On the eve of his visit to Melbourne and Perth, the renowned UK-based conductor discusses the rise of music in UK schools and his hope of starting a Russian-Ukrainian orchestra when the conflict is over.

The editors of Limelight share their selection of the most exciting classical music, opera and theatre events coming soon.

With half the country in lockdown, this month’s focus is on music to soothe the spirit, from Mozart, Fauré and Pärt, to Jordi Savall’s Victorian Odyssey

Announcing West Australian Symphony Orchestra's 2022 season, Asher Fisch discusses how he and the orchestra are still learning from each other.

In Petrenko's hands, prickly Prokofiev and mellow Myaskovsky both hit the spot.

In this issue we look at Alan John's iconic opera The Eighth Wonder, ABC journalist Sally Sara's debut play, Roland Peelman's Vienna-themed Canberra International Music Festival and Vasily Petrenko's COVID-beard.

As one of the busiest maestros on the planet, Russian-British conductor Vasily Petrenko lost umpteen engagements because of COVID. He talks to Clive Paget about how he has used the unexpected hiatus – from recording video interviews to growing tomatoes and a beard.

Petrenko negotiates Prokofiev's emotional landscape to thrilling effect.

Lise Davidsen's debut excites, but Vasily Petrenko and Yusif Eyvazov also shine in Tchaikovsky's tale of terror.

A concert Fidelio, Beethoven's Piano Concertos in one week, Deborah Cheetham's Eumeralla, and some exciting debuts are on Asher Fisch's next program.

Vasily Petrenko kills two Russian birds with one Liverpudlian CD.

Petrenko helps three composers strut their vernal stuff.