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Painting pictures at the keyboard: Nikolai Lugansky on Rachmaninov

By Mark Pullinger, 26 January 2023

The Russian pianist discusses the challenges in Rachmaninov's music, the imagery in the Études-tableaux and champions the lesser known concertos.

26 Jan 2023

Painting pictures at the keyboard: Nikolai Lugansky on Rachmaninov

By Mark Pullinger

The orchestra is changing: talking sustainability with the Bamberg Symphony

By Alexandra Richter, 24 January 2023

How can orchestras respond definitively to the climate emergency? The Bamberg Symphony is one orchestra which is working to seriously reduce its carbon emissions.

24 Jan 2023

Bamberg Symphony sets sights on sustainability

By Alexandra Richter

“Music is the most living art form”: interview with Pablo Heras-Casado

By Isabella Steppan, 11 January 2023

Isabella Steppan talks to the Spanish conductor about his plans in Vienna and Bayreuth, as well as items left on his personal bucket list.

11 Jan 2023

“Music is the most living art form”: interview with Pablo Heras-Casado

By Isabella Steppan

Arvo Pärt: music for humanity

By Lawrence Dunn, 06 January 2023

In our statistics for 2022, Arvo Pärt is the most performed living composer. What might account for the enduring appeal of this highly personal and spiritual music?

06 Jan 2023

Arvo Pärt: music for humanity

By Lawrence Dunn

Orchestras on-demand: the online world of Symphony.live

By Peter Quantrill, 15 December 2022

How co-founder Rob Overman and Symphony.live are trying to create the Netflix of orchestral performance.

15 Dec 2022

Orchestras on-demand: the online world of Symphony.live

By Peter Quantrill

Tomáš Netopil: traversing 140 years of Czech music

By Gianmarco Segato, 13 December 2022

Conductor Tomáš Netopil discusses his love of Czech music, and his upcoming program with the Czech Philharmonic in January, featuring an unusual work of Janáček’s and a world premiere from Miloš Orson Štědroň.

13 Dec 2022

Tomáš Netopil: traversing 140 years of Czech music

By Gianmarco Segato

In the eye of the storm: Welsh National Opera’s Aidan Lang

By David Karlin, 25 November 2022

In the latest Arts Council England funding allocations, WNO’s funding has been cut by a third. Their General Director discusses what's happened and how to survive it.

25 Nov 2022

In the eye of the storm: Welsh National Opera’s Aidan Lang

By David Karlin

From streaming to total immersion: Idagio’s Till Janczukowicz

By David Karlin, 25 November 2022

The founder and CEO of classical platform Idagio talks streaming, immersive experiences and about getting a better deal for artists.

25 Nov 2022

From streaming to total immersion: Idagio’s Till Janczukowicz

By David Karlin

“It should belong to all of us”: Detlev Glanert’s Prague Symphony

By David Grundy, 16 November 2022

The German composer discusses the long awaited world premiere of his new work Prague Symphony with the Czech Philharmonic, which sets fragments of Franz Kafka for two singers and orchestra.

16 Nov 2022

“It should belong to all of us”: Detlev Glanert’s Prague Symphony

By David Grundy

The competition revealing the unsung wealth of Polish music

By Peter Quantrill, 09 November 2022

The International Polish Music Competition returns to Rzeszów in 2023. From the spicy Roman Palester, to the fiery Grażyna Bacewicz, the competition uncovers a wealth of hidden gems in Polish chamber music.

09 Nov 2022

The competition revealing the unsung wealth of Polish music

By Peter Quantrill

Lahav Shani: Digging deep in Rotterdam

By Cameron Kelsall, 08 November 2022

In 2018 Israeli conductor and pianist Lahav Shani was appointed chief conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic at the age of 27 – becoming one of the youngest chief conductors anywhere in the world. He discusses the orchestra’s musical adaptability, precision, and ability to dig deep.

08 Nov 2022

Lahav Shani: Digging deep in Rotterdam

By Cameron Kelsall

Splendour and gold: Regents Opera prepares for new Ring cycle

By Stephen Pritchard, 07 November 2022

From 2022-24, the opulent gold and marble of the Grand Temple, Freemasons’ Hall in London will host Regents Opera’s new production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen – for a chamber ensemble of eighteen players.

07 Nov 2022

Splendour and gold: Regents Opera prepares for new Ring cycle

By Stephen Pritchard

Vimbayi Kaziboni: Music to change your life

By Lawrence Dunn, 02 November 2022

Bachtrack catches up with Zimbabwean-American conductor Vimbayi Kaziboni as he visits Manchester to conduct the BBC Philharmonic – in a project exploring interactions between the orchestra and artificial intelligence.

02 Nov 2022

Vimbayi Kaziboni: Music to change your life

By Lawrence Dunn

Jörg Widmann: my music develops a life of its own

By Michael Klier, 21 October 2022

The composer tells us about Arche, his oratorio built on a massive scale, which receives its second ever performance at Amsterdam's Concertgebouw on 12th November.

21 Oct 2022

Jörg Widmann: my music develops a life of its own

By Michael Klier

And the Indianapolis Violin winner is: Sirena Huang

By Cameron Kelsall, 18 October 2022

A violinist since the age of four, Huang tells us about her journey to the Indianapolis final and the ironclad preparation discipline that led to her win.

18 Oct 2022

And the Indianapolis Violin winner is: Sirena Huang

By Cameron Kelsall

Finding curiosity and abandon: DNO Opera Studio's Rosemary Joshua

By David Karlin, 12 October 2022

The star soprano describes the journey of change for young singers passing through Amsterdam's artist development programme.

12 Oct 2022

Finding curiosity: DNO Opera Studio's Rosemary Joshua

By David Karlin

Online opera for the hardcore: the Liceu's Valentí Oviedo

By David Karlin, 11 October 2022

The General Manager of Barcelona's opera house tells us about their new digital offering Liceu+LIVE, which launches worldwide on 5th November.

11 Oct 2022

Online opera for the hardcore: the Liceu's Valentí Oviedo

By David Karlin

Choreographer at the crossroads: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui lands in Geneva

By Laurine Mortha, 06 October 2022

The Flemish choreographer, who describes himself as a "travelling director", talks about his appointment as head of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and details his future projects.

06 Oct 2022

Choreographer at the crossroads: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui lands in Geneva

By Laurine Mortha

On a voyage of self-discovery: Judit Varga

By George Jahn, 04 October 2022

At the beginning of her residency at MÜPA Budapest, we talk to the award-winning composer about the impact of gender bias, new works and the evolution of her creative process.

04 Oct 2022

On a voyage of self-discovery: Judit Varga

By George Jahn

The vulnerability of being centre stage: Alexandra Segal

By Hilary Stroh, 03 October 2022

This year's winner in the Piano Category of the George Enescu International Competition opens up about the challenges of being in the spotlight and what now lies ahead of her.

03 Oct 2022

The vulnerability of being centre stage: Alexandra Segal

By Hilary Stroh

Dancing into the music: Koen Kessels and Mikael Karlsson

By Graham Watts, 30 September 2022

Koen Kessels and Mikael Karlsson discuss composing for dance and the value of new commissions ahead of their collaboration for Birmingham Royal Ballet.

30 Sep 2022

Dancing into the music

By Graham Watts

A soloist in the making: an interview with Kris Garfitt

By Elena Luporini, 29 September 2022

After his recent win at the prestigious ARD Music Competition, British trombonist Kris Garfitt lends Bachtrack some time to talk about his experience of the contest, recall his musical upbringing, discuss future projects and – most of all – share his passion for the trombone.

29 Sep 2022

A soloist in the making: an interview with Kris Garfitt

By Elena Luporini

“I'll never forget it”: Violinist Maria Marica

By Kevin W Ng, 28 September 2022

The winner of this year's George Enescu International Violin Competition talks to us about an unforgettable experience and its impact.

28 Sep 2022

“I'll never forget it”: Violinist Maria Marica

By Kevin W Ng

Another name to watch: The young cellist Benjamin Kruithof

By Alexander Hall, 22 September 2022

A young cellist from Luxemburg makes his mark at the outset of a very promising career and takes victory at the 2022 George Enescu Cello Competition in Bucharest.

22 Sep 2022

Another name to watch: The young cellist Benjamin Kruithof

By Alexander Hall

Gábor Boldoczki’s dream: Music for everyone

By Michael Klier, 15 September 2022

The award-winning Hungarian trumpet player is celebrated internationally for his exceptional talent. Here, he chats to us about new commissions and his passion for making classical music appealing for everyone.

15 Sep 2022

Gábor Boldoczki’s dream: Music for everyone

By Michael Klier

Georgiy Derbas-Richter: Looking for the soul of music

By Zenaida des Aubris, 14 September 2022

We speak to Ukrainian baritone Georgiy Derbas-Richter, the latest addition to the young talents training at the Dutch National Opera Studio.

14 Sep 2022

Georgiy Derbas-Richter: Looking for the soul of music

By Zenaida des Aubris

Amy Lam at 92NY: Programming for a diverse and curious audience

By Kurt Gottschalk, 13 September 2022

We spoke to Amy Lam, the Vice President of Tisch Music, about what to expect from the eclectic new season at 92NY.

13 Sep 2022

Amy Lam at 92NY: Programming for a diverse and curious audience

By Kurt Gottschalk

Pavel Kolesnikov: Glenn Gould’s curse and collaborating with Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker

By Chantal Nguyen, 02 September 2022

The young Russian pianist never intended to play Bach's Goldberg Variations – such is the shadow cast by Glenn Gould – but then choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker proposed something unusual.

02 Sep 2022

Glenn Gould’s curse and collaborating with Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker

By Chantal Nguyen

Anna Clyne’s Sound and Fury finally arrives in Hong Kong

By Simon Cummings, 19 August 2022

We spoke to composer Anna Clyne about her piece Sound and Fury, about to be premiered in Asia by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta.

19 Aug 2022

Anna Clyne’s Sound and Fury finally arrives in Hong Kong

By Simon Cummings

Max Emanuel Cenčić: staging rare operas at Bayreuth Baroque

By Laura Servidei, 01 August 2022

A conversation with Max Emanuel Cenčić, countertenor extraordinaire, Artistic Director of the Bayreuth Baroque Festival and stage director.

01 Aug 2022

Max Emanuel Cenčić: staging rare operas at Bayreuth Baroque

By Laura Servidei

The helicopter view: Opera Europa's Nicholas Payne

By David Karlin, 13 July 2022

Opera Europa counts 220 opera companies and festivals amongst its members. Its Director discusses how the opera world is – or isn't – changing.

13 Jul 2022

The helicopter view: Opera Europa's Nicholas Payne

By David Karlin

Maxim Vengerov: on stage with friends to celebrate 40 years of music

By Kevin W Ng, 08 July 2022

On the occasion of his upcoming 40th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall, the violinist gives us a taste of what to expect on stage and reflects on his long career.

08 Jul 2022

Maxim Vengerov: on stage with friends to celebrate 40 years of music

By Kevin W Ng

Come join our musical family: Kelemen and Kokas on the Festival Academy Budapest

By George Jahn, 04 July 2022

We spoke to the two Artistic Directors about this year's Festival, full of eclectic performers and events.

04 Jul 2022

Barnabás Kelemen and Katalin Kokas on the Festival Academy Budapest

By George Jahn

A special bond: Hans Graf appointed as Music Director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra

By Cameron Kelsall, 01 July 2022

We spoke to the Austrian conductor about his love for the orchestra, Singapore's musical scene and great wine, amongst other things.

01 Jul 2022

Hans Graf appointed as Music Director of the Singapore Symphony

By Cameron Kelsall

Meeting the Maestro: in conversation with Fabio Luisi

By Elena Luporini, 30 June 2022

Luisi speaks about his appointment as Chief Conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra and his repertoire of choice, hinting at an exciting future.

30 Jun 2022

Meeting the Maestro: in conversation with Fabio Luisi

By Elena Luporini

Aristocracy of the heart: René Martin on the Festival de la Grange de Meslay

By Tristan Labouret, 15 June 2022

The celebrated builder of festivals tells us about his personal history with Sviatoslav Richter, whose reins he has taken on at La Grange de Meslay.

15 Jun 2022

Aristocracy of the heart: René Martin on the Festival de la Grange de Meslay

By Tristan Labouret

Great concert halls of the world: Gábor Zoboki, architect of Müpa Budapest

By David Karlin, 08 June 2022

The architect of Hungary's National Concert Hall tells the story of the hall, its distinctive features and about his plans for the future.

08 Jun 2022

Gábor Zoboki, architect of Müpa Budapest

By David Karlin

Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano: back to the future

By James Imam, 18 May 2022

We speak to Ruben Jais, the orchestra’s General Director and Artistic Director, about the ensemble's rebranding.

18 May 2022

Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano: back to the future

By James Imam

The Bamberg Workshop: Wagner concerts in focus

By Alexandra Richter, 13 May 2022

We talk to Bamberg Symphony's artistic director Marcus Rudolf Axt about their upcoming concerts, new approaches to Wagners works and the challenge of keeping his music relevant in the 21st century.

13 May 2022

The Bamberg Workshop: Wagner concerts in focus

By Alexandra Richter

From Utrecht to your home: early music on demand on the new EMTV video platform

By Laurence Vittes, 12 May 2022

We spoke to Juliette Dufornee, EMTV's Deputy Director, about this new platform for early music lovers.

12 May 2022

Early music on demand: new EMTV video platform

By Laurence Vittes

"I like to live in music": András Keller on Concerto Budapest's first UK tour

By Stephen Pritchard, 10 May 2022

We speak to András Keller about Concerto Budapest's first UK tour, Beethoven's Fifth and his mentors.

10 May 2022

András Keller on Concerto Budapest's first UK tour

By Stephen Pritchard

A voice of one’s own: Ingrid Fliter at the piano

By Elena Luporini, 05 May 2022

On the occasion of her participation in the Singapore International Piano Festival, Argentinian pianist Ingrid Fliter talks about a life spent in the company of music.

05 May 2022

A voice of one’s own: Ingrid Fliter at the piano

By Elena Luporini

One for the curious: the Bach-Mendelssohn Connection festival in New York

By Hilary Stroh, 29 April 2022

We spoke to Hanna Arie-Gaifman, Director Emeritus of the Tisch Center, New York, about the richly layered backstory involving generations of Bachs and Mendelssohns and Itzigs, and how this will be explored in the upcoming festival.

29 Apr 2022

One for the curious: the Bach-Mendelssohn Connection festival

By Hilary Stroh

Four to watch: Quartet Integra

By Nahoko Gotoh, 21 April 2022

We spoke to Quartet Integra about their studies at the Suntory Hall Academy and their ambitions for the future.

21 Apr 2022

Four to watch: Quartet Integra

By Nahoko Gotoh

The ICCM brings contemporary music and fresh cakes to London’s West End

By Kurt Gottschalk, 20 April 2022

We spoke to ICCM co-founder and Artistic and Music Director Zvonimir Hačko about new and overlooked music and the "Leaning East" concert series.

20 Apr 2022

The ICCM: Contemporary music and fresh cakes to London’s West End

By Kurt Gottschalk

Gävle Symphony Orchestra: from Sweden to the world

By Cameron Kelsall, 07 April 2022

We spoke to Roza Nolčeva-Angelovska, the Gävle Symphony Orchestra’s Director of Programming and Artistic Planning, about this passionate ensemble with unique history and connection to their home city.

07 Apr 2022

Gävle Symphony Orchestra: from Sweden to the world

By Cameron Kelsall

Soprano on hold: Danielle de Niese on filming Poulenc's La Voix humaine

By Mark Pullinger, 06 April 2022

Poulenc on primetime: Francis Poulenc's opera, based on Cocteau's play, comes to the small screen this Easter, filmed on location in Paris and starring soprano Danielle de Niese.

06 Apr 2022

Soprano on hold: Danielle de Niese on filming La Voix humaine

By Mark Pullinger

Young Artists To Watch: Elenora Hu – Living in the moment

By Zenaida des Aubris, 24 March 2022

We speak to the Dutch soprano about how the passion for opera dawned in her life, her experience winning a classical music television competition and what singing means to her.

24 Mar 2022

Elenora Hu – Living in the moment

By Zenaida des Aubris

In the footsteps of a giant: the Evgeny Svetlanov Conducting Competition

By David Karlin, 22 March 2022

Monte-Carlo in June sees the finals of the competition that bears the name of Evgeny Svetlanov, Russia's most prolific conductor of yesteryear.

22 Mar 2022

In the footsteps of a giant: the Svetlanov Competition

By David Karlin

Alone Together: Jennifer Koh on new commissions and creative spaces for artists to tell their stories

By Kurt Gottschalk, 21 March 2022

The violinist talks about her pandemic commissioning project as well the work she does that extends beyond performing concerts as Arco Collaborative’s artistic director and its primary performing artist.

21 Mar 2022

Alone Together: Jennifer Koh on new commissions and telling stories

By Kurt Gottschalk