When classical music goes wild: top 10 outdoor festivals

Five years ago, the Japanese violinist made the spontaneous decision to enter the prestigious Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition. She talks about how her win in 2022 was a musically life-changing experience.

We profile one of the most advanced and best-sounding concert halls in the UK, and take a look further afield at arts and culture across Manchester.

Next June and July will see MS6’s latest in impressively starry music-focused cruises, a 15-day journey to many locations around the Mediterranean, aboard the opulent liner Explora I.

With a remarkably extensive season featuring a slew of major guests, and the cream of Japanese classical music talent, the TMSO has an uncanny ability to switch between musical styles on a dime. 

While London can often seem daunting, the Southbank Centre offers a heady mix of culture – music, theatre, film and contemporary art – within easy walking distance of under a mile.

Kings Place, of the most successful new additions to the London music scene, sits in a rapidly changing King’s Cross – an intersection of new architecture, culture and heritage.