A personal take: Elgar’s Cello Concerto at 100

One of only 60 surviving cellos by the Cremonese master, Kian Soltani’s ‘London, ex-Boccherini’ cello is reunited with many other Stradavari instruments at J & A Beare’s Chamber Music Festival in December.

A look at some major composers who did not receive any formal musical training and followed their own non-traditional paths into Western classical music.

Used to make string instrument bows for more than 200 years, Brazilian authorities wish to tighten trade on the critically endangered brazilwood tree, due to repeated illegal exploitation.

Ahead of the 2026 Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition, we talk to past winner Euan Shields about what entrants can expect, and how to navigate the competition’s twists and turns.

Particularly respected for his knowledge of sought-after instruments by Stradivari and Guarneri, Beare’s opinions were valued by leading soloists.

With concerts featuring Myung-whun Chung at the piano, Pinchas Zukerman leading from the podium, and inventive programming from Chief Conductor Andrea Battistoni, the Tokyo Philharmonic’s 2025 season straddles many divides.