PROVOCATIVE THOUGHTS:
The late Patric Standford may have written these short pieces deliberately to provoke our feedback. If so, his success is reflected in the rich range of readers' comments appearing at the foot of most of the pages.
VIDEO PODCAST: Women Composers - Our special hour-long illustrated feature on women composers includes contributions from Diana Ambache, Gail Wein, Hilary Tann, Natalie Artemas-Polak and Victoria Bond.
Classical music news. The Ideal Bridge - Michele Mariotti is to make his debut at Vienna State Opera with The Barber of Seville
Ensemble. Strong and Intense - Giuseppe Verdi's 'Attila', opening La Scala's 2018-19 season, enthralls Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Rarely more than Loosely Acted - Maria Nockin reviews John Copley's production of Rossini's 'Semiramide' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, without Copley
Ensemble. A Great Privilege - Mozart's Marriage of Figaro live in HD from the New York Met, experienced by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Lyrical Beauty - A new edition of Prince Igor, experienced live in HD by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Intergenerational Conflict - Giuseppe Pennisi attended a successful performance of Verdi's 'Ernani' in Rome
Ensemble. A Complex Plot - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of Verdi's 'Don Carlo' in Turin
Ensemble. Financial Stringency - Giuseppe Pennisi describes how the Puccini Opera Festival is at a turning point
Ensemble. A Fine Representation - Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' at New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Romance, Intrigue and Tragedy - Gaetano Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Greg Moomjy
Ensemble. A Difficult Cocktail - Rossini's 'Moïse et Pharaon', assessed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Heroes Step Up in Crisis - The Muti era lays claim to Chicago, by Barbara Sealock
Ensemble. When God and Man Collide - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Salzburg Festival to investigate 'the downfall of the myth and the spirit of the music'
Ensemble. Disillusioning in All its Grandeur - New York Metropolitan Opera's current production of Giuseppe Verdi's 'Attila' elicits a mixed reaction from Rebecca Schmid