Heinrich Heine: the cynical romantic

The young Belgian conductor has had a long association with the Flanders Symphony – and this January he takes the chief’s baton from departing Kristiina Poska, who reaffirmed the orchestra’s crisp, classical sound.

From Buxtehude, Bach and Handel, to contemporary composer Liza Lim, we take a tour of the myriad forms of composers’ handwriting and calligraphy – and how music makes itself on the page.

Simon Rattle called Robert Schumann’s strange, Orientalist oratorio “the greatest masterpiece you’ve never heard of”. We discover this enigmatic piece ahead of Insula orchestra’s production at La Seine Musicale.

Ahead of an appearance in Lugano in March, the busy French cellist talks about his relationships with Martha Argerich, his brother Renaud, and mentoring young musicians with the Fondation Gautier Capuçon.

Founded by Laurence Equilbey, cutting-edge period ensemble Insula orchestra is at the heart of La Seine Musicale’s classical season, which features guest ensembles and soloists from around the world.

The virtuoso pianist talks about Schumann’s Piano Concerto, and her fascination with the wider literary and musical world of the Schumanns.