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.
ROMANTICISM: Explore the late George Colerick's fascinating series of articles encroaching on the subjects of melody, romanticism, operetta and humour in music.
French composer Ambroise Thomas was born 5 August 1811 in Metz and died 12 February 1896 in Paris. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, winning the Premier Grand Prix de Rome and later succeeding Auber as the Conservatoire's Director. He took a conservative stance, opposed to younger composers Bizet, Fauré and Franck. Of his operas, Mignon (1866) remains popular.
Ensemble. Sonic Transparency - Fabien Gabel and the Royal Philharmonic impress Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Real Joy - 'Le Ventre de Paris', praised by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Nostalgic and Enthralling - A Joan Sutherland portrait, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a fitting tribute to the singing legend from Australia ...'
Ensemble. Emotional Awakening - More from the Buxton Festival, with Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Consummate Skill - 'Hamlet' by Ambroise Thomas, heard by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. A Special Privilege - Massenet's 'Don Quichotte' in San Diego, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. A Real Barnburner - Another report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival, by Lawrence Budmen
DVD Spotlight. Eerie and impressive - 'Hamlet' by Ambroise Thomas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... much sensitivity.'