It was December 1950: composer Morton Feldman was doodling on a napkin, waiting for John Cage to finish cooking some wild rice. What Feldman had been drawing on this scrap of paper stuck with him and eventually became his landmark

Victor Borge, born on 3 January 1909 in Copenhagen, Denmark, was a formidable pianist. His playing was described as “warm, rich, and highly nuanced, achieved through pedal mixtures and the formation of his large, spatula hands with cushions on each

Michael Tippett composed his final opera New Year in the mid-80s, during a time of social unrest in a Britain fearful of multiculturalism and increased ghettoisation of its inner cities. The opera, however, is explicitly about dreams and about the

The Gold Medal winner at the 2015 XV International Tchaikovsky Competition, Andrei Ioniță is one of the most admired cellists of his generation. A versatile musician focused on deeply felt performances, Andrei is internationally recognised for his passionate musicianship and

Peace must exist in a state of calm; peace does not come to the impatient or the restless; it is achieved through serenity. Serenity, which has been defined poetically as the ability ‘to accept the things that cannot be changed’,

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to spend New Year’s Eve with someone special? Well, there is an enchanting song that is all about that spark of curiosity and anticipation. “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is the

For over three decades, conductor Paavo Järvi has captivated audiences with his powerful yet nuanced interpretations. His passion for detail and his meticulous approach have created collaborative relationships that are characterised by boundless energy and youthful vitality. Paavo Järvi is

It’s almost 2025, and I think everybody should welcome the new year with some sparkling champagne; musical champagne that is! Personally, I think there is nothing better for musical bubbly than the New Year’s Concert with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.