VIDEO PODCAST: Slava Ukraini! - recorded on 24 February 2022, the day Europe woke up to the news that Vladimir Putin's Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. A fifty minute video which 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.
VIDEO PODCAST: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Youth Involvement in Classical Music - this specially extended illustrated feature includes contributions from Christopher Morley, Gerald Fenech, Halida Dinova, Patricia Spencer and Roderic Dunnett.
CD Spotlight. The Community Behind the Voice - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by Robert Carl and John McDonald. '... a rich, joyous and life-affirming tribute to the role of community in shaping the artistic voice.'
Ensemble. Bright Spots - Mike Wheeler listens to Jess Gillam and the Hallé Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell
Ensemble. Becoming One - Mike Wheeler listens to music by Raphael Clarkson, Cecilia McDowall, Beethoven, Bartók, Preetha Narayanan and Mozart to celebrate Sinfonia Viva's fortieth anniversary
CD Spotlight. True to the Composer's Original Intentions - Schubert's Octet, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the sound is detailed and crisp, and the balance is good.'
CD Spotlight. All Done with Mirrors - Geoff Pearce listens to music involving the double bass by Britta Byström, Eduard Tubin, Jesper Nordin and Carin Malmlöf-Forssling. '... a fitting reflection of the work of this fine composer.'
CD Spotlight. A Nostalgic Novelty - Paul English's 'Girl in Green', reviewed by Ona Jarmalavičiūtė. '... feels personal and human, bringing charged emotion.'
Ensemble. Blaringly Unusual - Maria Nockin listens to Pittance Chamber Music's opening concert
CD Spotlight. Quite Unusual - Orchestral storytelling by Jon Deak, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances here are very good, the music colourful and inventive, and I can imagine that this disc may appeal more to people with children than to adult listeners.'
Ensemble. A Children's Game - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to special Rossini in a special place
CD Spotlight. Double Meanings? - Seattle-based ensemble Torch, heard by Keith Bramich. '... the music sounds modern, jazzy, light and almost aleatoric-sounding.'
CD Spotlight. Celebrity Bass - Music for strings by Domenico Dragonetti, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'John Feeney reveals double bass capabilities required of a symphony orchestra's lowest strings once in a blue moon.'
CD Spotlight. Engagingly Delivered - Robert Meyer's 'Discovering the Double Bass', heard by the late Howard Smith. '... a rare and welcome initiative ...'
Book review. Colourful Sketches - Robert Meyer's 'The Bottom Line', recommended by the late Howard Smith
CD Spotlight. Filched Solo Repertoire - J S Bach and contemporaries on the double bass, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'These New York performers bring a welcome change ...'
CD Spotlight. An Intruiguing View - Guitar music by Sofia Gubaidulina, heard by Keith Bramich. '... clear, poised and committed performances.'
CD Spotlight. Immediately Approachable - Music by Kevin Malone, heard by Howard Smith. '... a fantastical carnival of sound, style and social critique.'
Ask Alice - On buying glass double basses (and other items) on eBay, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
CD Spotlight. Often Spectacular - The American String Project, seen and heard by Patric Standford. 'The performers are undoubtedly superb ...'
Ask Alice - Trendy in Bromley, and bluesy music with a twist, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Ensemble. Very Welcome - Robert Hugill experiences Stephen Oliver's 'Euridice'
CD Spotlight. Grandest Lines - Donald Tovey's cello concerto, heard by Robert Anderson. '... satisfyingly masterful.'
Ensemble. Highly Inventive - Music by Stephen Foster, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
CD Spotlight. A Tactile Rhetoric - 'Last Cicada Singing' by Christopher Roberts, contemplated by Malcolm Tattersall. '... gesture becomes music ...'
Ask Alice - On delusions, fruitcakes and the Elgar Cello Concerto, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Ensemble. An Immensely Successful Event - Thomas Bielinski reports from the West Cork Chamber Music Festival 2009
Ensemble. Simply Magical - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Sibelius and Mendelssohn played by the Hallé Orchestra
The Meaning of Friendship? - Kelly Ferjutz tells the story of Richard Waugh and his friend Charles Barr
Record Box. An Enjoyable Exposition - Music by Teresa LeVelle, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Unfamiliar Territory - Mike Hall plays baroque music on alto trombone, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... a voyage of discovery ...'