VIDEO INTERVIEW: Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to American choral conductor Donald Nally, director of The Crossing, in this fascinating, illustrated, one hour programme.
VIDEO PODCAST: Slava Ukraini! - recorded on the day Europe woke up to the news that Vladimir Putin's Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. Also features Caitríona O'Leary and Eric Fraad discussing their new film Island of Saints, and pays tribute to Joseph Horovitz, Malcolm Troup and Maria Nockin.
Classical music news - Poor Hymnal - Donald Nally and The Crossing release their thirty-sixth album - David Lang's 'Poor Hymnal'
Spotlight. Beauty and Simplicity - Keith Bramich is attracted to Edward Nesbit's 'Nativity'. '... the more I listen, the more I like it.'
Ensemble. Finely Calibrated Shifts of Mood - Mike Wheeler celebrates Christmas with the Derby Concert Orchestra and its new principal conductor
Ensemble. Engagingly Light on its Feet - Mike Wheeler again finds plenty to enjoy in Derby Choral Union's seasonal Handel 'Messiah' performance
Classical music news. Handel's Messiah - A selection of forthcoming performances
Spotlight. Made from Rarer Stuff - Keith Bramich is intrigued by unusual Christmas carols collected in Herefordshire. '... clear, stylish and sympathetic performances.'
Spotlight. Emotional Joy and Gladness - Gerald Fenech warmly recommends Christmas music from the Chapel Choir of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. 'An enthralling compilation, flawlessly performed, that should prepare the listener for the celebrations of Christmastide, even at this early stage.'
Spotlight. An Individualistic Style - Geoff Pearce listens to Frank Martin's music with flute. 'The performances are very good and totally convincing.'
Classical music news. Pachelbel Carols - News from British composer and arranger Paul Ayres
Spotlight. Inspired and Joyous Choral Singing - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends choral music by Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn. '... stirring music from beginning to end from, maybe, the most famous siblings in nineteenth century musical history.'
Ensemble. Brightly Delivered - Mike Wheeler finds a concert by Nigel Short's Tenebrae choir unmissable
Ensemble. No Lack of Stylistic Variety - Mike Wheeler listens to music for two harps and various percussion from the Chroma Harp Duo
Ensemble. Mercurial Switches of Mood - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Mendelssohn, Liszt, Beethoven and J S Bach/Myra Hess played by Japanese pianist Yu Kosuge
Learning How to Play Again with 'The Nutcracker' - Jeffrey Neil shares some thoughts about Tchaikovsky's ballet, following a visit to Oakland Ballet's production in California, USA
Ensemble. Teasing Musical References - Mike Wheeler celebrates Christmas with the Sitwell Singers and conductor Dexter Drown
Ensemble. An Undisclosed Narrative? - Mike Wheeler was delighted with music by Chabrier, Saint-Saëns, J S Bach and Rachmaninov from Bruno Philippe, Chloé van Soeterstède and the Hallé Orchestra
Ensemble. Lots to Enjoy - Mike Wheeler was at Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas Concert
Ensemble. Innocence Leading to Empathy - Ron Bierman experiences the mariachi opera 'The Miracle of Remembering'
Spotlight. Synergies of Tradition - John Dante Prevedini is impressed by the Christmas music of Patrick Hawes. '... meticulously conceived across every perceptible dimension ...'
Spotlight. Largely Traditional - Keith Bramich listens to Christmas music recorded in 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia. '... an intriguing glimpse of the work of Robert Shaw and his Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus from nearly fifty years ago.'
Classical music news. Solomon's Knot - Brown University's Lindemann Performing Arts Center opened recently, and Bach's Magnificat opens the Christmas season at London's Wigmore Hall
Classical music news. New Releases for November 2023 and Later - Browse a selection of new recordings
A Treasure Trove - Roderic Dunnett explores the substantial catalogue of Regent Records
CD Spotlight. Lush Orchestrations - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by British composer Philip Lane. '... so much to enjoy.'
Ensemble. Plenty of Expressive Contrast - The Sitwell Singers' 2022 Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Bubbling Energy - Mike Wheeler listens to Sarah Beth Briggs
Ensemble. A Christmas Gift - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences some rare music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Ensemble. Bright Spots to Enjoy - Mike Wheeler was at Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas Concert
Ensemble. A Christmas 'Don Quixote' - Giuseppe Pennisi recommends a visit to the ballet
Ensemble. Charm, Skill and Versatility - Ron Bierman listens to Isabel Leonard and Pablo Sáinz-Villegas in festive mood
CD Spotlight. The Selflessness of Schütz - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by Heinrich Schütz and some of his contemporaries. '... a deeply satisfying listening experience ...'
Ensemble. Nicely Contrasted - Mike Wheeler listens to Christmas music from Derby Bach Choir, Derventio Brass and Old Vicarage School Choir
Ensemble. Neatly Characterised - The Cann Twins play Rachmaninov, Rimsky-Korsakov, Brahms, Johann Strauss II, Tchaikovsky, Gershwin and Jeffrey Reid Baker, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Dash and Swagger - Gerald Fenech listens to Arthur Sullivan's 'Victoria and Merrie England'. '... playing of the highest order ...'
CD Spotlight. Imaginative and Different - A variety of Christmas music from Navona Records, heard by Keith Bramich. '... played superbly.'
CD Spotlight. A Mexican Knees-up - A reconstructed seventeenth century Christmas in Mexico City, heard by Keith Bramich. '... the street ensemble is never far away.'
CD Spotlight. Hugely Educational - Christiane Karg's new album, heard by Keith Bramich. '... great clarity and precision in Christiane Karg's voice and sensitive support from Gerold Huber ...'
CD Spotlight. Expertly Crafted - Keith Bramich listens to Caitríona O'Leary's Christmas album, 'Strange Wonders'. '... the performances are empowered by their simplicity and directness.'
Ensemble. A Fun Evening - Mike Wheeler listens to a pre-Christmas programme from Derby Concert Orchestra
CD Spotlight. A Treasure Trove of Unending Melodic Content - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Leroy Anderson. 'Leonard Slatkin and co are on top form, and their performances are superbly rounded, full of swagger and consistently fresh and spirited.'
Classical music news. Hang in there together - Classical Music Daily's March 2021 Newsletter has just been published as a video podcast
CD Spotlight. Jubilant Performance - Christmas music from the Bristol Brass Consort, enjoyed by Keith Bramich. '... the arrangements here are varied and interesting, and the standard of performance quality is high.'
Ensemble. Christmas is for Concerts - Giuseppe Pennisi makes his festive choice from the Italian media
CD Spotlight. Sensitive and Thoughtful - More Christmas music from Clifton Cathedral, heard by Keith Bramich. '... this 1997 choir has a crisper sound than its 1987 vintage, and the ensemble is neater.'
CD Spotlight. A Real Adventure - Christmas in seventeenth century Mexico, conjured up by Siglo de Oro, Patrick Allies and friends, greatly impresses Keith Bramich. 'Siglo de Oro's performances here are superbly well-blended, joyously fresh and optimistic, seemingly flowing over and through the listener, sweeping them along in a stream of Mexican-tinged Renaissance splendour.'
The Therapeutic Power of Music - Giuseppe Pennisi writes about Christmas in music for children in Italy
Ensemble. A Delightful Addition to Christmas - Bryn Terfel in Wales, the latest Met Stars live in concert, reviewed by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Christmas Night - Seventeenth and eighteenth century Italian festive music, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'This is a compilation full of craft and ingenuity ...'
CD Spotlight. Strangely Less Familiar - Telemann Christmas Cantatas, warmly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'There is no doubt that Willens and his team believe wholeheartedly in Telemann's work, and these pieces are perfectly executed by all involved.'
CD Spotlight. Firm Yuletide Favourites - Keith Bramich listens to a wide range of Christmas carols from Clifton Catholic Cathedral. 'Generally, everything is well-sung, tight and in-tune.'
Classical music news. Personal, Political and Social Lockdown - An assortment of short news items, plus 'Seven Deadly Sins', Classical Music Daily's December 2020 Newsletter, just published in a new audio podcast format
CD Spotlight. An Integral Part of Christmas - Carols from the SWR Vokal Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully shaped and vocally refined and the voices come across clear and resonant.'
Ensemble. Variegated Colours - Alexander Binns plays Messiaen, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - Christmas with the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. 'Messiah' Overload? - Handel from Derby Bach Choir, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Portrait in Courage - Giuseppe Pennisi celebrates Christmas with Ezio Bosso and the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
CD Spotlight. A Tradition Still Alive - Gerald Fenech listens to Advent carols from King's College London. 'A hugely beautiful issue, full of inspiring singing and emotional joy, performed with fine control, impressive depth of tone and a dynamic range that commands one's admiration from start to finish.'
Ensemble. Varied in Tone and Style - Mike Wheeler listens to twentieth-century British music played by Derby Concert Orchestra
Classical music news. December 2019 Newsletter - 'A Spanish Nativity', Classical Music Daily's December 2019 Newsletter, has just been published
Ensemble. As Fresh As Ever - Mike Wheeler takes stock of Benjamin Britten's 1948 cantata 'St Nicholas'
Classical music news. Christmas Carols with Libera - South London boys' choir Libera releases its Christmas album
Classical music news. Sponsored Features - Classical Music Daily's procedure for sponsoring articles and features is back online
CD Spotlight. A Glittering Compilation - Spanish Christmas music from Stile Antico impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Flawless performances by Stile Antico, added to some impressive sonics and eye-catching presentation ...'
CD Spotlight. A Sense and Taste for the Infinite - Choral music by Rautavaara, Wennäkoski and Livorski impresses Gerald Fenech. 'For those who love contemporary choral singing, this disc should prove a real revelation ...'
Ensemble. Bouncy Vitality - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas concert, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Nicely Alert - Sarah Beth Briggs and James Lisney in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Punchy Treatment - Derby Choral Union at Christmas, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Zesty Singing - Edward Turner conducts Handel's 'Messiah' at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. A Unique Snapshot - French music for Christmas, sung in Oxford by a Cambridge choir, heard by Keith Bramich. '... Christmas music, much of it well-known in Britain, sung in French in various original and unusual versions ...'
Ensemble. Not Quite Christmas - Mike Wheeler listens to the Derby Concert Orchestra
CD Spotlight. New and Unusual - Winter and Christmas music from Papagena, enjoyed by Keith Bramich. 'Everything sounds fresh ...'
Ensemble. Properly Exultant - Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio' in Derby Cathedral, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Familiar and Unfamiliar - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas concert, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Bit Too Long - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas Concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Deftly Navigated - Jeffrey Reid Baker, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Bizet and Rachmaninov from the Cann Twins at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - French horn music for Christmas, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'All praise to the consummate artistry and unstinted support of all those involved, as without them this magical project could not have come to fruition.'
CD Spotlight. Joy and Wonder - Merton College Oxford's new Christmas CD, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The singing is not only exquisite but has that sense of magic and glory that instills in one's spirit a genuine feeling of hope for a true fraternal love among all men.'
Ensemble. Big-band Jazz and Choral Traditions - Mike Wheeler listens to music by Will Todd and Nils Lindberg, performed by Derby Choral Union with the Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra
Ensemble. Idiomatically Handled - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas Concert impresses Mike Wheeler
Peace through Music - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Christmas concerts in the Holy Land
CD Spotlight. Off the Wall? - The King's Singers' Christmas Songbook, heard by Keith Bramich. 'Each track ... is heavily arranged ...'
CD Spotlight. Fresh and Appealing - The Christmas Story by Heinrich Schütz impresses Gerald Fenech. '... lusciously presented ...'
Ensemble. Lots of Tinsel - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. A Wealth of Pleasure - European carols and songs in new arrangements, enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett. 'The singing throughout is of a high quality ...'
Ensemble. Crisp and Assured - Handel's 'Messiah' in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Carefree - Czech Christmas Carols, enjoyed by Keith Bramich. '... the tunes, settings and performances are quite beautiful.'
Ensemble. Very Special - Christmas music in Rome impresses Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Alert Realisations - Christmas music from The Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Vivid Performances - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. December Celebration - New American carols, heard by Keith Bramich. '... this collection of new works is interesting and different.'
CD Spotlight. Refreshingly Different - Ottawa's Stairwell Carollers, heard by Keith Bramich. '... clean ensemble singing.'
CD Spotlight. A Lovely Compilation - Renaissance Christmas choral music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... performed with breathtaking freshness, balance and gracefulness ...'
Ensemble. A Pleasant Change - Derby Choral Union's Christmas Concert, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Widely Spread - Christmas music from Caius College Choir, recommended by Keith Bramich. '... high-quality singing with lovely rounded tone ...'
CD Spotlight. Something for Everyone - Christmas favourites from Alabama, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a varied and appealing programme ...'
Ensemble. Perfect Settings - New Year in Italy, by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Holiday Ritual - Christmas music from the Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus, heard by Suzanne Torrey
Ensemble. Tonal Refinement - Christmas music from Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Perennial Themes - A winter programme from Passamezzo, heard by Emma Tristram
Ensemble. Beautifully Reverent - Carols from Phoenix Chorale, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. A Seasonal Nod - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Very Impressive - Christmas music from the Brass Band of Battle Creek, recommended by Keith Bramich. '... bewitchingly subtle touches of colour ...'
CD Spotlight. Gallic Sheen - Christmas choral music from Arsys Bourgogne, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a well-recommended stocking-filler ...'
CD Spotlight. Meltingly Beautiful - Christmas music from the Vasari Singers, unstintingly recommended by Howard Smith. '... exemplary radiant style and élan ...'
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. A Variety of Events - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on music for the Christmas and New Year period in Italy, for children and for those who love children
CD Spotlight. Really Delightful - Christmas music from Mainstreet Brass, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz. 'This lovely collection really does provide something for everyone ...'
Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - Handel's 'Messiah' from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Entirely Captivating - The Nativity story told through music, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a balanced and fulfilling listening experience.'
Ensemble. Breezy Treatment - Familiar and unfamiliar music from The Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Beautifully Presented - Christmas vocal pieces, heard by Patric Standford. '... lively readings ...'
Ensemble. Plenty to Bite Into - Derby Concert Orchestra celebrates Christmas, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Thoughtful Performance - Derby Bach Choir's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Unaffected Restraint - Halida Dinova plays music that tells stories, heard by Howard Smith. '... a mesmerising interpreter ...'
Drama and Poetry - Mary Isaac listens to Russian pianist Olga Stezhko
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
Ensemble. A Spirited Performance - Mike Wheeler listens to Voices and the Derby Concert Orchestra
Ask Alice - A special Christmas message from Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
DVD Spotlight. Attractive and Skilful - Royal Opera's 'Hansel and Gretel', recommended by Patric Standford. '... a first class cast ...'
The Christmas Piano - Carolyn Ellis visits the ghosts of Christmas past
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. 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 ...'
CD Spotlight. Crossing Boundaries - Historical English Christmas music, heard by Howard Smith. '... sheer "joie de vivre" ...'
CD Spotlight. Blissfully Serene - Carols from Westminster Abbey, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... gravity-defying buoyancy.'
CD Spotlight. Hauntingly Beautiful - Christmas music from Chicago a cappella, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... I would have liked a little more grit ...'
CD Spotlight. Mice in the Manger - A selection of Christmas music, enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... an amazing collection.'
Ensemble. Too Good to Miss - Robert Hugill was at the first night of Tchaikovsky's 'The Tsarina's Slippers' at Covent Garden
CD Spotlight. Forever Challenging - Symphonies by Leif Kayser, heard by Patric Standford. '... his ingenious inventiveness continues to impress.'
Ensemble. Student Life and Love - Puccini's 'La bohème' from Kentish Opera, enjoyed by Pippa Hare
CD Spotlight. Admirable Devotion - Sibelius songs, appreciated by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Coherently Brilliant - Robert Hugill was at the opening performance of English National Opera's 'Peter Grimes'
Ensemble. Infectious Rhythms - Jim Lueers' 'Come to the Well', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
Record Box. Joyous Tintinnabulation - The Play of Daniel intrigues and delights Robert Anderson
Ensemble. An Auspicious Beginning - The first performance of a brand new opera company, marked by Maria Nockin
Unexpected Delights - Mike Wheeler listens to The Sitwell Singers
Record Box. Family and Friends - Sara Botkin's Christmas collection, reviewed by Patric Standford
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
Record Box. For All Tastes - Christmas music from Germany, appreciated by Patric Standford
Record Box. Excellent Singing - A Christmas selection from Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, enjoyed by Patric Standford
Record Box. A Welcome Novelty - Seasonal music from Naxos, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Without Carols - Renaissance music for Christmas, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... endless web of glorious sound recorded sound ...'
Ensemble. Splendidly Wide-ranging - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Divided loyalties - Massenet's 'Werther', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... much is ravishingly beautiful ...'
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Please read this
CD Spotlight. Expressive warmth - Christmas and other music by Lutoslawski, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Telling contributions - Carols from Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Well?
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Once a year
Record box. Noël - Christmas carols and chants played by Anonymous 4, enjoyed by Basil Ramsey
CD Spotlight. Colourful spirit - Christmas music from the Mediterranean, enjoyed by Patric Standford. '... an intriguing expansion to musical horizons ...'
CD Spotlight. Infectiously joyful - Choral music from the South American folk tradition, appreciated by Malcolm Tattersall. '... one of those rare discs which nearly everyone will like.'
Ensemble. Twinkling and sparkling - An organ and brass holiday celebration in Cleveland, USA, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
CD Spotlight. Festive mood - Carols for brass, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz. '... simply superb.'
Record box. A sure touch - Edward Higginbottom conducts New College Oxford Choir, appreciated by Basil Ramsey
CD Spotlight. Fresh air - The Naxos Book of Carols, appreciated by Keith Bramich. 'A delightful and magnificent stocking-filler!'
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Once in a while
That time of year - The Editor attempts to thread a few thoughts together as a thunderous year draws to a close
Christmas story - Juliet Averay visits Munich's Market of the Christ Child
Ensemble - Jauchzet, frohlocket! Malcolm Miller at Cholmeley Choral Society's Christmas Oratorio in London
Christmas again - A message from Editor Basil Ramsey to all reading at this time
Christmas box - Lure of the hounds - a saxophonist's Christmas, with Basil Ramsey