Nick has an MA in Music, specialising in performance and repertoire. His particular passions are choral music, chamber music and opera, with a particular interest in early music. He sings in a number of choirs in the south east of England, plays the piano and occasionally dusts off the violin. He writes about music here.
Renaud Capuçon shines in Bartók's two Violin Concertos, together with a strong Concerto for Orchestra from the BBCSO and Péter Eötvös, at the Festival Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo.
Alexander Melnikov and Andreas Staier's sensitive and insightful performances, combined with the fortepiano's freshness and added edge, make for a special evening of Schubert.
Festive Janáček and energetically fresh Sibelius from Rattle and the LSO, with impressive focus and intensity from Janine Jansen in Szymanowski's sensuous Violin Concerto no. 1.
English choral classics from 100 years ago, contrasted with a confident and effective new piece by Laura Mvula, all given strong performances by the BBC Singers and Sakari Oramo.
In a highly virtuosic programme, Jospeh Tawadros challenged our expectations of the oud, through his own improvisatory compositions, as well as in a new commission from Jessica Wells.
A strong platform for Caroline Shaw's abundantly inventive writing, followed by joyous and commanding Schumann from the Calidore String Quartet and Javier Perianes to launch the Proms at... Cadogan Hall season.
(Note: Please add First Essay: 'Nimrod' by Shaw to the programme list)
The Belcea Quartet gave us bleak despair in their Shostakovich, but joined by Antoine Tamestit, they also gave us joyful Mozart and life-affirming Brahms.
Uncertain Britten from Dausgaard and the RPO, but intense and passionate Elgar from Isserlis, and powerfully engaging Rachmaninov featuring exceptional woodwind playing from the RPO.
Impressive Ravel from Benedetto Lupo, with pleasing Debussy and Delius, and a strong performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring from Juanjo Mena and the LPO.
