Hugh is a freelance writer and composer based in Manchester. He contributes to a range of publications in the UK and US, including GRAMMY, Jazzwise, Reverb, The Sampler, The Calvert Journal and The Big Issue across music, politics and society. He also works for London-based jazz label Whirlwind Recordings, and for Manchester music charity Olympias Music Foundation.
Smetana's full cycle is still a rarity in the UK, so this Berlin Philharmonic stream was a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper in this Czech classic.