United Kingdom Various: Welsh Chamber Orchestra / Anthony Hose (conductor). St Elli’s Church, Llanelli, 25.7.2026. (PC)
A satisfyingly diverse 40th anniversary programme from the Welsh Chamber Orchestra in Llanelli
Paul Conway
An imaginatively curated and superbly executed recital at Howden Minster
United Kingdom Elgar: Katy Smith (violin), Amy Butler and Graziana Presicce (pianos). Howden Minster, East Yorkshire 16.7.2026. (PC)
The jubilant, triumphant premiere of Susannah Self’s Gloria in Cambridge
United Kingdom Self and Handel: Kayla Nicol (violin), North Sea Voices and Orchestra, Ely Collegium / Susannah Self and Saba Safa (conductors). West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge 3.7.2026. (PC)
A post-card from Aldeburgh: a round-up of some of the excellent concerts at this year’s Festival
Aldeburgh Festival – 12-28 June 2026
The 77th Aldeburgh Festival offered a wide variety of repertoire, including several new and recent works of great interest. My experience of this year’s events featured memorable performances given in the Britten Studio and in the Concert Hall at Snape Maltings.
ASMF’s joyful celebration of the 70th birthday of Sally Beamish
United Kingdom Sally Beamish 70th Birthday Concert – Bach, Beamish, Respighi: Chris Stout (fiddle), Catriona McKay (Scottish harp), Michael Collins (basset clarinet), Academy of St Martin-in the Fields / Benjamin Marquise Gilmore and Michael Collins. St Martin-in-the Fields, London, 11.6.2026. (PC)
The premiere of a rewarding and expressive Piano Quintet by Joseph Phibbs
United Kingdom Mendelssohn, Phibbs, Brahms, Remembrance and Renewal: Noriko Ogawa (piano), Piatti String Quartet (Michael Trainor, Emily Holland [violins], Miguel Sobrinho [viola], and Jessie Ann Richardson [cello]). Hall One, King’s Place, London 13.5.2026. (PC)
Frances-Hoad’s Five Beacons of Light Worcester world premiere was the evening’s memorable pinnacle
United Kingdom Various, Five Beacons of Light: Youth Choral Worcs, Sonoro, Michael Higgins (piano), English Symphony Orchestra string quintet and percussion / Neil Ferris (conductor). Worcester Cathedral, 25.4.2026. (PC)
John Andrews and Manchester Camerata shine a spotlight on some unjustly neglected British repertoire
United Kingdom One Damn Thing After Another – Owen, Gipps, Maconchy, Alwyn, Carwithen: Alex Mitchell (viola), Rachel Clegg (cor anglais), Alexandra Dariescu (piano), Manchester Camerata / John Andrews (conductor). Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, 15.3.2026. (PC)
