The Mastery and Mystery of Bach

Mad about Bach? In this feature from The Independent, leading soloists like Steven Isserlis and Alina Ibragimova give their insights into the enduring and universal appeal of his music.

Mad about Bach? In this feature from The Independent, leading soloists like Steven Isserlis and Alina Ibragimova give their insights into the enduring and universal appeal of his music.
Joseph Tawadros and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra release a new album, Live at the Sydney Opera House, on ABC Classic tomorrow, June 12. Recorded in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Joseph Tawadros performs with James Tawadros playing Egyptian percussion and Benjamin Northey conducting the entire ensemble. The album features the world premiere of Tawadros’ own…
The British conductor Sir Neville Marriner who founded the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in 1958, died last Saturday aged 92. Sir Neville began his career as a violinist, playing with the London Symphony Orchestra. Along with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, he eventually became one of the most recorded…
Get a taste of Verdi’s rambunctious opera Verdi’s Falstaff which opened in Sydney last Friday. Warwick Fyfe sings the bawdy title role with Amelia Farrugia, Jacqueline Dark, Domenica Matthews, Lorina Gore, John Longmuir, Graeme McFarlane and Jud Arthur and Kanen Breen as the twin numbskulls Pistol and Bardolph adding burlesque and slapstick to their hugely demanding vocal performances….
Last month, conductor Simone Young gave this interview to Deutsche Welle, Germany’s national broadcaster. In it she talks about her work as general manager and music director at the Hamburg State Opera and chief conductor of the Hamburg State Philharmonic. As well as giving her insights into some basics of conducting, she also talks about her…
A $400 million upgrade is planned for the Sydney Opera House, reports Matthew Westwood in The Australian. Does this plan place too much competition on the venue to live up to expectations as a tourist facility as well as a centre for the arts and its ensembles in residence?
Images from dance rehearsals for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s Carmen – scroll down to see all three: Images: Ben Symonds.