Features
Why classical programmes need to be more readable
Concert notes are off-putting and incomprehensible, says Nicola Christie
Inside Features
London Philharmonic Orchestra podcast: February
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
In February’s podcast Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Orchestra's new Principal Guest Conductor, speaks about his affinity for Bruckner, the character of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and his early determination to be a conductor.
English National Opera podcast: La bohème
Monday, 26 January 2009
Edward Seckerson discusses ENO's new production of La bohème with director Jonathan Miller, Principal Artists Alfie Boe and Melody Moore, and Designer Isabella Bywater
Englist National Opera podcast: The Magic Flute
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Edward Seckerson discusses The Magic Flute with Principal Artists, Roderick Williams and Robert Lloyd. Revival Director Ian Rutherford shares his passion for this Mozart classic.
Highlights of 2009: Classical & Opera
Friday, 2 January 2009
Lily Allen's second album, Jude Law as Hamlet, Michael Sheen as Brian Clough, Martin Amis on feminism – 2009 promises a variety of treats in the arts. Our critics predict what will make waves in the coming months
Edward Seckerson: Classical pickings 2008
Sunday, 21 December 2008
In no particular order.... English National Opera: "Riders to the Sea" - Fiona Shaw's "quietly devastating" staging of Vaughan Williams' one act opera; a fitting tribute to to the late lamented Richard Hickox who did so much for the cause of English music.
Tucks and tremolos: penis extensions meet operetta
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Lynne Walker: Cosmetic surgery goes under the satirical microscope in Armando Iannucci's opera 'Skin Deep'
Edward Seckerson: Self serving Self
Friday, 28 November 2008
Will Self's pointless and oh, so tired swipe at the physical attributes of the main protagonists in the Royal Opera's sensational revival of Strauss' Elektra ("Heavyweights in the House" Evening Standard 25/11) was yet another instance of writer and editor spectacularly missing the point.
London Philharmonic Orchestra podcast: December
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Edward Seckerson explores concert performances of two very different operas.
Edward Seckerson: Villazon Back in Comfort Zone
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Good to find Rolando Villazon looking and sounding so relaxed as the ardent and well-lubricated Hoffmann in Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann after his near-disastrous innings as Don Carlo in the Royal Opera's synthetic Hytner production.
Ed Seckerson: Aida hits the heights
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
For collectors of operatic idiosycracies, the current revival of the so-called Zandra Rhodes “Aida” at English National Opera has thrown up a real humdinger. In two runs of performances now Claire Rutter has made an extraordinary impression in the much-vaunted and highly challenging title role.
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