Performer: Chineke! Orchestra

Gershwin's opera proves the absolute highlight at Musikfest Berlin, thanks to a tight-knit cast led by Siyabulela Ntlale and Nonhlanhla Yende.

Jonathon Heyward steps in to conduct Chineke! in two UK premieres and Shostakovich's rip-roaring Tenth Symphony. 

Chineke! Orchestra likes to do things differently and this concert, conducted by Andrew Grams, pairs symphonies by Tchaikovsky and the singer-songwriter-guitarist Armatrading. 

No hard hitters or big beasts in this colourful potpourri from the remarkable Chineke! Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther, but a chance to savour both the unknown and the familiar.

The Chineke! Orchestra always aims at mixing the old and familiar (Beethoven, Ravel) with lesser-known corners of the repertory (Coleridge-Taylor, Walker). Anthony Parnther conducts with Kenneth Thompkins as soloist.

The excellent program opened with Coleridge Taylor's Ballade and also included favorites by Haydn and Dvořák.

Composers Anna Meredith and Jennifer Walshe took prizes in classical music and opera, while choreographers Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui are recognised for their dance work an Accident / a Life.

With a focus on Shostakovich, and many prestigious guest orchestras from around Europe, this year’s BBC Proms confirms orchestral music can make a big public statement.

An overwhelming feeling of “could have been worse” as orchestras receive the long-awaited news of their Arts Council funding.