What new music might float your boat (or roast your chestnuts) this holiday season? Clive Paget surveys this year’s crop of festive releases and finds intriguing offerings for Advent, Christmas, and even for the post-prandial cheese plate.

For more than 250 years, the northern city of St Petersburg has been Russia’s cultural capital. In the last 15 years, however, the performing arts scene has exploded. Music lover and frequent traveller, Robert Veel, describes the scene.

Christmas can be a difficult time for many, writes psychologist and singer Greta Bradman. Festive music can reignite emotions good and bad.

The Art Gallery of WA’s Brutalist building turns 40.

Sam Allchurch, who directs the concert, tells us about his choice of the Twelve Days of Christmas as this year's theme.

A newly downsized Guy Noble ponders the highs and lows of an extensive decluttering.

Ahead of his 70th birthday bash, Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director tells Angus McPherson about honing his skills in the percussion section, the best (and worst) conductors, and the pleasures of opera.

Currently performing in Faust, the Albanian tenor discusses his early career success, working with Luciano, and what's next.

In his new wind quintet for the Omega Ensemble, Russian-Canadian composer Airat Ichmouratov tells his story.

A new initiative founded by Canberra flute player Sarah Grey seeks to take the angst out of funding, she tells Angus McPherson, by creating a one stop online shopping destination for arts philanthropy.

Dr Nolan discusses Bach's jubilant festive work as St George's Concert Series prepares to present it in Perth.

Sharon Grigoryan has curated a series of chamber music performances in the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Quartet Bar. She tells us what to expect.