Classical News

The Strad

UK’s Birmingham Conservatoire unveils plans for its new home

The facility is set to open in 2017

The Telegraph

First Canterbury Cathedral all-girl choir makes its Christmas concert debut

The first ever Canterbury Cathedral girls’ choir is to perform its debut Christmas concert after winning over doubters.

Injured violinist spent 10 years playing music in her head

The virtuoso Kyung Wha Chung, who lost the use of her finger in 2005, will play her first London concert in a decade at the Royal Festival Hall in December

The Guardian

In defence of the viola

The viola was the instrument of choice for Mozart, Haydn, Bach, Dvorák and Beethoven; Jimi Hendrix and John Cale both played it; violinists turn to it to improve technique. So why is the viola the butt of jokes?

Frankfurter Allgemeine

Große Oper in der Wüste von Oman

Der Sultan von Oman hat seinen Untertanen ein Opernhaus geschenkt.

Die Welt

Hauptsache, es ist deutsche Wertarbeit

In China hat die Klassik noch eine Zukunft: Mit Richard Strauss wirbt das Musikfestival in Peking für den Westen.

Spiegel Online

Berliner Ensemble: Oliver Reese wird Nachfolger von Claus Peymann

Der bekannteste deutsche Theatermacher tritt ab: Claus Peymann verlässt das Berliner Ensemble.

Codex Flores

Bartoli bleibt in Salzburg bis 2012 Pfingstfestspielleiterin

Cecilia Bartoli hat ihren Vertrag als Künstlerische Leiterin der Salzburger Pfingstfestspiele bis 2021 verlängert.

Pizzicato

World Coral Day Takes Place December 7

The international choral event is meant to extol the values of solidarity, peace and understanding.

Twitter

ASMF Orchestra ‏@ASMForchestra: This Wednesday @WithJohnHurt performs with @ASMForchestra ………. in a shop window?!?! http://bit.ly/1FHlwLS 

London Sinfonietta ‏@Ldn_Sinfonietta: Check out our trailer for Birtwistle’s birthday celebration: http://vimeo.com/112900015  #birtwistlebirthday

ArtsProfessional ‏@ArtsPro: MbroCouncil spent £28.28 per head on culture & heritage. What did your council spend? http://bit.ly/1tDc45B  (pdf)

Members of the Canterbury Cathedral Girls Choir rehearse for their first Christmas concert at Canterbury Cathedral Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA