PODCAST: Join Jenna Orkin, Maria Nockin, John Daleiden, Gerald Fenech, Julian Jacobson, Patrick Maxwell, Giuseppe Pennisi and Mike Wheeler for a fascinating fifty-minute audio only programme.
DISCUSSION: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Improvisation in the classical world and beyond, including contributions from David Arditti, James Lewitzke, James Ross and Steve Vasta.
MET STARS: From 2002 until 2021 the late Maria Nockin reported from Arizona, mostly on live opera productions.
Ensemble. A Triumph - Roderic Dunnett listens to two one-act operas
Ensemble. A Great Success - Antonio Pappano's St John Passion impresses Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Translucent Artistry - Vocal duets by Schumann, Mendelssohn and Cornelius, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The two soloists exude immaculate performances full of smooth, silky singing, where every nuance behind each word and note is brought to light ...'
DVD Spotlight. Unstinted Commitment - Janáček's Cunning Little Vixen, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech
CD Spotlight. Crystalline Intensity - La Nuova Musica's Vivaldi and Handel impresses Howard Smith. '... recommendable for its baroque verisimilitude and clarity.'
Ensemble. Bursting with Vitality - Mendelssohn and Beethoven from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra thrilled Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Most Versatile - Mozart's 'La Clemenza di Tito' live in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Ethereal and Beautiful - Karl Jenkins' 'The Peacemakers', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... some rather inspired music.'
CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Alert - Handel Works for Italy, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Lucy Crowe has the range, agility, and subtlety ...'
Ensemble. A Magisterial Presence - William Christie conducts Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Highly Resourceful - Mike Wheeler listens to a new work by Richard Roddis
Ensemble. Infectious Enthusiasm - Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble, heard by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Full of Delights - Handel's 'Parnasso in Festa', recommended by Robert Hugill. '... some truly superb Handel singing (and playing) ...'
Ensemble. Occasionally Stunning - Robert Hugill at English National Opera's 'The Coronation of Poppea'
Ensemble. Magical - A Stravinsky and Purcell double bill at Opera North, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Light-hearted Approach - Handel's 'Agrippina' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Grandeur and intimacy - A performance of Handel's 'Solomon', reviewed by Mike Wheeler