News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
Le Nozze di Figaro review – astute period staging of Mozart’s masterpiece is as poignant as it is funny | Opera | The Guardian
<strong>Glyndebourne, Sussex</strong><br>Mariame Clément allows the story of the predatory Count to resonate across the centuries in this exhilaratingly well performed and eye-catching production
Pelléas et Mélisande review – Longborough’s staging is accomplished and atmospheric | Opera | The Guardian
Anthony Negus is attentive to the subtleties of Debussy’s translucent score, and, matched by Jenny Ogilvie’s darkly mysterious production, this makes for one of the most successful shows Longborough festival has ever mounted
‘My hospital notes said: estimated female’: jazz musician Gill Hicks on being caught in the 7/7 bombings | Stage | The Guardian
After being pulled from the wreckage, she spent months learning how to speak again. Now, 20 years on, Hicks is performing her beloved jazz standards on stage – and remembering those who saved her life
Under Milk Wood invites us to laugh at ourselves – I wanted my music to do the same | Classical music | The Guardian
Dylan Thomas’s evocative radio play has been adapted into films, a ballet, even a jazz suite. From its drunkards and nosey-parkers, to its ghosts and dreamers, Ninfea Crutwell-Reade’s new reimagining connects it back to its origins
Aurora Orchestra/Collon/Power review – Italian immersion with introspective Berlioz and extrovert Mendelssohn | Classical music | The Guardian
Pairing Mendelssohn’s sun-filled Italian symphony with Berlioz’s broodingly romantic Harold en Italie – with actor Charlotte Ritchie on hand to bring Berlioz’s own voice to life - the Aurora Orchestra were on irresistible form
‘It is impossible to recall him without smiling’: Simon Rattle on Alfred Brendel | Alfred Brendel | The Guardian
The conductor first heard Brendel as a schoolboy. He was to become his cherished friend, inspirational collaborator and valued mentor for many decades. Simon Rattle remembers the great pianist’s wit, wisdom – and a particular pair of scissors
Berlioz and Ravel album review – his orchestra is responsive to Mäkelä’s every move | Classical music | The Guardian
It may be missing that edge-of-your-seat excitement it had at last summer’s Proms, but Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique is full of colour and impact, and the energy keeps fizzing on Ravel’s La Valse
A Visit to Friends/The Gildas Quartet review – Colin Matthews’s luminous new opera opens Aldeburgh in fine style | Classical music | The Guardian
With a Chekhov-inspired libretto by William Boyd, this ‘opera within an opera’ had an excellent cast and a lucid staging. Another brand new work by Colin Matthews – his vivid Quartet No 6 – featured the following morning
Keys to success: the 2025 Van Cliburn piano competition, the instrument’s Olympics | Classical music | The Guardian
One of the world’s most prestigious and intensive musical competitions took over downtown Fort Worth these past few weeks. Will its winner prove to be another Yunchan Lim-style sensation?
Britten: Sinfonia da Requiem, Winter Words (arr Holloway), etc album review – confirms Gardner’s status as an outstanding conductor of Britten | Classical music | The Guardian
The first recording of Robin Holloway’s imaginative orchestration of the song cycle Winter Words is fascinating, and completes a superb new disc of Britten’s music
Look north: composer Gavin Higgins on his new song cycle celebrating northerness | Classical music | The Guardian
From the high energy and high rises of Manchester to the wild beauties of the moors and mountains, the north of England has enriched and inspired Gavin Higgins. His newest work explores the idea – and the sounds – of being northern
Voces8 review – agile and poised vocal group celebrate 20 years, with a little help from their friends | Classical music | The Guardian
The choir’s birthday concert focused mainly on 20th and 21st-century music with a contemplative bent. Joined in the second half by members old and potentially new, and also the BBC Singers, the sound was thrilling
Furtwängler: Symphony No 2 album review – conductor’s own massive work has real curiosity value | Classical music | The Guardian
One of the 20th century’s greatest conductors, Wilhelm Furtwängler, also composed; this, his second symphony, is arguably his finest achievement, but it is unmemorable and feels predictable
Ligeti: Violin and Piano Concertos, etc album review – As always, Faust’s performance is perceptive and immaculate | Classical music | The Guardian
These fresh and original concertos revealed the full power of Ligeti’s new musical language; Isabelle Faust and Jean-Frederic Neuburger give accomplished and polished accounts of both<br>
From Van Gogh to Superman: Keep cool with our guide to the summer’s best arts and entertainment | Culture | The Guardian
From a very hungry crocodile to some equally famished zombies, a superstar Compton rapper to a Smallville superhero: our critics choose the eye-opening arts events that will dazzle you over the next few months