Instrument: Narrator

In their generous all-Stravinsky programme, Ludovic Morlot and Seattle Symphony uncover the hidden beauties of the neglected Perséphone through an innovative collaboration with visual artist Michael Curry.

Glistening performances by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and combined forces under Thomas Adès bring to life Stravinsky’s Perséphone, with fiery premières of works by Adès himself and Gerald Barry.

Antony McDonald’s take on Ariadne auf Naxos, a co-production from Scottish Opera and Opera Holland Park, sparkles with wit. 

Ingo Metzmacher leads a musically formidable performance of Hans Werner Henze’s shipwreck oratorio. Romeo Castellucci’s staging engages the senses but remains emotionally distant.

Sir Simon Rattle’s resurrection of a Hollywood extravaganza, the Genesis Suite, entertains at the Barbican. 

"Muddle instead of music": three foreboding words laden with threat and designed to destroy the reputation of a promising composer writing in the grip of the Iron Fist. 

This was the first visit of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to the Proms and in their native repetoire of Bernstein and Copland they had substantial success.