Performer: Wu Wei

A rare foray into crossover by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra into repertoire involving a traditional Chinese instrument. 

Mason Bates's much-hyped first opera, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, excited Santa Fe audiences despite its dramatic shortcomings.

A ravishing performance from the Myung-Wung Chung Seoul Philharmonic for the orchestra's BBC Proms première.

Unsuk Chin's music is extravagant. This must have been a shockingly expensive concert to produce. The stage at the Barbican had to be extended to fit the massive orchestra, and the whole middle section of the stalls was closed off for safety reasons. The two intervals lasted longer than usual because there was so much equipment to move.