LISTENING TO TCHAIKOVSKY: Béla Hartmann uses his knowledge of Eastern Europe to argue against the banning of all Russian culture following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
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.
One of the world's most endearing operas is Hansel & Gretel, appealing to children - and the child within us. Engelbert Humperdinck's conception and the Wagnerian language so brilliantly recycled into a rich musical embroidery for one of the brothers Grimm tales was first heard at Weimar on 23 December 1893. It has held a permanent place in the repertory ever since.
Ensemble. Nicely Alert - Sarah Beth Briggs and James Lisney in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Highly Promising Talent - Katie Gilbert, Esther Beard and Edward Leung at Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Lost in its own Forest - Engelbert Humperdinck's 'Hansel and Gretel' at Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Attractive and Skilful - Royal Opera's 'Hansel and Gretel', recommended by Patric Standford. '... a first class cast ...'
CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Boston String Quartet's 'Xibus', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'What all this signifies is not at all clear.'
Ensemble. Indelible Magic - Hansel and Gretel in New Zealand, experienced by Howard Smith
Ensemble. On Fine Form - Jeremy Hagan and the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Squeals of Delight - LA Opera's 'Hansel and Gretel', enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Revisiting with Pleasure - Summer at Longborough Festival Opera, enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett
Ensemble. Infused with magic - Rex Harley is entranced by 'Hansel and Gretel' at Longborough Festival Opera
Ensemble. Ding, dong! The Witch is Dead - Humperdinck's opera 'Hansel and Gretel' in Cleveland, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
CD Spotlight. The Maestro - Stokowski conducts Schumann and Haydn, and David Thompson listens. '... he delivers in spades.'