GRAMOPHONE

Dacapo records New York Philharmonic composers Dacapo Records, Denmark’s national label, has forged a new partnership with the New York Philharmonic to record works by composers who have served as the orchestra’s composer-in-residence. The first results arrive in June with a disc featuring three works by the Finn Magnus Lindberg: his Piano Concerto No 2, Al largo and Expo. In further Philharmonic news, the orchestra is teaming with medici.tv to broadcast a free, live webcast on May 14 from the Dresden Music Festival. The performance, including Lindberg’s Kraft, will be available to audiences worldwide for the following 90 days. Düsseldorf’s Deutsche Oper am Rhein cancels controversial Tannhäuser The production of Wagner’s opera, which is set in a Nazi concentration camp, proves too harrowing for some audience members. read more... The composer Steve Martland has died at 53 The Liverpool-born composer Steve Martland died on May 6. His music, which acknowledged few boundaries, often led him to collaborate with players outside the classical world; it is characterised by its vivid rhythmic life and frequently involves amplification. read more... Operatic stars join forces to record songs of John Denver A new album of John Denver songs features such names as Plácido Domingo, Danielle de Niese, René Pape and Thomas Hampson. read more... Ferguson and Moyes: A Lesson for the Berlin Phil We can all learn from Manchester United’s intelligent succession procedure – orchestras included – writes Andrew Mellor in a new blog. read more... David Starkey explores Music and Monarchy for BBC Two From Henry V to Elizabeth II, the historian will explore the links between kings, queens and composers in a new television series, writes Gramophone editor Martin Cullingford. read more...