from the British Music Society
News, reviews & features
Nature and rivers inspire new British commission
Pollution, climate change and the rebirth of nature were the inspiration for a new work by British composer Libby Croad commissioned for The Dionysus Ensemble…
Opera North: Black Spider
What more refreshing a way for a opera company to launch its new season than with a British work involving the next generation of singers, musicians, creative technicians and administrators as well as new audiences for opera…
London choir marks 10th year with new Christmas CD
One of the UK’s foremost recording choirs, The London Choral Sinfonia marks its 10th anniversary with On Christmas Night…
Malcolm Arnold Festival celebrates 20th year
’20 for 20’ is the theme of the 20th Malcolm Arnold Festival this year when performances of all 20 of the composer’s Concertos for solo instruments will take place…
Old World Cello Concerto CD launches in September
The premiere recording of a cello concerto written by British-Argentine Neo-romantic composer Polo Piatti will be launched on CD on 17 September. Recorded with the National Symphony Orchestra and featuring cellist Justin Pearson with John Andrews conducting at the...
MICHAEL FINNISSY: Piano Music
Although this handsomely-presented set of four discs cannot possibly encompass all his output for the piano, it is a happy celebration for the composer’s 80th year…
WALTON: Cello Concerto – Symphony No 1 | Scapino
Walton, John Wilson, Chandos – the recommendation writes itself. But there is also the appearance of Jonathan Aasgaard as soloist in the concerto…
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Mantegna
This release throws light upon what must be one of the least explored areas of a mainstream composer’s output. Hymnody was an important aspect of Vaughan Williams’ art…
A VISION IN A DREAM: Concertos by Edward Gregson
The performances are all superb and the recorded sound is natural and warm. An excellent disc to play to anyone who finds contemporary music intimidating…
MALCOLM ARNOLD: Homage to the Queen | Sweeney Todd
I have long had a recording of the Homage to the Queen Suite that I have never played – lazily assuming it to be all fanfares and Elgarian marches. Now here is the complete ballet…