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Guth’s Semele turns myth into a contemporary domestic drama, where desire becomes obsession and illusion consumes reality. Handel’s music remains the true engine, driven by a thrilling, physically intense ensemble.

A last-minute programme change doubles Batiashvili’s Tchaikovsky at the Elbphilharmonie, but repetition is transformed into fresh revelation. 

Amid snowbound Hamburg, Joshua Bell leads the Academy of St Martin in the Fields with warmth and lyricism, though Brahms’ concerto reveals limits, while Schumann’s symphony fully blossoms.

Cavalli’s Messa concertata and Venetian polychoral masterpieces shine in Berlin’s Philharmonie, with a heartfelt, immersive New Year’s experience of ritual grandeur and warmth.

Ensemble Masques brings French Baroque to life at the Elbphilharmonie, with Olivier Fortin’s radiant harpsichord, spirited strings and vivid interplay revealing the expressive richness of Couperin, Rameau, Forqueray and Corrette.

Vox Luminis bring radiant Advent performances to northern Germany, filling Hamburg’s winter evening with joy, clarity and winter-firewood charm.

Dvořák’s rarely heard oratorio The Spectre’s Bride fails to ignite, leaving a performance caught uneasily between respect and restlessness. 

Ton Koopman’s Elbphilharmonie debut brings warmth, wit and stylistic brilliance to Bach’s festive cantatas, in a radiant Early Music season finale that balances ceremonial splendour with vivid, human-scale musicianship.

At the Elbphilharmonie, Klaus Mäkelä and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra deliver masterful performances, showcasing technical precision and emotional depth across a diverse programme. 

Le Poème Harmonique undertakes musical time-travelling from regal Versailles to vibrant Venice, where divine harmonies collide with earthly celebrations.