Gramophone 

Prokofiev’s Winter Bonfire recorded for the first time as composer intended – listen to an excerpt!

A new CD sees the little-known work recorded with its original narrative

Rhinegold 

Barbican: there be Wild Things and new associate ensembles

The Barbican’s new season – the first for its two new resident ensembles, the Academy of Ancient Music and Britten Sinfonia – begins with a concert by the AAM on 26 September.

Talk Classical World (found on Musical Chairs)

Kent Nagano to Stay at Helm of Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal until 2016

In the wake of a memorable season that witnessed the inauguration of Maison symphonique, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal announces the extension of the contract of its music director, Maestro Kent Nagano, through to the conclusion of the 2015-2016 season.

Deceptive Cadence, NPR Music

Cecilia Bartoli’s Latest ‘Mission’ Rediscovers Agostino Steffani

Cecilia Bartoli has a passion for musical archaeology: “I am the Indiana Jones of classical,” she says jokingly to All Things Considered host Robert Siegel.

Sequenza 21, (found on Alltop)

Talkin’ about ‘Nonextraneous Sounds’ with cellist Mariel Roberts

Cellist Mariel Roberts is a rising star in the NYC new music scene. Tomorrow, Sept. 25th, her debut solo album, Nonextraneous Sounds, will be released on the Innova label.

The Times of India

(Written on September 25, 2012 )

The Guardian

José Antonio Abreu on Venezuela’s El Sistema miracle

In a rare interview, José  Antonio Abreu talks about his passion for Venezuela’s extraordinary musical programme that gives children a route out of poverty.

BBC Music Magazine

Anna Netrebko and Erwin Schrott set up charity

Soprano Anna Netrebko and bass-baritone Erwin Schrott have created a charitable foundation to support disabled and disadvantaged children.

LA Times

Spectrum Road to pay tribute to Lifetime at Playboy Jazz Festival

Spectrum Road will explore the music of Tony Williams’ Lifetime at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.

Arts Journal – Slipped Disc

The Water Music the BBC wouldn’t let you see or hear

The Academy of Ancient Music has published a video of its performance of Handel’s Water Music in the Royal Flotilla.

Wales thinks it has found the next Bryn Terfel

You’d expect the Welsh to be first to put up a candidate for next year’s Cardiff Singer of the World content and, sure enough, their man is on the starting line while other nations are still stuttering in rehearsal rooms.

NY Times

The American Symphony, at 50, Harcks Back to Stokowski

When Leopold Stokowski formed the American Symphony Orchestra 50 years ago, he wanted to create, in part, a training ground for young musicians.

The Times

London 2012 Festival: best classical and opera

Chief cultural critic Richard Morrison on the classical music and opera he is most looking forward to.

The New Yorker

A legendary Mendelssohn recording

Oliver Knussen, the great British composer and conductor, turned sixty on Tuesday.

Gramophone

Bach cantata manuscript sells for £337,250 at Christie’s in London

Rare example of Bach’s musical hand sells to private collector.

Missy Mazzoli named Composer-in-Residence of Opera Company of Philadelphia

Missy Mazzoli has been selected as the second Composer-in-Residence of the Opera Company of Philadelphia, in collaboration with Gotham Chamber Opera and the Music Theatre Group in New York.

(Written on June 15, 2012 )

With the grand final of the Choir of the Year competition fast approaching, WildKat PR is getting into the vocal spirit! We’ve come up with a selection of not-to-be-missed vocal and choral concerts which are taking place in London in the next couple of weeks.

What? South American connections: Music by South American composers and their European contemporaries

Where? Wigmore Hall

When? Thursday 25th November, 7.30pm

The celebrated Colombian soprano Juanita Lascarro joins the Academy of Ancient Music in a concert which features some fascinating vocal music.  The contrast between national styles will be explored in this programme of 18^th Century South American and European works, including music by Lobo de Mesquita, Zipoli and Torrejón y Velasco.  Ticket prices range from £18 to £32.  If you buy two or more tickets for this concert, you will receive the Wigmore Hall Live’s Academy of Ancient Music CD absolutely free of charge!

Where? Barbican Hall

When? Friday 26th November, 7.00pm

Oliver Knussen conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this exciting concert of choral works inspired by the 19^th Century poet Emily Dickinson, which features two exciting premieres.  The concert will open with the European premiere of Sean Shepherd’s orchestral showpiece ‘Wanderlust’.  This will be followed by Copland’s ‘Eight poems of Emily Dickinson’ featuring the soloist Clare Booth.  Finally, Susan Bickley will appear as the soloist in the world premiere of the revised version of Julian Anderson’s ‘Heaven is Shy of Earth’, a work praised by the Guardian for evoking a ‘shimmering soundworld’.  Ticket prices range from £8 to £24.  Ticket holders are also invited to attend a pre-concert talk in the Fountain Room at 6pm. Since places are limited for this event, it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Where? Christ Church Spitalfiels

When? Friday 3rd December 2010 19:00

Nonsuch Singers, described by The Times as “one of London’s best chamber choirs”, has a reputation for innovative programmes, high-quality singing and communicative performances. The choir’s considerable repertoire encompasses a cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to the present day, and the choir performs regularly with many of the UK’s leading period instrumental ensembles and finest young vocal soloists. In an intimate venue, this performance sees the choir performing the epic Handel’s Messiah.

Where? Crispin Place, Spitalfields E1

When? Tuesday 14th December 12:30pm – FREE EVENT!

This event is going to be an extremely friendly concert with a young, vibrant feel. Join 120 young musicians from Harry Gosling, Hague, Virginia and Shapla primary schools to celebrate the inauguration of Tower Voices. Together with Spitalfields Singers and THAMES Saturday Music Centre Community Choir, enjoy the sounds of winter in this celebration of all things shimmering and frosty. Come and watch for a FREE lunchtime concert!

(Written on November 22, 2010 )