Covid restrictions not only initiated the creation of the work but also added unexpected drama to the performance

The direction doesn’t stand up but the performances are knockout

The singer’s prioritising of expression over tone paid off to affecting effect

The American pair brought verve and spark to their programme, to an enthusiastic response

Despite a number of illnesses and technical issues, the potential of this new production still shone through

This brilliantly frugal production provides a splendid backdrop for some excellent voices

A fortuitous scheduling clash that allowed us to see two fascinating interpretations of this enigmatic fable

Ticciati and his players seemed to rediscover the enchantment of Brahms’s Fourth Symphony

Gosh it was good to hear the violinist live again in a concerto tailored to her strengths

The orchestra’s first London outing under the baton of its new maestro was a triumph, says Barry Millington

Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian’s Covent Garden debut was eagerly anticipated - and she delivered

The orchestra was immaculate in a programme that premiered the composer’s earlier versions of his much-fiddled-with Fourth Symphony

Antonio Pappano was in full command of his first production of the show in three decades - just as he prepares to leave Covent Garden

The young cellist plays with such mastery and artistic maturity that it’s easy to forget he’s still a conservatoire student, writes Barry Millington

Michael Morpurgo and Lemn Sissay were also on hand to conjure some family fun at the Royal Albert Hall

The pioneering orchestra’s programme of neglected Black composers was a pleasure that will last

After fourteen years at the helm, he’s bowing out, with a typically esoteric but wonderfully played concert

The orchestra that does everything from memory proves once again it’s no gimmick - just deeply-felt, immersive music-making at its best

Coming in at only three hours this cleverly truncated version of Wagner’s epic is a fitting reopening show for the Hackney Empire