Guardian Music — Symphony Hall, BirminghamSymphony Hall was officially opened by the Queen 21 years ago this week. The anniversary hasn't been allowed to pass unnoticed, and the centrepiece of Birmingham's celebrations was this concert by the orchestra for whom the h... more info

Guardian Music — From choral monsters to period-instrument Debussy, Andrew Clements picks his highlights of this year's Proms concertsThe BBC always keeps its secrets better than most where the contents of the Proms are concerned, so that each year's programme announ... more info

Guardian Music — It could have been a long night, but thanks to a fine cast and newly knighted Antonio Pappano, Royal Opera's high-wire Meistersinger flew byEvery opera production is a high-wire act. Will it sound right, will it work on stage, will it pay for itself?... more info

Guardian Music — 'There seems to be a need for a front man for opera and classical music. To get people excited about them is a huge opportunity'This year's BBC Christmas treats for opera lovers will be prepared and hand-delivered by Antonio Pappano. On New Year's Da... more info

Guardian Music — Austerity was out of sight in Milan last week as a starry Don Giovanni opened La Scala's first season under Daniel Barenboim. There's an operatic renaissance in nearby Turin, too, led by Milanese maestro Gianandrea NosedaPolice with riot shields cord... more info

Guardian Music — Royal Opera House, LondonThe Royal Opera ended last season with two Puccini revivals distinguished by superb conducting – Andris Nelsons's in Madama Butterfly and Antonio Pappano's in Tosca – and the new season opens with more of the same. Pappan... more info

Guardian Music — Royal Opera House; Holland Park; Cadogan Hall, LondonIn a top performance of Tosca, Puccini's black thriller which reeks of religiosity and has an ever-shattering score, the earth can move in several ways. With a cast led by three of the greatest sin... more info

Guardian Music — Royal Opera House, LondonThe Royal Opera's latest revival of Tosca got a pretty lukewarm reception when it opened at the beginning of last month. For the final performances, however, the cast has been overhauled, and Angela Gheorghiu, Jonas Kaufmann ... more info

Guardian Music — Royal Opera House, LondonWhen it works, a good performance of Tosca can be one of the most visceral experiences opera has to offer. When it doesn't, as in Covent Garden's latest revival of Jonathan Kent's 2006 strangely unatmospheric production, the ... more info

ContactMusic — Opera legend Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, conductor Riccardo Muti and Welsh singer Bryn Terfel were among a number of stars honoured for their musical achievements at a ceremony in New York on Sunday (17Apr11). Famous faces including Michael Douglas and..... more info