The Times

First night for English woman at Bayreuth

A former midwife from Nottingham who retrained as an opera singer will tonight become the first English woman to take the leading role in Richard Wagner’s The Ring Cycle at Germany’s leading artistic festival.

The New York Times

Mostly Mozart, Mostly Improved

If classical music is going to be a living, breathing art form, then living, breathing composers, and young musicians who are excited about those composers, have to be a full part of any enterprise, even when Mozart is the brand name of a festival.

Los Angeles Times

At the Hollywood Bowl, an unhealthy glow

Critic’s Notebook: The Hollywood Bowl’s new LED screens distract from the venue’s improved sound system.

The Guardian

Margaret Atwood makes opera debut

Novelist writes libretto for production exploring the life of legendary Canadian poet and actor Pauline Johnson

Classical Music Magazine

ACE announces funding round to open in 2014 as Sir Baz gives vote of confidence to major organisations

Arts Council England has announced that the application process for National Portfolio Funding for 2015-2018 will open in January 2014.

ITV News

Classical music stars perform in Leeds

Classical singer and Daybreak presenter Aled Jones is taking to the stage in Leeds this evening to perform at an Opera in the Park event at Temple Newsam.

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Vom Klang der Ringe

Bayreuth startet mit dem „Ring“. Fast fünfzig Aufnahmen von Richard Wagners Werk sind greifbar. Welche Einspielung ist die beste? Wir setzen unseren Experten darauf an.

Music Week

Brands spent a record £100m on music in 2012, PRS research reveals

Brands such as Coca Cola, O2, Blackberry and Volkswagen spent a record £100m on music in 2012, PRS For Music research has revealed.

LA Times