GRAMOPHONE

THE GRAMOPHONE MONTH This month's Gramophone is on sale now, and includes a major article by one of the greatest pianists of our time - Alfred Brendel – in which he reflects on his remarkable recording career, and recommends where listeners should begin in exploring his legacy. Few musicians command the immense level of respect that Brendel does from collectors and audiences, but then few have contributed quite so much, over so many years, to classical music. It's a privilege to be publishing his article, and we really hope you enjoy reading it. Meanwhile, in this newsletter you can find out which releases have been named this month’sGramophone Choice recordings and catch up on the latest classical music headlines – and don’t forget, there’s still time to vote for the 2013 Gramophone Artist of the Year! Find out more Click here Martin Cullingford

NEWS

Sir John Eliot Gardiner named president of the Bach Archive, Leipzig Sir John Eliot Gardiner has been appointed president of the Bach Archive Foundation in Leipzig from January 1, 2014. The newly created role is aimed at developing the Archive’s position as a leading international authority on the composer. read more

Loretta Tomasi to step down as ENO chief executive After 10 years at the opera company, Tomasi will depart at the end of 2013. read more

Obituary: Noël Lee, pianist and composer The American pianist and composer Noël Lee has died at the age of 88. At the time of his death on July 15, the Chinese-born artist was living in France, where he had built a fine reputation. read more

THE GRAMOPHONE PLAYER

This month on the Gramophone Player The Gramophone Player opens with an excerpt from the August issue’s Recording of the Month: Beethoven's String Quartets, Vol 2, by the Belcea Quartet (Zig-Zag Territoires). Also included are Martha Argerich and friends recorded live from Lugano in 2012 (EMI), extracts from Wagner's operas recorded by the Budapest Festival Orchestra and conducted by Iván Fischer (Channel Classics), a recording of James MacMillan's choral works from the Choir of Westminster Cathedral conducted by Martin Baker with Peter Stevens on the organ (Hyperion), and Sibelius Symphonies Nos 1 and 4 conducted by Osmo Vänskä (BIS). read more

FROM THE WEBSITE

Vote for the Gramophone Artist of the Year 2013 Voting is underway for the 2013 Gramophone Artist of the Year – the onlyGramophone Award voted for by members of the public. The winner will be announced at the 2013 Gramophone Awards, held on September 17. It’s a particularly tight race this year, so make sure you vote for your favourite of the 10 outstanding nominees: Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Alison Balsom, Janine Jansen, Michael Collins, the Jerusalem Quartet, Jonas Kaufmann, Marc-André Hamelin, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Andris Nelsons and Kristian Bezuidenhout. Click here to vote before the closing date on August 15, 2013. read more

Exclusive: first look at Bayreuth's radical new Ring Gramophone has gained access to rehearsals for what promises to be the most controversial Bayreuth Ring in decades. Read AJ Goldmann's exclusive report. read more

Does it really matter if a choir is ‘professional’ or ‘amateur’? Caroline Gill speaks to David Temple, Gabriel Crouch and Francis Pott to find out. read more

ADVANCE REVIEW

Works for Violin and Orchestra Arabella Steinbacher performs Bruch’s Violin Concerto No 1, Chausson’sPoème, Op 25 and Korngold’s Violin Concerto, Op 35 with the Gulbenkian Orchestra conducted by Lawrence Foster. read more

Advertisement Feature: Fartein Valen Festival The Fartein Valen festival takes place in the Haugesund and Sveio communities. The region is situated between Bergen and Stavanger on the west coast of Norway. The Festival includes an exciting programme, which we are proud to present, and which is published on our website: farteinvalen.no.The main purpose of the festival is to spread knowledge of and interest in the life and music of Fartein Valen (1887-1952), the most exciting Norwegian composer ever to have lived. The opening concert is held in the composer’s home in Valevåg, north of Haugesund. The festival is a unique opportunity to experience Valen's music in the middle of the landscape that was his home and inspiration. His major works were written here. The festival cooperates with First Hotel Henderson City  for our travelling guests. We wish to make your stay as nice as possible, making it possible for you to meet both the musicians and the public attending the festival. Welcome!

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