Elder ensured that the calmer, more nuanced passages were given their due but the blaze of brass at the conclusion was visceral, thrilling and undeniably virile... more
At its best, The Tsar's Bride, hitherto ignored by the major opera houses, strikes home with surprising force - thanks to Mark Elder's inspired conducting... more
With his subtle handling of diaphanous string textures and flawless pacing, Mark Elder demonstrates convincingly how underrated the Adriana Lecouvreur score actually is... more
Grandage’s visual conception, designed by Christopher Oram, skilfully suggests the claustrophobic space on board an 18th-century man-of-war in Billy Budd.... more
After the triumphant opening of his Twelfth Night last night, the Donmar’s artistic director tells how the play has been as good as therapy for him... more
Having lost several stone thanks to gastric bypass surgery, Deborah Voigt made a glorious return to the Royal Opera House, showing off her slimline look and gleaming tone in Ariadne auf Naxos.... more
Comedienne Victoria Wood, TV presenter Paul O'Grady, Eastenders actress June Brown, broadcaster Joan Bakewell, screenwriter Lynda LaPlante and entertainer Des O'Connor are all receiving birthday honours from the Queen... more
He has been out of fashion for more than 50 years, but now composer Ralph Vaughan Williams's vision of Englishness is being celebrated once again.... more
Elgar was unembarrassed to wear his heart on his sleeve and, in that respect, this Englishmen was decidedly European. It's time we learnt, says Fiona Maddocks. ... more
Saturday's Prom, spirited into energetic life by Mark Elder, showed the 150-odd teenagers of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain on fine form.... more
Mark Elder, ever an accomplished Verdian, directed a well-paced and impassioned performance of Stiffelio, with fine woodwind solos and some wonderfully hushed string passages.... more
Joshua Bell's vigorous account of Brahms's Violin Concerto was the triumph of the London Symphony Orchestra's Janacek Day, says Fiona Maddocks. ... more
Musicians are challenging security rules banning instruments from being taken on flights as hand luggage. They say they would rather cancel concerts than risk stowing instruments in the hold.... more
Mark Elder proved the ideal witty showman at the Last Night of the 112th Proms Season, as he led the BBC Symphony and Chorus in a lively, if lengthy, finale.... more
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