Making opera a living art form, not a museum art form: Aix Festival's Bernard Foccroulle

The British countertenor, who’s riding the crest of a wave this year, talks about his passion for good storytelling in opera, his favourite roles and the art of Zen Buddhism.

Classical music’s most lucrative award, of $1 million, has been given to the prestigious French summer opera festival, in particular recognition of Kaija Saariaho’s opera Innocence.

The Spanish violinist makes her Sinagpore debut in May performing Szymanowski. She talks about taking repertoire to new places, and being an advocate for unusual Spanish music. 

The Austrian conductor reflects on his seven year tenure with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, work and life, returning to old scores, and why a musical ensemble is like a giant human body.

The Hong Kong-born conductor talks about her entry into music, her love of big Russian repertoire, her “Cinderella moment” winning the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition and her ambition to “go against the grind”. 

The Royal College of Music offers an enviable nurturing ground for the next generation of operatic talent. Audrey Hyland, head of the Vocal and Opera faculty, talks about what makes the department special.