Enthralling sounds of Welsh harp and Senegalese kora

On her Proms debut, Ariane Matiakh spins tales from The Arabian Nights in two versions, along with the world premiere of a harp concerto inspired by the life of bees. 

Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO perform an all-Russian programme, with an exceptional Rite of Spring and charismatic playing from solo harpist Catrin Finch. 

An allegiance to Welsh performers and composers is a major feature of this year’s tour by the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, with two native contemporary scores on the programme performed by a Welsh soloist and conductor. It could easily become cosy and parochial, but the results were amongst the NYOW’s finest achievements in recent years.

World renowned harpist Catrin Finch has gained respect not only for her playing but for promoting this undervalued instrument in the classical music world. This concert was to celebrate the release of her new CD Blessing, a collaboration with celebrated composer John Rutter.

Die Jahrzehnte dauernde Rückkehr des Dirigenten nach Heidelberg avanciert zu einem ergreifenden, begeisternden Fest von Botschaft und Musik, mit dem er interpretatorisch weiter in fast eigener Liga spielt.

Chor und Orchester des Collegium Vocale Gent und ihr charismatischer Leiter Philippe Herreweghe, längst Legenden der historischen Aufführungspraxis, beweisen, dass die Doppelchörigkeit der Matthäus-Passion nicht nur ein Stereo-Phänomen ist.