From a naked Brisbane Freemason to a brawl during Mahler Five – as well as the biggest classical music news – here are the headlines you were reading this year.

Sydney Theatre Company leads the charge this year, becoming the first ever company to make a clean sweep of the Best Mainstage Production category.

Acclaimed performer and director Mitchell Butel will take up the position in March.

The Australian actor has made a series of explosive allegations about Rush in The New York Times and ABC.

The internet has been thoroughly impressed by one baritone’s Rossinian rhapsody.

The former Opera Australia chorus member has been sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

Douglas Lawrence is advocating the “no sauce” approach in his 2019 season, which will see the choir embark on an 18-day tour of Europe.

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra has cancelled the Australian leg of its global farewell tour with the renowned maestro.

English tenor Ian Bostridge, the Brodsky Quartet, Irish-Canadian mezzo Wallis Giunta and Austrian clarinettist Andreas Ottensamer are among the artists heading to the Sydney Opera House next year.

The bass-baritone will give recitals featuring his favourite opera arias and musical numbers.

Amy Hollingsworth will take up the position in January, with plans to increase collaborative opportunities, and expand EDC’s educational work.

We finish our round up of the shows that excited us most in 2018 with a look at dance.