The Guardian

Ariadne ducks the bombs at the Glyndebourne festival

This year’s Glyndebourne opener Ariadne auf Naxos is getting a radical relocation, to a Blitz-time hospital. Director Katharina Thoma tells Tom Service how she drew on the history of the Sussex mansion.

 

The Telegraph

Guillaume Dufay – Ce Moys de May

The latest in Ivan Hewett’s 50-part series on short works by the world’s greatest composers.

 

Financial Times

London tightens grip on arts donations

London’s tightening grip on arts philanthropy was laid bare in new research which showed that arts organisations in the capital secured 90 per cent of donations from private individuals.

 

The Independent

Glyndebourne survived the Second World War by opening its doors to evacuees from east London

The opera venue’s act will be honoured at this year’s festival reports Jessica Duchen.

 

Classic FM

Biggest ever Stradivarius exhibition hits Oxford

Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum will host the world’s largest exhibition of antique Stradivarius violins in June.

 

Gramophone

Watch Claudio Abbado and the Berliner Philharmoniker in a cinema near you

The great Italian maestro returns to Berlin.

 

 

 

 

(Written on May 16, 2013 )

BBC News

Jonas Kaufmann wins Best Male Opera Singer award

Tenor Jonas Kaufmann has won best male singer and the reader’s award at the inaugural International Opera awards.

Classic FM

The International Opera Awards 2013 – The Winners

The inaugural International Opera Awards took place at London’s Hilton Park Lane hotel.

Gramophone

The Berliner Philharmoniker announces its 2013-14 season

The Berliner Philharmoniker has announced its 2013-14 season, including 117 orchestral concerts and four opera performances of which chief conductor Sir Simon Rattle will conduct 57 concerts (27 in Berlin).

Gramophone

Elizabeth Watts releases a single for Streetwise Opera

The soprano Elizabeth Watts has just released a digital single of ‘Lascia ch’io pianga’ from Handel’s  Rinaldo to raise money for Streetwise Opera.

BBC News

Fergus Linehan appointed as new Edinburgh International Festival director

Fergus Linehan, former director of the Sydney International Festival and head of music at the Sydney Opera House, will take over from Jonathan Mills.

BBC News

Shakespeare’s Globe sets up youth company

Shakespeare’s Globe is setting up a new youth company to specialise in Jacobean period drama.

NY Times – ArtsBeat

Met Opera Announces Outdoor Performances

The Metropolitan Opera released the performers, dates and places on Monday for the free park recitals it sponsors every summer in lieu of full-scale opera performances, which were suspended after 2007 because of the cost.

The Times

Conductor Robin Ticciati remembers Sir Colin Davis

Robin Ticciati, the young British conductor, writes movingly about his mentor Sir Colin Davis, who died last week

Telegraph

There’s a reason musicians are Lefties – it’s all about class

It’s worth remembering that the superstar, highly paid musician is a recent phenomenon. Before that, a musician had a status that was more like a cook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BBC News

(Written on April 23, 2013 )

BBC News

Welsh National Opera director defends arts spending

The artistic director of Welsh National Opera (WNO) has defended the public funding given to the arts in Wales.

Classic FM

Richard Clayderman plays for endangered species

Pianist Richard Clayderman has performed at London Zoo to encourage the rarer species to mate in time for Valentine’s Day.

LA Times

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Revives Beethoven Festival

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is launching its first Beethoven festival in 36 years this month.

Planet Hugill

Spend a week with RVW

The Oxford University Summer School for Adults is offering the opportunity this summer to learn more about the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Classical Source

The Berliner Philharmoniker Launch Digital Concert Hall App

The Berliner Philharmoniker today announced the launch of a new Digital Concert Hall (DCH) app, a free app available for iPhone (from version 4) and iPad and iPod touch users from the Apple App Store.

Slipped Disc

Just in: Rome orchestra receives huge gift from fashionistas

Nicola and Paolo Bulgari, makers of expensive jewellery, watches and accessories, have announced a 1.2 million Euro donation to Antonio Pappano’s orchestra, the Santa Cecilia.

Music Week

Confirmed: Warner buys Parlophone Label Group for £487m cash

Parlophone Label Group has been sold to Warner for £487m in an all-cash transaction, Music Week can confirm.

Classic FM

(Written on February 8, 2013 )

BBC News

What is Silent Opera?

A new English version of Monteverdi’s Italian opera L’Orfeo is set to open in London – but audience members going along should expect a very different experience.

The Guardian

What pop music owes to the classical masters

All styles of music feed into each other. Which is why Adele’s songs owe everything to Schubert and sampling wouldn’t exist without Dvorák

The Telegraph

Black Swan choreographer: shock appointment as director of Paris Opera Ballet

Choreographer Benjamin Millepied, who met his wife Natalie Portman on the set of Black Swan, has been made director of the Paris Opera Ballet in a surprising move, says Sarah Crompton.

Is it time for players to put away their penguin suits?

Orchestras are being told they must liven up. Ivan Hewett has heard it all before

The Times

Why it’s no ordinary encore with Hilary Hahn

Be careful about shouting “encore!” after a Hilary Hahn recital. You may get more than you bargained for.

Classical Music Magazine

ABO/Rhinegold awards honour UK’s backstage talent

The second ABO/Rhinegold awards, honouring the backstage talent in the UK’s classical music industry, were announced on 23 January at the Association of British Orchestras conference in Leeds.

Gramophone

Silent Opera presents Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo

One of the world’s earliest musical dramas receives a 21st century makeover

The Arts Desk

Special guest presenters announced for Radio 3′s ‘The Choir’

Whitacre, Christophers and Mealor among hosts for the choral music showcase

Music Industry News Network

Sound Magic Release Orchestral Strings One For Windows V1.3 And For MAC V1.2

Orchestral Strings One was recorded utilizing the legendary acoustics in the famous Berliner Hall – home of the world class BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER.

The New Age

Music industry finally on road to recovery

News that the global music industry has finally turned the corner and is on the road to recovery should help get the annual four-day gathering of many of the world’s top music execs at the MIDEM trade fair that opens in Cannes Saturday off to a good start.

 

Gramophone (Oliver Hyde-Tetley)

(Written on January 25, 2013 )

After an enjoyable Christmas break, entering the new year of 2011 and with so much music going on across the world, the London based WildKats thought they would let you know what they’re looking forward to in this exciting year to come!

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Kathleen’s Pick

The Bayreuth Festival, Germany – 25th July until 28th August 2011

Why? “I’m looking forward to the whole of the Bayreuth Festival this year, but especially Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. It looks really interesting. Katharina is much talked about as both the artistic director of the festival and as a director. I think it will be one of the best productions of the summer season.”

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Victoria’s Pick

Die Zauberflöte – Royal Opera House, London – 1st February until the 26th February 2011

Why? “Colin Davis revives this classic staging of Mozart’s great opera Die Zauberflöte. After managing to miss Kate Royal’s recital in London last year, I am a little bit beyond excited to see perhaps my favourite soprano in the role of Pamina.”

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Fleur’s Pick

Sir Simon Rattle with members of the Berliner Philharmoniker – Royal Festival Hall, London – 20th February 2011

Why? “This will be a rare opportunity to hear Sir Simon lead players from the Berlin Phil in London. It will be incredibly exciting to hear an intimate, yet deeply emotive programme being performed at the Southbank Centre and as I’m a lover of chamber music, this shall be a highlight of the year”

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Vicky’s Pick

Anna Nicole – Royal Opera House, London - 17th February until the 4th March 2011

Why? “Composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and librettist Richard Thomas are coming together for operatic portrayal of the life of the Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith, in the conventional setting of the Royal Opera House’s main auditorium.  Featuring swearing, sex and drug abuse, this modern opera is a reflection of contemporary society and the power of the media.  I think it’s great that the Royal Opera House continue to encourage performances of new operas that deal with modern day themes.”

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(Written on January 6, 2011 )

Forget overpriced drinks and crowded bars – why not spend New Year’s Eve at one of the many exciting concerts on offer in London?  WildKat PR have found the best concerts to celebrate the transition into the New Year.  Take your pick and enjoy!

What? Berliner Philharmoniker Gala Concert

Where? Barbican

When? 31st December 2010, 4.15pm (click to book tickets)

In this New Year’s Eve celebration, the Berliner Philharmoniker Gala Concert will be transmitted live from Berlin to the Barbican!  The Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel will conduct the orchestra in works by Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, Bizet and de Falla.  The acclaimed mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca will join the orchestra in this exciting concert.  Full price tickets cost £25, concession tickets cost  £20 and tickets are even cheaper for Barbican Members at £17.50.  After the concert, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco and a three-course meal at Searcys for £45.  Click on the links above for more information.

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What? Madam Butterfly

Where? King’s Head Theatre, Islington

When? 31st December 2010, 5pm (click to book tickets)

OperaUpClose are bringing more Puccini in the pub to new audiences!  By bringing opera out of its traditional venue, this innovative opera company are ‘leading an artistic revolution’, according to the Sunday Times.  After the company’s success with La Boheme, OperaUpClose have continued to modernise and update operatic works through radical interpretations.  This version of Madam Butterfly is brought right up to date to present-day Bangkok, directed by OperaUpClose artistic director Adam Spreadbury-Maher.  Tickets cost just £15.30.

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What? Viennese New Year’s Eve Gala

Where? Barbican

When? 31st December 2010, 7.30pm (click to book tickets)

You might just be able to make this concert after the Barbican’s earlier Berliner Philharmoniker Gala Concert at 4.15pm.  The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be led from the violin by John Georgiadis in this evening of Viennese music.  Famous waltzes and polkas to be performed will include Johann Strauss’ ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and ‘Champagne Polka’.  The soprano Gail Pearson will also join the RPO in this exciting, celebratory concert.  This concert has been a tradition at the Barbican for over 25 years!  Ticket prices range from £19.50-£42.50.

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What? Winter Wassail

Where? Shakespeare’s Globe

When? 1st January 2011, 2pm and 5pm (click to book tickets)

This concert is on New Year’s Day itself: a celebratory musical occasion with the world-renowned early music ensemble Gabrieli Consort and Players.  The concert will feature a variety of music and poetry that has been used across the ages to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.  Gabrieli will present a choral programme inspired by the words of Shakespeare, Hardy and Chaucer.  According to Artistic Director Paul McCreesh, ‘Winter Wassail will be a crazy project, bringing all sorts of lively music from mid-winter festivals from the medieval to nineteenth-century into the open air – a real, mulled wine, musical celebration with a winter theme’.  Tickets range from £5 to £30.  It’s an open-air production, so wrap up warm!

(Written on December 20, 2010 )

With the BBC Proms fast approaching the WildKat PR team have managed to narrow this year’s exciting programme down to ten proms we definitely won’t be missing!

Prom 3: Verdi – Simon Boccanegra (Sunday 18 July)
Royal Opera Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House/Antonio Pappano. With: Plácido Domingo, Marina Poplavskaya, Joseph Calleja, Ferruccio Furlanetto…
“…because this is the chance of a lifetime to hear Plácido Domingo in a baritone role amongst such a starry cast”

Prom 19: Sondheim at 80 (Saturday 31 July)
BBC Concert Orchestra/David Charles Abell. With: Bryn Terfel, Singers from the BBC Performing Arts Fund
“…because this is a great insight into Steven Sondheim’s rich and innovative work, presented by leading and rising figures from the opera and theatre world”

Prom 29: National Youth Orchestra of Great-Britain (Saturday 7 August)
Works by Dukas, Julian Anderson and Berlioz, conducted by Semyon Bychkov.
“…because of the originality of this ‘Fantasy-Prom’ and because those kids are just amazing”

Prom 35: Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Wednesday 11 August)
Works by Ligeti, Tchaikovsky, Langgaard and Sibelius conducted by Thomas Dausgaard. With: Inger Dam-Jensen, Henning Kraggerud, Danish National Vocal Ensemble, Danish National Concert Choir
“…because in this magic selection of works not only Langaard’s UK premiere of ‘Music of the Spheres’ will be transporting us to exquisite musical spheres”

Proms Saturday Matinees 1 & 2: Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos (Saturday 14 August)
English Baroque Soloists/Sir John Eliot Gardiner
“…because we long to glory in Bach’s genius for a whole day”

Prom 40: London Philharmonic Orchestra (Sunday 15 August)
Works by Musorgsky (arr. Rimsky-Korsakov), Shostakovich, Scriabin and Prokofiev, conducted by Vladimir Jurowski. Violin soloist: Julia Fischer.
“…because this exciting all-Russian programme bursts with passion and because we love Julia Fischer”

Prom 41: London Symphony Orchestra (Monday 16 August)
Works by Stravinsky and Scriabin, conducted by Valery Gergiev. Vocal soloists: Nadezhda Serdiuk, Sergei Skorokhodov.
“…because the LSO and Gergiev speak for themselves and because this is the rare occasion to listen to the complete versions of Stravinsky’s Firebird and Scriabin’s Symphony No.1”

Prom 61: Humperdinck – Hänsel and Gretel (Tuesday 31 August)
Glyndebourne Chorus and London Philharmonic Orchestra/Robin Ticciati, With: Alice Coote, Lydia Teuscher, Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke.
“…because this is Robin Ticciati’s Proms debut, because of the excellent cast and because even in the semi-staged version, Laurent Pelly’s production is hilarious”

Prom 65: Berliner Philharmoniker (Friday 3 September)
Symphonies by Beethoven and Mahler, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.
“…because we could not imagine a better orchestra to perform these dense, enthralling symphonies”

Prom 69: Royal Scottish National Orchestra (Monday 6 September)
Works by Berlioz, Beethoven, James MacMillan and Respighi, conducted by Stéphane Denève. Piano soloist: Paul Lewis.
“…because this eclectic programme offers a perfect insight into the excellent work of the RNSO and because this is the spectacular round off of Paul Lewis’s all-Beethoven cycle”

(Written on April 26, 2010 )