CENTRAL ENGLAND: Mike Wheeler's concert reviews from Nottingham and Derbyshire feature high profile artists on the UK circuit - often quite early on their tours.
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.
Garry Walker is a Scottish conductor and cellist. Born in Edinburgh in 1974, he graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester University in 1995, and won the Leeds Conductors Competition in 1999.
He is conductor of the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, principal guest with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, permanent guest with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and principal conductor of the Paragon Ensemble.
Ensemble. Real Tenderness - Mike Wheeler experiences Opera North's touring production of Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Ensemble. Symbolism and Realism - Mike Wheeler experiences Opera North's new production of Verdi's 'Rigoletto'
Ensemble. Contemporary Resonances - Opera North's production of Martinů's 'Greek Passion', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Totally Individual - The first performance of David Sawer's opera 'The Skating Rink' impresses Roderic Dunnett
Ensemble. Excellent Track-record - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Opera North's 'Billy Budd'
Ensemble. Orchestral Colours - Garry Walker conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler