival, talks to Robert Hugill

Record box. Wilby's reconstruction - Daniel Hope plays Mozart, reviewed by Howard Smith

Ensemble. Contrasting pianists - by Bill Newman

Ask Alice - On 'Così', Nigel Kennedy and recovering the Ashes, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. A versatile performer - Daphna Cohen-Licht's recital disc 'Emotional Turbulence', reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... Cohen-Licht gives full reign to the drama ...'

Ensemble. Infused with magic - Rex Harley is entranced by 'Hansel and Gretel' at Longborough Festival Opera

Ensemble. Heart-rending beauty - Concertos by Elgar and Kopytman, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Record box. Push the boat out - Music for trumpets, and music for baroque lute, reviewed by Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Magnificent playing - Mûza Rubackyté in recital, and on disc, appreciated by Bill Newman

Lasting friendships - Roderic Dunnett looks back to a glorious weekend celebrating Gerald Finzi and English Song in Ludlow with the Finzi Friends, and hopes for another next year

Editor's Inbox - More readers' letters, including condolences offered to those affected by Thursday's bombings in London

Ensemble. Tragic scenes - Handel's 'Flavio' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Record box. A recital to value - Lute solos and songs by Robert Johnson from Shakespeare's England, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ask Alice - On pupils failing exams, opera singers and gut strings, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh, proud, today, to be (half) British

CD Spotlight. Often ravishing - Music by Debussy, Prokofiev, Britten and Ravel, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... admirably encompassed ...'

Record box. Impressive performances - A 20th century recital by the Westminster Choir, recommended by Patric Standford

Ask Alice - On singing in Cardiff, Isserlis playing Saint-Saëns and square Samson, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Stylish and memorable - 'Maria Stuarda' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A memorable evening - Maurice Hasson's 70th birthday recital with Gabriela Montero was a notable 2005 Wigmore Hall event for Bill Newman

Ask Alice - On mini-disc players, Mozart in the jungle and ads for tenors, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh, in search of a tenor

CD Spotlight. Radiant, supernatural beauty - In a special multimedia presentation, Gordon Rumson talks about Alistair Hinton's String Quintet

Ensemble. Truly magnificent - Handel's 'Jephtha' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by Robert Hugill.

Ask Alice - Encounters with Big Hand Span and The Cunning Man, for Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

DVD Spotlight. Inexplicable passion - Astor Piazzolla in portrait, appreciated by David Wilkins. '... defying category but never defying mastery.'

Ensemble. The extra layer? - Robert Hugill was at Covent Garden's 'Il Turco in Italia'

Ensemble. Oozing with talent - Birmingham Opera Company's 'Ulysses comes home', reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ask Alice - On stars and superstars, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

A singular event - Sergei Podobedov plays Bach/Busoni, Liadov, Boris Goltz and Chopin, reviewed by David Braid

Ask Alice - On lovestruck violists and beasts in Sydenham, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Different approaches - Comparing two piano trios on the same day, with Bill Newman

Ensemble. The lady and her entourage - Bill Newman at a concert by the London Chamber Music Group

Ensemble. Much to applaud - Malcolm Miller reports on an impressive array of talent at the BPSE Beethoven Chamber Music Competition 2005

Ensemble. Triple Kirckmans - Bill Newman attends three events given by young musicians

Ensemble. Commanding performances - Valerie Tryon at the Chopin Society on VE Day Anniversary, appreciated by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Handel's first night thoughts - Robert Hugill was at the Cambridge Handel Opera Group's 'Tamerlano'

Ensemble. Imaginative and ambitious - Rex Harley discovers the Crickhowell Festival

Ensemble. Handel's Spanish soul - Malcolm Miller attends an inspiring concert at the London Handel Festival 2005

Ask Alice - A celebration of the madness of UK election hype, from Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Their Majesties' Music - Pippa Hare listens to the Choir of the 21st Century

Timings - thoughts about the quirkiness of some of music's hidden secrets - The Wind of Change: 1788, by Jennifer Paull

CD Spotlight. Sonatas and sonatinas - Guitar music played by Nathan Kolosko, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. 'Kolosko's playing is clean, fluent and assured ...'

DVD Spotlight. A dazzling 'tour de force' - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Graham Pushee sings with utmost bravura, fire and clarity ...'

CD Spotlight. Incontrovertible logic - Gillian Weir plays Bach at St Thomas's, Leipzig, appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... skilfully explored ...'

CD Spotlight. Infectious delight - Stokowski conducts Vivaldi and Handel, reviewed by Patric Standford. 'His approach was clearly monumental.'

Profile. South American Belle - A portrait of pianist Clara Rodriguez, by Bill Newman

Record box. Effective film music - Music by Mark Emney, reviewed by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Richly romantic - Orchestral music by Frank Bridge, praised by Patric Standford. '... a fine recording of music that has an outstanding place in English musical heritage.'

Am I too loud? - Robert Hugill muses on Wagnerian sopranos and changing performance tradition

Editor's Inbox - More readers' letters

CD Spotlight. A welcome introduction - Music by John Adams, reviewed by Robert Hugill. 'Alsop has a clear feel for this music ...'

CD Spotlight. Varied and intriguing - Contemporary music première recordings for oboe, reviewed by Patric Standford

Reminiscent retrospectives - Fritzin' the Looking-Glass - On the second anniversary of Fritz Spiegl's death, Jennifer Paull looks into his witty reflection and recalls musical frustrations and fun with Fritz

Destined for the top - Roderic Dunnett talks to Sarah Saunders of Phoenix Rising

Ensemble. Vital performance - 'Die Walküre', appreciated by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Winds of change - Malcolm Miller applauds a new work by Richard Dubugnon premièred by the Haffner Wind Ensemble and Min-Jung Kym

Ensemble. Sex and art - Leonard Bernstein's 'On The Town' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by David Wilkins

Unforgettable Ifor - Jennifer Paull pays tribute to Ifor James (1931-2004)

DVD Spotlight. Gripping performance - 'The Turn of the Screw', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... splendidly captured musically and visually ...'

'Sky poets paint the sheltered curve to find' - the first part of a triptych of articles by Jennifer Paull

Ensemble. A perfect marriage of music and theology - Pippa Hare was at the Tudeley Festival's performance of Bach's B minor Mass

Ensemble. A thrilling performance - Rosie and Nick Evelegh were at Canterbury Choral Society's 'The Apostles'

Ensemble. A fitting celebration - The BBC National Orchestra of Wales plays Ravel, Hoddinott and Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Refreshing clarity - Paul Goodwin and the Academy of Ancient Music play Beethoven, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Sheer modernity - Shostakovich's 2nd and 14th symphonies, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... a superb disc ...'

CD Spotlight. Creditable performances - Vocal music by Wolfgang Rihm, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... purity, clarity and commendable accuracy.'

Ensemble. Piano sonority - Lydia Scadding wins the 2004 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reported by Malcolm Miller

Ask Alice - On concerts, witches and sightings, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Love and learning - Schubert and Schumann song cycles, reviewed by Robert Anderson, who also pays tribute to the late Eric Sams

CD Spotlight. Entertaining tricks - Cello and violin CDs, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... silken, silvery tone ...'

Ensemble. Remarkable diversity - The Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reviewed by Manus Carey

What is the English National Opera for? - Robert Hugill asks the question and, whilst previewing the forthcoming season, suggests three possible answers

Ask Alice - When Agony Aunt meets White Witch, plus a review of the Jacqueline du Pré memorial event in London, by Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Absolutely contemporary - David Wilkins was one of two M&V writers at Tippett's 'A Child of Our Time', staged at the London Coliseum on Friday 21 January 2005

Ensemble. Particularly frustrating - Robert Hugill on Jonathan Kent's staging of 'A Child of Our Time'

CD Spotlight. Much to praise - Mozart wind concertos, reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'The performances range from able to among the best.'

Profile. Total dedication and accord - A portrait of piano duettists Isabel Beyer and Harvey Dagul, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. The Kirckman concept - by Bill Newman

Ensemble. New sounds and ideas - Malcolm Miller attends the first concert in the Park Lane Group's New Year Series 2005

CD Spotlight. Swimming against the tide - Music by John Foulds, reviewed by Rex Harley. '... in performance terms, everything about this disc is excellent ...'

CD Spotlight. Ravishing colloquy - Orchestral music by Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... sumptuous and highly disciplined playing ...

CD Spotlight. Wondrously alive - Music by Elgar, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... yet more immediacy than the original LPs ...'

CD Spotlight. Higher authority - Jacob Heringman plays music from the Siena Lute Book, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... an infectious zest for the music ...'

Record box. The perceptive oboe - Nancy Ambrose King plays oboe concertos, reviewed by Basil Ramsey

Profile. An ideal lifestyle - Remembering Sir John and others. Bill Newman visits Lady Evelyn Barbirolli

Remarkable diversity - Robert Hugill writes about the British Composer Awards

CD Spotlight. Considerable pleasure - Emma Kirkby sings music by Cataldo Amodei, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... a CD of rare beauty ...'

CD Spotlight. Valued archives - Stokowski and the classic Columbias, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... a powerful performance ...'

CD Spotlight. Festive mood - Carols for brass, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz. '... simply superb.'

Ensemble. Confined to the house - 'Don Pasquale' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Brightness and fidelity - Choral music by Cecilia McDowall, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... a composer who deserves to be heard as widely as possible.'

Ensemble. Nobly moving - Glinka's 'A Life for the Tsar' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Musical sounds and colours - A portrait of the Greek-born pianist Eugenia Papadimas, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Honed and practised - Jan Garbarek in Cardiff, enjoyed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. A worthy winner - The Donatella Flick Conducting Competition 2004, reviewed by David Wilkins

CD Spotlight. A unique achievement - EMI's golden years of the gramophone, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... total fascination ...'

Novelist as composer - The life and times of Anthony Burgess, by Tess Crebbin

Ensemble. Engaging and colourful - Bernard Roberts plays music by Stephen Dodgson, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Do we understand 'normality'?

Record box. A sure touch - Edward Higginbottom conducts New College Oxford Choir, appreciated by Basil Ramsey

Writing new opera - A composer's perspective, by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beacon of hope - Daniel Barenboim conducts the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

The same or not the same? - That is the question. Alistair Hinton responds to Patric Standford's recent provocative essay

Ensemble. Thirty-two sonatas a day - Malcolm Miller attends Julian Jacobson's Beethoven marathon

Record box. Ease and warmth - Music by Billy Cowie, reviewed by Ron Bierman

Ensemble. Compelling performances - Elgar's Cello Concerto enlivens an ambitious Festival Miami concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. Deeply affecting - Strauss's 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in Cardiff, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. A dazzling mix - Bohuslav Martinu's 'The Greek Passion' at London's Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Authentic folk drama - Béla Pintér and Company's 'Peasant Opera', reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Suspending disbelief? - 'Turandot' at Welsh National Opera, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ask Alice - On cellists, composers and veils, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Opium of the elite - Roderic Dunnett previews this autumn's touring operas in the UK

Record box. Legato blues - David Johnstone plays assorted music for solo cello, reviewed by Patric Standford

Record box. Expanding repertoire - A Daniel Rubinoff saxophone recital, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A musical joy - London's Regent Hall Piano Festival, reviewed by Manus Carey

Alarms included - Alice McVeigh's 'Ghost Music', reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

CD Spotlight. Imaginative programme - The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... an impressive standard ...'

CD Spotlight. Strange farrago - Elgar's 'Starlight Express', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... accomplished and imbued with the sort of affection the work desperately needs.'

European tour - A preview, of sorts, of the Cleveland Orchestra's four-city, three festival visit, by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Admirably involving - Tau Wey at the 2004 Regent Hall Summer Festival, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Richly sumptuous - The Czech Moravian Virtuosi Orchestra sparkles in novelties from Europe, by Lawrence Budmen

Profile. Quality and clarity - Robert Hugill meets British pianist Ashley Wass

Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh returns to tell the story of her rescue by Hel and Slime

While the music lasts - Kelly Ferjutz enjoys Alice McVeigh's musical novel

CD Spotlight. Passion for Bach - Dominic Miller's 'Shapes', reviewed by Tess Crebbin. '... he is a genius.'

Ensemble. Mesmerising - Further thoughts on Longborough's 'Ring' and Sir Donald McIntyre as Wotan, from Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. A real triumph - McIntyre sings Wotan at Longborough Festival Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Rich harvest - Summer opera in the UK, reviewed and previewed by Roderic Dunnett

Barcelona diary - The London Concord Singers visit Catalunya, and Robert Hugill keeps a written record of the trip

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - All-round musical greatness

Record box. Rich and resonant - Hilary Norris plays the organ of Ashridge Chapel, reviewed by Julia Ionides

CD Spotlight. Mr Bean and Elgar - A compilation of recordings from the 1970s, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a technical mastery that any world soloist might envy.'

CD Spotlight. Hope and fear - Berg and Britten violin concertos, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a violinist of superb accomplishment ...'

Ask Alice - Jaundiced, but nearly in Crete .... is classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A stunning masterpiece - Opera East on tour with Lennox Berkeley's 'A Dinner Engagement' and Holst's 'The Wandering Scholar' - Peter Dickinson reports

Ensemble. Particular virtues - Richard Strauss's 'Ariadne auf Naxos' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - Keep taking the tablets ... the latest advice from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Hauntingly beautiful - Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Standing ovation? - Lyric Opera Cleveland's 'Mikado', reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Grand guignol - Tchaikovsky's 'The Enchantress' at Grange Park, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Misunderstood? - 'Peter Grimes' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - More forays into politics and literature, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A classic - 'Wonderful Town' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - Helpful hints about sharing instruments, plus some musical commentary on Wimbledon, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - Sad news about classical music for Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Wind without mercy - Robert Hugill's 'Passion', reviewed by Keith Bramich. '... a very distinctive soundworld ...'

CD Spotlight. A salad-days genius - The violin concerto by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a clean-cut precision throughout the work ...'

CD Spotlight. Gloriously inspired - Choral works by Walton and Elgar, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Sargent's vitality matches Walton's ...'

Ensemble. Musically stunning - Richard Strauss's 'Arabella' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Roaring success - Malcolm Miller enjoys a children's concert by Dominic Harlan

Ask Alice - On cellists, politicians, children's musicals and sewer rats, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Hold on to your bowlers! - Kelly Ferjutz previews Lyric Opera Cleveland's thirty-first season

Ask Alice - In the wake of recent European elections, our ever-timely and impartial agony aunt of classical music encourages us to vote McVeigh

Ensemble. Casting from strength - Chelsea Opera Group's 'Andrea Chénier', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. An exciting career ahead - Manus Carey listens to Chinese pianist Wu Qian

Life and death - Tess Crebbin writes about 'Shadowtime', Brian Ferneyhough's first opera

CD Spotlight. Flexibility and beauty - Ramón Vargas sings Rossini and Donizetti arias, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... his singing is wonderfully musical.'

Ensemble. An individual voice - Music by Julian Dawes, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. A mixed bag - Bill Bruford's Earthworks and The Zawinul Syndicate at St David's Hall, Cardiff on Tuesday 4 May 2004, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Muscular performance - Rex Harley is left breathless listening to violinist Chloë Hanslip

Ask Alice - Problems this week with headmasters, oboists and emails, for classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Pianistic excellence - John Lill and Prokofiev's Eighth Sonata at sixty, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Moments of happiness - Alfred Brendel wins the International Ernst von Siemens Music Award 2004, reported by Tess Crebbin

Maria of hope or despair? - David Wilkins was at the first fully-staged UK production of Piazzolla's 'Maria de Buenos Aires'

Ensemble. High calibre - The Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Chamber Music Masterclass with the Gwyneth George Prize, reviewed by Manus Carey

Ask Alice - On Botox, youth and adventures in good music, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - On viola jokes and the eating of dogs, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Enchanting simplicity - John Lill plays Schumann, and Robert Anderson listens. '... manifold subtleties of touch ...'

Ensemble. Drawing you in - The Tord Gustavsen Trio's first ever UK performance, appreciated by Rex Harley

Venus and Adonis - Robert Hugill muses on the marriage of music and words in the seventeenth century

Scrutiny - To begin a weekend of articles celebrating Wilfrid Mellers' ninetieth birthday, Gordon Rumson investigates Mellers' early writings, 1936-1949

Sundry talents, or the importance of laughter - Celebrating his ninetieth birthday today, Wilfrid Mellers talks to Keith Bramich

Seeing music whole - Wilfrid Mellers at ninety - an appreciation by Peter Dickinson

Ensemble. Perfect blendings - Piano 40's eighth London concert, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A special night - Bill Newman wishes Colin Bradbury many happy returns on the occasion of the clarinettist's seventieth birthday

Ensemble. Spoilt for choice - Swiss ambassadors, a Bulgarian pianist and a marketing project, with Bill Newman

Ask Alice - 'Slice it how you like', claims Alice McVeigh, Bromley's premier researcher into cello sounds and classical music's world's first agony aunt. 'How kinky is that?'

CD Spotlight. Lurking romanticism? - Discovering British light music, with Ron Bierman. 'Sutherland and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia are ideal interpreters.'

Record box. Coming clean - John Potter's 'Care-charming sleep' finds Rex Harley unimpressed

Ask Alice - Alice McVeigh, the agony aunt of classical music, basks in the glory of her successful Dvorák performance ...

CD Spotlight. Beethoven unbuttoned? - Volume two of the Metier 'Beethoven Explored' series, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... nice rhythmic sense and technical assurance.'

Ensemble. Gripping theatre - Robert Hugill experiences Zurich Opera's 'Radamisto'

Ask Alice - Alice McVeigh, the agony aunt of classical music, is artistically ham-strung and irritated, this week ...

Ensemble. Feather in the cap - Rex Harley reviews a choral concert which took place on Saturday 13 March 2004 in Bristol UK

Ask Alice - A tale of cricket and children's books, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A triumphant close - Robert Hugill reviews the current Covent Garden London production of 'Samson and Delila'

CD Spotlight. To be savoured - Aubrey Brain plays Bach, Brahms, Glazunov and Mozart, appreciated by David Thompson. '... music making of the highest calibre ...'

Ask Alice - A tale of one passport application, by classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Refreshing repertoire - Portuguese wind music played by the Galliard Ensemble, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... brilliantly played.'

CD Spotlight. Ascending slowly - Chamber music by Peter Maxwell Davies, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... played with accomplished precision ...'

Transcending virtuosity - Alistair Hinton comments on points made in Gordon Rumson's recent Chopin review

Ask Alice - Classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, gives up explanation (or should that be exclamation?) points for Lent

CD Spotlight. A complex personality - The Romanesca trio's recording of Biber Violin Sonatas, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... the performances are outstanding.'

The specious origins of originality - Alistair Hinton comments on Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Ensemble. The thinnest tightrope - David Wilkins at the Hungarian première of Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw'

Ask Alice - Community service for conductors? Romantic music for bassoonists? All this and more with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

White, gold and marble - Robert Hugill takes a look around the newly-restored London Coliseum, home of English National Opera

Ensemble. Involving and magical - Robert Hugill experiences Thomas Adès's opera 'The Tempest'

Ensemble. Lack of balance - Rex Harley experiences Il Vero Modo

Ask Alice - On the continued excellence of the cello and the continued bad behaviour of conductors, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - The balance of the sexes or ... conductors with their trousers down, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Brave heart - Angela Lear's search for the essential Chopin, by Gordon Rumson. '... heroic single-mindedness.'

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Obsession

Ask Alice - On string quartets, advertising, cellists and fame, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Personal connections - Robert Hugill discusses Vaughan Williams and the Bloomsbury Group

CD Spotlight. Scintillating performance - Tamami Honma plays music by John McCabe, appreciated by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Radiantly musical - Les Arts Florissants perform music by Charpentier, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - Busking amongst the sheep and speed cameras, classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, live this week from Wales

Listening with baroque ears - Robert Hugill investigates the world of collaborative opera

A hermit at heart - Carolyn Nott pays an eightieth birthday tribute to her husband, the composer Gerard Schurmann

Ask Alice - On diction and eye jobs, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, live this week from Brighton pier

CD Spotlight. Infectious performances - Joglaresa and Belinda Sykes perform medieval songs for Mary Magdelene, recommended by Robert Hugill. '... enormous freshness and immediacy.'

Ensemble. Rivalling Richter and Gilels - The piano scene, and a young musical stylist in the making, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Perfect realisations - Mei Yi Foo at Steinway Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A new group in the making - Bill Newman listens to the Rosamunde Trio

CD Spotlight. Tintinnabulation - Music by Arvo Pärt, reviewed by Rex Harley. '... all the air and spaciousness one needs ...'

What sound? - Robert Hugill asks some questions about the music of William Byrd