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With Advent in full swing, and as 2021 draws to a close, it is comforting to be reminded of seasonal rituals expressed through the power of music: Sibelius, Finzi and Britten with BBC SO forces under Oramo.

Mark-Anthony Turnage's First World War opera both moves and dazzles at the Barbican.

Miloš Karadaglić provides atmosphere and virtuosity in Joby Talbot’s newest work, while Alexander Vedernikov and the BBC Symphony Orchestra give Russian flourishes in Glinka and Tchaikovsky.

Jake Heggie's spectacular vocal writing combine with Terence McNally's perfectly paced libretto to provide intense music drama which forces you to confront darkness.

As a composer, what do you do when you are commissioned a full-length orchestral work to commemorate the anniversary of a renowned concert hall? Do you try to write something celebratory? Not in Mark-Anthony Turnage's case. 

In a study of shifting form, tonight's dedication to the bard paired Mendelssohn's incidental music to the play with another work inspired by The Metamorphoses: Matthias Pintscher's mesmerising Reflections on Narcissus.