The Telegraph
Russell Watson to sing at White House
British tenor Russell Watson will perform at Barack Obama’s White House for Independence Day celebrations.
We can’t all be Mozart – but we can still play
From Caracas to Sterling, the evidence that music can transform lives is utterly overwhelming.
Classical Music Magazine
Arts Council’s £30.5 million match funding for endowment schemes
The Hallé’s new orchestra centre, Opera North’s ongoing Ring cycle, the Philharmonia’s digital programme, and international work to be based at The Sage, Gateshead, are among projects to benefit from Arts Council England’s ‘Catalyst’ funding.
BBC Music Magazine
Choirmaster and television presenter Gareth Malone will return to television later this year with a new six-part series featuring choirs in the workplace.
The Times
Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna: the Liz Taylor and Richard Burton of opera
For anything is possible when it comes to opera’s golden couple. Their romance off-stage has mirrored the operas they headline around the world.
Arts Journal – Slipped Disc
Gerhard Mantel, author of ‘Cello Technique – Principles and Forms of Movement’ and professor at the Frankfurt Hochschule, has died aged 82.
Gramophone
King’s College Cambridge and King’s Singers Foundation launch ‘A Carol for Christmas’
The UK summer is now in full swing – complete with its traditional rain and tepid temperatures – but the King’s Singers Foundation is asking British composers to cast their thoughts forward to the Christmas season.
Guardian
Big Noise orchestra’s classical music proves instrumental in social change
El Sistema and Gustavo Dudamel’s Simon Bolivar Orchestra turn musicianship into citizenship in in Stirling’s Raploch estate.
Wagner’s Dream: watch clips from the new documentary
Susan Froemke’s documentary follows Robert Lepage’s five-year journey as he stages Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle for New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
La Cenerentola – a musical guide
The prince is in disguise, there’s no fairy godmother and not even a glass slipper, but Rossini’s take on the Cinderella story offers sparkles, star turns and a great storm scene.