Albums: Blue Reflections

They could have easily taken the easy route and re-recorded their hits or done an album of cover versions; instead, they have given their fans a record for them – and the band themselves – to be proud of.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park Unveils New Sculptures Outdoors For 2026

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) has added three significant new outdoor sculptures to the landscape by Vanessa da Silva, Auke de Vries and Damien Hirst, each offering thought-provoking encounters with contemporary art in the open air.

Albums: Ben Folds Live With The National Symphony Orchestra

Under Steven Reineke’s direction, and during Folds’ time as Artistic Advisor to the Orchestra, this recording captures him stepping into new territory. His piano and vocals are still front and centre, but the orchestral arrangements add a richness and depth that make familiar songs feel fresh.

Classical Music: Dvořák Symphony No. 2 & No. 8

Following last year's well-received Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6, Martín's commitment to championing Dvořák's less frequently performed symphonic works has established itself as a significant project—the first such complete cycle undertaken by an Australian orchestra.

Classical Music: Poema - 2. Terra Nova

Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra continues its ambitious series of Strauss tone poems with Poema - 2. Terra Nova, an imaginative pairing that sets Richard Strauss's Also sprach Zarathustra alongside Ian Cusson's 1Q84: Sinfonietta Metamoderna.

Classical Music: Brahms Symphonies 2 & 4

The Fourth Symphony is exquisitely expressed, the woodwind excels, and the Andante second movement is particularly engaging. The build-up in the finale's last chord is terrific. These are recordings that should be in every Brahms enthusiast's collection. There are more traditionally Germanic performances available, but this pairing is totally refreshing. If the year continues with this level of quality from both recording engineering and sheer brilliance of playing, we are in for many treats indeed.

Classical Music: In Search Of Youkali - Songs Of Kurt Weill

As one expects from Chandos, the sound engineering is first-class, and the booklet notes—complete with translations of the German and French numbers—provide exemplary context. For lovers of this genre and devotees of Weill, this is essential listening. Full marks to the curation of this disc and to Bray's impeccable voice—a captivating release.

In Conversation: John Cleese

John Cleese is talking about the runaway success of Fawlty Towers – The Play, having had two sold out West End seasons and a 10 month UK tour which began in September. “To be honest, I was more confident about it than almost anything I’ve ever done. I remember reading the finished script and thinking it was really funny. And the English do love farce. Think Ben Travers.

Albums: Alter Bridge - Alter Bridge

Recorded last spring at the legendary 5150 Studios in California and a Baskette’s studio in Florida, the sunshine has had an effect on the band, with many of the new tracks bursting with energy, enthusiasm and the powerful vocal chemistry between guitarists Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti bursting with life.

Nutcracker in Havana

This is a wonderful and joyous ballet! Carlos Acosta, the Cuban international superstar of the classical ballet world, as director and choreographer, has, along with the Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo, taken the much-loved and well-known Tchaikovsky score of one of our all-time festive favourites to produce what can only be described as a complete Nutcracker cultural reinvention.

Discovery Festival Heads To Darlington For 2026

It will be time this summer to dig out those leg warmers and neon accessories because the Discovery Festival that celebrates the best of 80’s music is heading to Darlington. Taking place on Saturday 8th August 2026 at Mowden Park artists include jazz funk powerhouses Level 42, synth pop legend Marc Almond and Sheffield synth pioneers Heaven 17.

Fawlty Towers: Chaos And Comedy Perfectly Preserved On Stage

Seeing Fawlty Towers brought to life on stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre was an absolute joy. John Cleese has taken three of the iconic 1970s sitcom episodes and cleverly intertwined them to create an excellent stage adaptation that captures the spirit and chaos of the original series.

Leeds Song Festival Announces 2026 Programme

Leeds Song Festival returns from Saturday 11 April to Saturday 18 April 2026, bringing together some of the world’s most captivating voices, inspiring musicians, cutting-edge creators, and rising stars for a packed week-long celebration of art song.

Play The Organ Day

Do you play any kind of keyboard instrument (or know anyone who does)? All are welcome to come along to the Cinema Organ Society’s ‘Play the Organ Day’ on Saturday 10th January at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire. There will be a unique opportunity to play the famous Saltaire Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ.

In Conversation With Craig David

Twenty-five years ago, a then largely unknown Craig David dropped his debut album, Born To Do It, a record which became a landmark in UK garage and British R&B and instantly made its creator a household name. By the time the album’s era came to a close, he had also claimed three Ivor Novellos, his first four MOBO Awards, two Grammy nominations, and two MTV Europe Awards.

Aladdin - The Municipal Theatre, Colne

A huge, lifelike Genie, a flying carpet and a wickedly good impression of Tina Turner can only mean one thing: pantomime is back in Colne – oh yes, it is! In a well-rehearsed show that has colourful costumes, sumptuous backdrops, a cast that works well together, and jokes that are for both young and old, Shone Productions has delivered a panto that will cast away any pre-Christmas blues.

Classical Music: Vikingur Ólafsson: Opus 109

Vikingur Ólafsson: Opus 109 J.S. Bach The Well-Tempered Clavier I Prelude No. 9 in E Major, BWV 854; Partita No. 6 in E Minor, BWV 830; French Suite No 6 Sarabande; Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90; Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109; Schubert Piano Sonata No. 6 in E Minor, D.

Classical Music: Let All The World In Every Corner Sing

Cole also captures the wonderful harmonics and rhythmic vitality of Matthew Martin's organ solo work, St Albans triptych. The use of colour from the Ely instrument makes for an exciting performance. The sound engineering is excellent; the balance between voices and organ superbly captured in the acoustics of Ely Cathedral. This is a fabulous disc that deserves the widest possible audience

Ways of Seeing: Katharine Holmes And Three Generations Of Dales Artists

The process of artistic apprehension is relentless for Katharine Holmes, as if her landscape – the precipitous limestone terrain of Malhamdale – will only yield to endless scrutiny.

Albums: Incognito.Music, Magic, Ironic

The cool, soulful, jazz-infused sounds of Incognito are always a perfect soundtrack to a hot summer day spent under a blue sky as a welcoming summer breeze cools the air. Conversely, the band has decided to release their twentieth album in winter; since the release occurred on Christmas Day, this sublime set of songs serves as a gift to both old and new fans, warming hearts and souls throughout the winter months.

Arts Book Review: Nick Toczek Wool City Rocker

Long before the arrival of the internet, if you wanted to know what was happening in the music scene or who the latest bands to look out for were, the likes of music magazines NME, Sounds and Melody Maker were indispensable sources of information.

Albums Of The Year 2025: 20 To 1

Sabrina Carpenter continues to dominate the UK music scene, having claimed the biggest album of the year. Interestingly, in her wake are a series of retrospective collections from the likes of Oasis, Ed Sheeran and Fleetwood Mac, before Sam Fender makes the list at #6.

A Lot Of People Don’t Realise I’m A Trained Actor, So I’m Excited To Be In A Film!

Matt Jameson, best known for being half of Married at First Sight’s first same sex couple, is joining the cast of a new British comedy which sheds light on the challenges of the menopause. Hot Flash tells the story of an accidental entrepreneur who triumphs despite imposter syndrome, brutal menopause symptoms, and the challenges of being a forty plus single mum.

Albums Of The Year 2025: 40 To 21

While 2025 has seen a few big musical comebacks - Lady Gaga, Five, Jessie J, Mariah Carey, Lana Del Rey, it has also been a year that has seen some talents who had spent the past few years bubbling under surface explode into the mainstream. Alex Warren, Olivia Dean and Lola Young are now household names, a position none of them had considered at the start of 2025.

Albums Of The Year 2025: 60 To 41

Global trends for music consumption continued to shift throughout 2025. While streaming is, without doubt, the strongest in the market, the love of physical music in Gen Z and Gen Alpha has continued to rise.

Albums Of The Year 2025: 80 To 61

Spotify Wrapped has revealed that Taylor Swift was the most streamed artist in the UK of 2025, while internationally that crown went to Bad Bunny. However, there is no denying that those K Pop Demon Hunters - HUNTR/X became the surprise global phenomenon of the year, while Chappell Roan managed to build on her success of the previous year, but failed to deliver a new studio album.

Ibiza Classics - Pete Tong And The Heritage Orchestra, Leeds First Direct Arena

In the early nineties, when house music was imploding, DJ Pete Tong’s early Friday night radio show on Radio 1 became essential listening; for any dance act, getting a track played on his show was a golden ticket to success.

Remembering Chris Rea

The sad news that Chris Rea has passed away comes three days before Christmas, when his song, Driving Home for Christmas, remains one of the most played songs on radio at this festive time of year. Rea composed the song several years prior to its release.

Slade - Say Their Goodbyes One Last Time In Manchester

Back in 1974, when the country was under the effect of the electrical blackouts with the three-day week imposed due to an industrial dispute with the miners, over on Top of the Pops on BBC1, Noddy Holder and the rest of Slade were igniting the nation with their brand of commercial pop – that is, if you had electricity in the first place to watch the programme.

Dinsdale's Scrooge Shines In Genre-Confused Christmas Carol

This year's seasonal production at Leeds Playhouse, A Christmas Carol, occasionally appears to have lost its direction. The production struggles to navigate its rather confused genre.

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