Playing
-
Premium ❘ FeatureTabea Zimmermann: climb every mountain
German violist Tabea Zimmermann chats with Pauline Harding about auditions, competitions, her teaching philosophy, what she’s learnt from contemporary music – and how a combination of working with students and performing has enabled her to reach ever greater heights of string playing
-
Premium ❘ FeatureGary Karr: 1941–2025
The great and influential US double bassist died in July. His former student David Murray, now bass professor at the Butler School of Music, looks back at ‘a legend, artist, teacher and friend’
-
Premium ❘ FocusPostcard from Milan: Antonio Mormone International Prize
The Antonio Mormone competition’s violin edition took place over an exacting thirteen-month period. Lauren Wesley-Smith attended the finals in Milan to hear the top three contenders
-
Premium ❘ FocusSentimental Work: Nadia Sirota on Hindemith’s Trauermusik
Despite its short length, Hindemith’s Trauermusik was an eye-opening concerto for the US violist, revealing all the possibilities of the instrument’s sound world
-
Premium ❘ FeatureString players and injury: playing through the pain?
Violinist and teacher Philippa Bunting explores the – often extreme – impact that an injury can have on a musician, how the industry is dealing with the issue and what musicians can do to help themselves
-
Premium ❘ Focus‘Only pursue music because you love it, not to please someone else’ - Joseph Conyers’ life lessons
The US double bassist reflects on his biggest influences and the necessity of leading by example
-
Premium ❘ FeatureSession Report: Violinist Rachel Podger on recording Biber sonatas
Violinist Rachel Podger tells Peter Quantrill about her new recording of Biber sonatas, and how the music has both a sense of the unexpected and the power to soothe and delight
-
Premium ❘ FocusOpinion: Strategies for coming back to your instrument
Returning to your instrument after a long break can be dispiriting, says cellist Davina Shum, but it’s important to take it by degrees, have faith in your ability and trust the process
-
Premium ❘ Feature'If you play without mistake I will make you a present' - From the Archive: August 1905
A reminiscence (possibly apocryphal) of the renowned Scottish fiddler Niel Gow (1727–1807), composer of more than 80 dance tunes
-
Premium ❘ FeatureColeridge-Taylor 150: ‘A message of hope and resilience’
August 2025 marks 150 years since the birth of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, the British composer and violinist. Bruce Hodges speaks to five leading violinists about what his music means to them
-
Premium ❘ FocusPostcard from France: Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition
At the 2025 edition of the triennial Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition, Charlotte Gardner was delighted to hear a dazzlingly high standard of music making
-
Premium ❘ FeatureAbel Selaocoe: I am because we are
South African cellist, singer and composer Abel Selaocoe speaks to Lauren Wesley-Smith about opening up classical spaces, finding his musical identity, and his most recent album – as well as sharing a few pearls of wisdom
-
Premium ❘ Focus‘People sense when you are genuinely passionate about something’ - Stephen Upshaw’s life lessons
The Solem Quartet violist on the life of a chamber musician and how to create your own professional path
-
Premium ❘ FeatureSofia Gubaidulina: a musical offering
Gavin Dixon examines the spiritual, visionary string works of the Russian–Tatar composer Sofia Gubaidulina, who died earlier this year
-
Premium ❘ FeatureStaying power: US String Quartets
As Brooklyn Rider and the Jack and the Miró quartets mark milestone anniversaries, Thomas May looks at how these contemporary American ensembles are not just surviving, but reshaping the 21st-century musical landscape
-
Premium ❘ FocusSentimental Work: Ayanna Witter-Johnson on Debussy’s Cello Sonata
Discovering the myriad colours and layers of Debussy’s Cello Sonata was an eye-opening experience for the British cellist, pianist, vocalist and composer
-
Premium ❘ FeatureSession Report: Nancy Zhou on her debut album for solo violin
Violinist Nancy Zhou speaks to Charlotte Gardner about her debut album, which is inspired by stories of personal and musical relationships, and showcases the versatility of the violin as a solo instrument
-
Premium ❘ FocusOpinion: The future of lutherie after the Newark School’s course cancellations
News came in May that the Newark School of Violin Making is withdrawing its degree-level courses. Helen Michetschläger, who trained at the school, says what this might mean for the future of lutherie worldwide
-
Premium ❘ ArticleAnalysis July 2025: The effects of Leicester Square’s ban on buskers
Now that buskers have been banned in London’s Leicester Square, how does the future of street entertainment look for those who depend on it for their livelihood? By Peter Somerford
-
Premium ❘ FeatureAdam Summerhayes: Music shaped by instinct
Adam Summerhayes is a violinist and composer who combines his flair for improvisation and a love of folk music with a classical training and technique. He speaks to Alexandra Petropoulos about his latest projects and his very special instruments
