Maestro Antonio Pappano is knighted for his services to opera in the UK. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Matthew VanBesien leaves the Melbourne Symphony bound for New York. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

The Australian Chamber Orchestra crowned its European tour with a concert for Prince Charles. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

The building catches fire in New Year’s pyrotechnic display. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Fiona Campbell’s Handel and Guy Noble’s delightful comic song, complete with a surprise tap-dance solo. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Cheryl Barker, Brett Weymark and Classic FM presenters share their most cherished Yuletide tunes.

The brilliant performers who brought the house down in 2011, as chosen by Limelight readers.

It’s hard to believe such an accomplished, distinctive Australian work only had its European premiere last year with Olding, the SSO and Ashkenazy at the Edinburgh Festival – the present disc makes a strong case for its reappraisal abroad. Ross Edwards’ 1986 concerto remains his finest work, composed when his “maninyas” style of dance rhythms, inspired by insect life in the Australian bush, was still fresh and immediately gripping. The Adelaide Symphony imbues the hushed opening strains with subtle warmth while violinist Adele Anthony introduces delicate pizzicato, as gentle and exploratory as a cicada opening its wings for the first time. The orchestra’s crisp syncopations grow lively and buoyant throughout the movement. By contrast, the soloist’s contemplative, extended cadenza is a dazzling display of her interpretive powers: impeccable intonation and finely judged portamenti add a personal touch. The final movement, marked “ecstatic”, basks in Edwards’ unique brand of mysticism in nature as indigenous wooden clapping sticks beat out the pulse of life and Anthony takes darting, fervent passages at a rapid pace. The Sibelius Violin Concerto is the work with which Adelaide-born Anthony won the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition at the age of 13. It’s a surprisingly effective… Continue reading…

Rocker-turned-composer Trent Reznor unveils music for David Fincher’s much-hyped film. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

ABC Classic FM's complete list of the Top 100 with commentary and performance footage.

Insightful, shocking, lurid, masterful: eight examples of Russell’s composer portraits on film. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

The 100 greatest classical albums ever featured in Limelight, with complete reviews and audio excerpts.