Ben Glassberg on depression and a journey back to music

By Elisabeth Schwarz, 16 January 2026

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“we talk endlessly about mental health, but we don’t really talk about mental illness”

Mark Pullinger, 7th April

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”.

Opera in the blood: Speranza Scappucci

Mark Pullinger, 17th March

The Royal Opera’s Principal Guest Conductor explains her passion for opera, her journey into the pit and how good conductors share the attributes of football managers.

Nathalie Stutzmann joins Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo

Bachtrack, 11th December

French conductor Nathalie Stutzmann will be the first woman to hold the position of Artistic and Music Director of Monaco’s orchestra in its 170-year history.

Cosmopolitan new season from Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony

Bachtrack, 18th November

With a remarkably extensive season featuring a slew of major guests, and the cream of Japanese classical music talent, the TMSO has an uncanny ability to switch between musical styles on a dime.

Houston Grand Opera names James Gaffigan as next Music Director

Bachtrack, 6th November

The American conductor will take on his first Music Director role at an American institution from the start of the 2027–28 season.

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla takes a new role in France

Bachtrack, 6th November

The Lithuanian conductor will join Jaap van Zweden in the titled roles of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France from September 2026.

Elisabeth Schwarz

Elisabeth is Bachtrack’s German Editor and Press Manager. After more than five years in London, she is now back in Vienna, spending more time at the opera and in cafés than her own living room. She also organises music projects for people who have experienced homelessness and works as a freelance translator and copywriter for classical music PRs.