Performer: Kazuki Yamada

Mahler’s First Symphony is given a fresh take, revelling in melody, by Kazuki Yamada and the CBSO, while Dai Fujikura’s new Trombone Concerto proves an unsatisfactory indulgence. 

The guest conductor pairs Holst's perennial crowd pleaser with Poulenc's Gloria, a work deeply associated with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

The sought-after current music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will adopt this new role in Berlin from the 2026–27 season.

Kazuki Yamada, Claire Booth and the Paraorchestra were among the winners announced on Thursday, which also honoured contemporary music record label NMC and Belfast’s Open Arts Community Choir.

Kazuki Yamada’s infectious ebullience has rubbed off in a major way on the Birmingham orchestra, and this season they tackle a fleet of big symphonies: Bruckner’s, Mahler’s and Beethoven’s Ninths.