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Brentwood School proudly announces the launch of the First Brentwood International Music Competition, a landmark initiative designed to attract and celebrate the world’s most talented young musicians. This exciting new venture marks a significant milestone for the school’s Specialist Music Programme, which has already demonstrated exceptional promise in its inaugural term.
From friendship to music: Stephen Williamson premieres Christopher Theofanidis’s clarinet concerto at the CSO
On a summer day in 2022, Stephen Williamson stood outside with his clarinet in Aspen, Colorado. Surrounded by an endless blue sky, mountains and the sun, Williamson – the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s principal clarinetist – worked through intricate passages of a new concerto. Its composer, Christopher Theofanidis, was there with Williamson, shaping the music in real time. ‘Playing it outside in the fresh air, with the mountains around us, brought a whole new dimension to the sound’, Williamson recalls.
After almost three years of anticipation – due in part to an unexpected health setback – Williamson is finally set to premiere the concerto, Indigo Heaven, which was written specifically for him.
The 77th edition of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence from 4 – 21 July 2025
The metamorphosis of Calisto, the reincarnation of Buddha, the transformation of Louise, the protean Don Giovanni… The focus of the 2025 edition of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence (for more information click here) is clearly on the inexorable mutability of all things and the perpetual reinvention of the self. ‘There is nothing in the whole world which is permanent. Everything flows onward; all things are brought into being with a changing nature’ says Ovid in his Metamorphoses; and this is reflected in Cavalli’s La Calisto, which depicts a fascinating continuum between nature, mankind and the gods.
English National Ballet – Autumn 2025
The company’s autumn season starts in October at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, with R:Evolution – a celebration of four visionary dance innovators.
The programme opens with works from two of the most influential choreographers of the twentieth century, both created in 1940’s New York: George Balanchine’s dazzling showcase of virtuosity, Theme and Variations, and Martha Graham’s visceral Errand into the Maze, a company premiere marking the first performance of her work by English National Ballet.
Audiences will then be treated to the 1990’s classic Herman Schmerman (Quintet) by the legendary choreographer William Forsythe, who drew inspiration from both these visionaries and continued to propel ballet into the twenty-first-century.
Fast forward to present day and the work of David Dawson who is credited with evolving the artform through his physical and emotional choreographic language. This is epitomised by Dawson’s Four Last Songs, created in 2023 for English National Ballet.
The music for three of the works – by Tchaikovsky, Menotti and Richard Strauss – will be performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic conducted by Music Director, Maria Seletskaja, with soprano Madeleine Pierard singing Strauss’s masterwork.
Aaron S. Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet said: ‘R:Evolution celebrates the rich lineage of four visionary choreographers, who have revolutionised ballet through decades of innovation. This programme will showcase a dynamic thread of creative evolution with works that have the power to ignite emotions. I can’t wait for our wonderful artists to share these.’
Honouring its commitment to the great tradition of classical ballet, the company will present Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s The Sleeping Beauty – a signature production, performed exclusively by English National Ballet, from one of Britain’s most celebrated choreographers. This timeless fairytale will tour to venues around the UK including Liverpool’s Empire Theatre (22-25 October 2025), Manchester’s Palace Theatre (19-22 November) and Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (26-29 November). It features stunning sets and costumes by legendary designers Nicholas Georgiadis and Peter Farmer. Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking score is played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic conducted by Maria Seletskaja, Dominic Grier and Kingsley Lin.
With its extensive Engagement programme English National Ballet continues to be a leader in creative health, learning and participation practice.
Throughout autumn, our varied events include Ballet Club holiday activities for children and families resident in Newham and Tower Hamlets, east London; Shared Ground, offering a valuable platform for artist development through free studio space and incubator labs; and ENBYouthCo, who welcome a new company of talented young dancers from September.
Alongside this, English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s, an evidence-based programme delivered nationally with its hub partners, and Dance for Dementia and Dancing East with Linkage Plus will provide creative health interventions that contribute to better health and well-being through artistry, creativity and community. The company will also host Centre Stage events in London and open door events on tour.
English National Ballet’s 2025-2026 season will be announced in full in due course.
On-sale Information: The Sleeping Beauty in Southampton opens for priority booking to Friends/ Members on Thursday 20 February 2025, with General booking open from Friday 21 February 2025.
The Sleeping Beauty in Liverpool and Manchester opens for priority booking to Friends/ Members on Wednesday 26 February 2025, with General booking open from Thursday 27 February 2025.
Tickets for R:Evolution will be available in spring 2025.
For more information and to book tickets CLICK HERE.
Chelsea Opera Group present Édouard Lalo’s Le Roi d’Ys, a concert performance in French at the Cadogan Hall, London on Sunday 30 March 6.30pm
DONIZETTI SONG PROJECT: MICHAEL SPYRES & MARIE-NICOLE LEMIEUX – VOLS. 3&4 (ORR256&257) – release date: Friday 21 February
LONDON RECITAL – Monday 10 March, 7pm at Cadogan Hall
LLOYD’S CHOIR SPRING 2025 CONCERT WILL FEATURE PREMIERE OF NEW WORK BY JACQUES COHEN, COMMEMORATING THE SINKING OF HMT LANCASTRIA DURING WORLD WAR II
Lloyd’s Choir Spring Concert 27 March 2025, 7pm – St Giles Cripplegate Church, Fore Street, London, EC2Y 8DA
Lloyd’s Choir
Cohen Ensemble
Jacques Cohen (conductor and music director)
Mendelssohn – Psalm 114
Jacques Cohen – ‘Lancastria’
Rossini – Stabat Mater
