Performer: Sir Simon Rattle

Magdalena Kožená provides a compelling case for two little-heard Martinů song cycles; Rattle and the Czech Phil are competent but not altogether convincing in Schumann.

A long stellar night of supremely assured singing and playing in Wagner's Siegfried, with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Sir Simon Rattle on top form.

Amanda Majeski reprises her peerless Kátya, but Katarina Dalayman's flint-like characterisation as Kabanicha strikes the most sparks.

Contemplation and reflection should ideally form a counterpoint to jollity and merry-making in the festive season: an object-lesson from Sir Simon Rattle and his supporting forces.

Sir Simon Rattle's “Stravinsky Journey” threads a string of miniatures to persuade the audience that there's more to Stravinsky than his three early Ballets Russes hits. 

The last conductor to have led such a superb account of Rachmaninov's Third Symphony was quite possibly its composer.