Gramophone magazine has published a list of the ten best works by JS Bach, especially aimed at newcomers to his music.  Glorious as they are, the St Matthew Passion and the Mass in B minor,  are possibly better suited to more experienced listeners, we think.  Notable absentees from the list are gentler introductions to his music – including…

Symphony orchestras the world over face an uncertain future. To what extent should they change in order that they survive? http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/symphonies-learn-the-score/story-e6frg6z6-1226068483453

 The Jacobean Singers Inc is looking for a new music director to replace our existing director who is going to the US. We are looking for an experienced choral conductor /organist. The Choir has an extensive library and over the past fifteen years has built up a repertoire of sacred and secular music from Renaissance…

Catherine Carby, mezzo –soprano, soprano Leah Thomas and pianist Sharolyn Kimmorley perform a programme of Scandinavian art songs this weekend for Art Song NSW (see “On Wings of Art Song”).  The vocal repertoire is replete with works in French, German and Italian. Even Russian and Czech are regularly heard in opera and art song. But…