London

The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker, though venerable, is still a showcase for the company and attracts new audiences

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United KingdomUnited Kingdom Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker: Dancers of The Royal Ballet, Students of The Royal Ballet School, The Schola Cantorum of The London Oratory School, London Oratory Junior Choir (director: Charles Cole), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Charlotte Politi (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Peter Jones) for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, to Cineworld Basildon, Essex, 10.12.2025. (JPr)

Reece Clarke (Prince) and Mayara Magri (Sugar Plum Fairy) © Andrej Uspenski

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

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

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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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