Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | Choirmaster / chorus director

Celebration is on the menu at the Houston Symphony Orchestra’s season opening weekend of concerts, conducted by Juraj Valčuha. 

Rosetta Cucchi jumps on the bandwagon with a shallow production of L’italiana in Algeri, although Daniela Barcellona’s charisma and vocal prowess dominates the scene.

A production where vocal brilliance battles directorial gimmicks in Pesaro, with a superb cast led by Anastasia Bartoli and Lawrence Brownlee.

John Tavener's epic, eight-hour all-night vigil opens the festival in monumental style, directed by Thomas Guthrie. 

An exciting gala concert led by Cecilia Bartoli closed the Whitsun Festival in Salzburg, under the expert baton of Gianluca Capuano.

A pasticcio of superb musicianship is the main event at the Venice-themed Whitsun Festival.

Gianluca Capuano leads Les Musiciens du Prince and Il Canto d’Orfeo in a spectacular rendition of Monteverdi’s masterpiece at the Salzburg Whitsun Festival. 

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra perform Fauré moving Requiem and Vaughan Williams Mystical Songs with the SCO Chorus and Roderick Williams. 

A month early, perhaps, but Václav Luks conducts the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus in Bach's joyful celebration of the Christmas story.