Wild Arts’s Messiah experiment is unforgettable, and they can be justifiably proud

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Handel, Messiah, HWV 56: Joanna Songi, Sofia Kirwan-Baez (sopranos), Martha Jones, Kate Symonds-Joy (mezzo-sopranos), Guy Elliott, Harry Jacques (tenors). Timothy Nelson (baritone), Edward Hawkins (bass), The Wild Arts Ensemble (Sijie Chen, Will McGahon [violins], Hannah Shaw [viola], George Ross [cello], Marianne Schofield [double bass], Leo Duarte, Geoff Coates [oboes], Chris Rawley [bassoon], Sam Lewis, Brendan Musk [trumpets], Tom Lee [timpani]), Tom Morris (director) / Orlando Jopling (director/harpsichord). Smith Square Hall, London, 9.12.2025. (CC)

Edward Hawkins and Wild Arts Ensemble (previous performance) © Steve Gregson

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This 90th anniversary celebratory concert shows the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on top form

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Grieg, Tippett, Witter-Johnson: Sir Steven Hough (pianist), Pumeza Matshikiza (soprano), Beth Taylor (alto), John Findon (tenor), Ashley Riches (bass), National Youth Choir of Scotland (director: Christopher Bell), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra / Ryan Wigglesworth (conductor). City Halls Glasgow, 4.12.2025. (GT)

  Sir Stephen Hough plays Greig with the BBC SSO © Martin Shields

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Pappano and the LSO’s high-calibre performance resonates long after the final notes have faded

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams: Antoine Tamestit (viola), Julia Sitkovetsky (soprano), Ashley Riches (bass-baritone), London Symphony Chorus (chorus director: Mariana Rosas) and London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 7.12.2025. (KMcD)

The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano © Mark Allan

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Concerto Budapest gives Warwick Arts Centre’s audience a compelling second look at Shostakovich.

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Liszt, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky: Paul Lewis (piano), Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra / András Keller (conductor). Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, 2.12.2025. (CP)

András Keller conducts the Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra in Dublin © Mark Stedman

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