The Gondoliers review – brilliantly barbed Gilbert and Sullivan is a feast for the eyes and ears Contemporary resonances abound in English Touring Opera’s gloriously choreographed and costumed period production: a masterclass in clarity over chaos, performed with boundless enthusiasm

Too much happiness: www.theguardian.com/music/2026/m...

Through the Centuries: Songs of Madeleine Dring album review – puts paid to any idea that she was not a serious composer Kitty Whately and Julius Drake perform the fervent, fun and intoxicating works of a British musician whose fresh assessment is richly deserved

www.theguardian.com/music/2026/m...

“Trafalgar Square is a place for all. Jewish News has been delighted to co-host the community’s annual Chanukah in the Square event many times in the past.”

Johannes-Passion album review – Pygmalion are razor sharp in theatrical new recording Raphaël Pichon’s ensemble and fine lineup of soloists bring rich expression to Bach’s dramatic oratorio – with unswerving gravitas from Huw Montague Rendall as Jesus

www.theguardian.com/music/2026/m...

Joseph Nolan: The Complete Alkan Organ Works, Vol 1 album review – seething with quasi-orchestral colour From operatic frenzy in one moment to pianissimo whisper the next, Nolan does exhilarating justice to an extraordinary but little known repertoire

www.theguardian.com/music/2026/m...

Nemanja Radulović: Prokofiev album review – thrills and spills from a fearless violin virtuoso Radulović brings irresistible swagger to selections from Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella, while a more restrained duet fosters a fine sense of dialogue

www.theguardian.com/music/2026/m...

No, a Sir Arthur Sullivan Society event in a London church. I was a student at the time

Wow! I sang in this 40 years ago. Great to be able to hear it again at last! Io-pean!!

Yuja Wang accuses Radio 3’s Norman Lebrecht of misogynistic bullying

Exclusive: BBC Radio 3 has ended its relationship with Norman Lebrecht following an email to Yuja Wang the pianist described on Instagram as "derogatory misogynistic bullying."

And as with all of the best reviewers, @clivepaget.bsky.social isn’t afraid to point out where he thinks the music falls, short but gives a fantastic and rounded overview. Thank you!

Leonkoro Quartet: Out of Vienna album review – a blazing exploration of Viennese modernism The young quartet give a fiercely alert account of Berg, Webern and Schulhoff – beautifully capturing Vienna’s prewar musical fault lines

Album review: 'Out of Vienna' by the Leonkoro Quartet – a blazing exploration of Viennese modernism www.theguardian.com/music/2026/j... via @theguardian.com @clivepaget.bsky.social

HMS Pinafore review – carry on up the poop deck in ENO’s daffy Gilbert and Sullivan staging

Opinion | The ‘Useful Idiots’ From America Whom Putin Is Playing Like a Flute

One of the best op eds I’ve read of late: The ‘Useful Idiots’ From America Whom Putin Is Playing Like a Flute www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/o...

Rebecca Clarke review for @theguardian.com – composer of spirited chamber music and songs finally gets her due

Dead Man Walking review – searing honesty and humanity in ENO’s staging of Heggie’s compelling opera

Susanna review – Opera North’s arresting take on Handel’s proto-#MeToo tale for @theguardian.com

Bantock: The Seal-Woman ★★★★ Read the Limelight review.

“It’s all brought to life beautifully by conductor John Andrews who achieves as effective a balance between melodic reflection and narrative thrust as you might hope for... Recorded in meticulous sound and perfectly balanced, The Seal-Woman is a delightful and tuneful find and well worth a listen.”

Thoughts on Pimpinone: hot-to-trot comic opera from the underperformed Telemann for @theguardian.com @royaloperahouse.bsky.social

A black and white illustration of a pregnant woman sitting on a chair. Another woman is supporting her from behind, while a second woman is sitting in front of her, ready to help deliver the baby.

For centuries, a “gossip” was a woman who attended another woman's delivery. The word was a corruption of “god-sib” or “god-sibling,” meaning “sister in the Lord.” The gossips offered support to mother and midwife. Only later did the term take on a derogatory meaning.

This is glorious!

Thoughts for @theguardian.com on
RPO/Petrenko’s blistering, multi-hued Shostakovich plus Roderick Williams blitzing Kurt Weill @royalphilorchestra.bsky.social

YouTube’s play button doing the lord’s work

John Joubert: Symphony No. 1 John Joubert · Album · 2007 · 4 songs

Born #OTD in 1927, the South African born, English composer, John Joubert. Having moved to England in 1946, his 1st Symphony was written in 1955, a commission from Hull Philharmonic, whilst he was teaching at the university there. open.spotify.com/album/5iS54l... #britsymphyear

LSO Create is on the move! 🌟 While LSO St Luke’s undergoes works, we’re partnering with arts spaces across London. Recently, we explored Noah Davis’ art at the Barbican Art Gallery through music. LSO Create is an inclusive space where neurodiverse & disabled adults make music together. 🎶✨

Petition: Cancel Trump’s state visit Stop Trump Coalition

stoptrump.org.uk/petition-can...

Tevot Thomas Adès, London Symphony Orchestra · Adès: Asyla, Tevot, Polaris · Song · 2017

Born #OTD in 1971, English composer, pianist, conductor - Thomas Adès. His one-movement symphony, Tevot, is a perfect introduction to his soundworld. Premiered by Simon Rattle & @berliner-philharmoniker.de on 21 February 2007. open.spotify.com/track/1fi3wo... #britsymphyear

I'm going to post this video every day so we never forget what Trump did.

Holy shit. I asked Jasmine Crockett what she would tell Elon if she could.

This was her answer:

🥳 A celebration of Ralph Vaughan Williams 🥳

The first of four celebratory concerts this week with conductor Andrew Manze and our wonderful leader, Roberto Ruisi 🎻

📸 Sharyn Bellemakers, The Hallé