How Classical Music Survived Wars and Political Upheavals

From wartime premieres to hidden manuscripts and exiled composers, classical music has repeatedly survived humanity's darkest moments. Discover how wars, revolutions and political upheavals shaped the music we continue to perform and cherish today.

Who Stole Haydn's Head? The Bizarre Tale of Skull Theft

Joseph Haydn's musical legacy is celebrated worldwide, but few know the extraordinary story of what happened after his death. Discover the bizarre tale of the composer's stolen skull, scientific obsession and the remarkable journey that lasted 145 years.

On the Horizon: Melissa Dunphy and Dominick DiOrio on Climate, Community, and Choral Music

Composer Melissa Dunphy and conductor Dominick DiOrio discuss ‘On the Horizon’, a large-scale cantata confronting climate change through the voices of young singers, and reflect on collaboration, responsibility, and the enduring communal power of choral music.

Master Your Musical Journey: How to Build a Winning Digital Portfolio

The digital music portfolio is essential for showcasing a musician’s skills, experience, and artistic journey. It helps reviewers assess talent online, requiring clear structure, strong recordings, updated content, and cohesive presentation to create opportunities.

Exploring Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude, Op. 28 No. 15

Through its famous repeated note, shifting harmonies and dramatic contrasts, Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude traces an emotional path from serenity to turbulence and back again, revealing the composer’s extraordinary ability to create profound expression from remarkably simple musical material.

John Tavener's 'Krishna' at Grange Park Opera

World Premiere, 4 June 2026; Performance Reviewed: 13 June. Sir John Tavener's 'Krishna' transforms episodes from Hindu mythology into a visually rich and spiritually ambitious opera, combining haunting music, vivid imagery and moments of transcendence.

History, Mystery and Music: The World of Composer Jamie Wilkins

Composer, conductor and arranger Jamie Wilkins discusses his creative process, the influence of history and storytelling on his music, recording with the London Symphony Orchestra, and the remarkable experiences that have shaped his musical journey.

The Fine Line Between Clever Wordplay and Misheard Lyrics in Modern Music

Examine the fine line between clever wordplay and misheard lyrics in modern music, why our brains mishear songs, and the most commonly confused lines.

Beyond Angels and Glissandos: Why the Harp Deserves a Closer Listen

Often associated with angels, fairy tales and shimmering glissandos, the harp is one of classical music's most misunderstood instruments. From Debussy to Stravinsky, its rich expressive palette reveals a voice capable of drama, power, mystery and innovation.

Analysing Stravinsky’s 'The Rite of Spring'

More than a century after its explosive premiere, Igor Stravinsky’s 'The Rite of Spring' remains a landmark of musical modernism. This analysis explores its revolutionary rhythms, daring orchestration, folk influences and enduring impact on twentieth-century music.

Rediscovering Haydn's Forgotten Instrument: A Conversation with Matthew Baker

Favoured by Prince Nikolaus Esterházy and championed by Haydn, the baryton nearly vanished from musical life. Matthew Baker discusses reviving the instrument through the Valencia Baryton Project and bringing its remarkable repertoire to modern audiences.

Stravinsky and Debussy: A Mutual Admiration

Though often viewed as representatives of contrasting musical worlds, Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky shared a remarkable artistic bond. Their mutual admiration fostered a creative exchange that influenced modern music and connected two of the twentieth century’s greatest composers.