The secrets of Shostakovich, Elgar’s Asylum music, Dame Kiri’s farewell plus Emma Ayres on a bike…

Cover Feature

The Seven Wonders of Shostakovich: How a tortured genius defied persecution to create thrilling masterpieces in every form while also documenting one of the 20th century’s most brutal political regimes.

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David Robertson speaks

The charismatic, evangelical SSO Chief Conductor tells us how he got here from there and where he wants to go next.

Dame Kiri Says Goodbye

The New Zealand opera star has decided to call time on her stage career – but this Dame still sees plenty of good times ahead.

Elgar’s Loony Tunes

What was England’s greatest composer doing in a mental institution in the 1880s? Composing polkas and quadrilles, apparently.

Emma Ayres

Disillusioned with life as an orchestral musician, the ABC Classic FM presenter decided to cycle from England to Hong Kong.

The Brandenburg at 25

A look back in pictures at how Paul Dyer turned the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra into the period instrument force they are today.

Composer of the Month: Dufay

The musical superstar of his day, Dufay was feted by popes and princes. But how did this modest provincial Frenchman come to consecrate...