To mark the anniversary of Arthur Sullivan we also have a touching story, first published here in 1999. He was born in London on 13 May 1842, and rose to eminence through his partnership with the playwright William Schwenk Gilbert. Their success became legendary, although Sullivan wrote much else, and no doubt found its neglect extraordinary. Sullivan died in London on 22 November 1900.
CD Spotlight. Subtle Colours - Gerald Fenech is impressed by another volume in John Wilson's cycle of music by Eric Coates. '... the performances are consistently joyous and exciting ...'
Towards the Unknown Region - The late George Colerick discusses Ralph Vaughan Williams as writer on music, particularly when he turns his thoughts towards Beethoven's Choral Symphony
Ensemble. Plenty of Expressive Contrast - The Sitwell Singers' 2022 Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Classical music news. Gramercy Brass - A high profile brass group based in New York, the Gramercy Brass Orchestra, celebrates its fortieth anniversary and the ninetieth birthday of film composer John Williams
CD Spotlight. Very Infectious - Gerald Fenech listens to several recent recordings of British music. 'Another stylish re-issue in a series that is experiencing a highly deserved renaissance.'
CD Spotlight. Exhilarating from Start to Finish - Gerald Fenech listens to suites of incidental music by Arthur Sullivan. 'Andrew Penny is an enthusiastic advocate of this composer, and his lively and beautifully shaped interpretations are a treat to the ear.'
CD Spotlight. Dash and Swagger - Gerald Fenech listens to Arthur Sullivan's 'Victoria and Merrie England'. '... playing of the highest order ...'
Ensemble. Figaro via Laugh-in - Ron Bierman reviews San Diego Opera's parking-lot production of Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville'
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.'
Ensemble. A Neat Idea - A song recital by James Gaughan and David Hammond, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Brilliantly Executed - John Kitchen plays British Light Music by Arthur Sullivan and Michael Thomson, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A gem of a disc full of wit, warmth and colour ...'
Ensemble. Diction and Projection - A performance by The Hills Singers impresses Keith Bramich
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. Wonderfully Louche - Bernstein's 'Trouble in Tahiti' and Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Trial by Jury', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
A Player to be reckoned with - Organ music from Richard Hills, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Refreshingly Different - Ottawa's Stairwell Carollers, heard by Keith Bramich. '... clean ensemble singing.'
Ensemble. Refreshingly Inventive - A recital by Soraya Mafi and Ian Tindale captivates Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Welcome Rarities - James Sohre enjoyed his visit to Wexford Festival Opera
Great Energy - Timothy Byram-Wigfield plays the organ at Derby Cathedral and impresses Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Riotous Production - Mark Anthony Turnage's 'Anna Nicole', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - Johannes Goritzki and Julian Jacobson at London's Royal College of Music, heard by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Admirable Precision - Maria Nockin reviews Arizona Opera's 'The Pirates of Penzance'
Highly Articulate - American dramatic soprano Christine Brewer talks to Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Sing ye to the Lord - Roderic Dunnett was at the 2009 Hereford Three Choirs Festival
Ensemble. Compact and Imaginative - Judith Bingham's 'Shakespeare Requiem' receives its first performance, heard by Patric Standford
DVD Spotlight. Enchanting Mockery - Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Chorus and orchestra under Andrew Greene rollick their way through ...'
Ensemble. Musical banquet - Malcolm Miller at Grange Park Opera's sixth season
Reminiscent retrospectives - Geographical Gilbert and Surreal Sullivan, with Jennifer Paull
Record box - Church music by gaslight. Sullivan's church offerings, by Basil Ramsey