The iconic Italian tenor Enrico Caruso is our cover star this month. We reflect on his legacy as the world’s first major recording artist. Also this month, Jessica Duchen meets conductor John Wilson, who has recently reformed the Sinfonia of London and embarked on an exciting new series of recordings. James Naughtie meets pianist Noriko Ogawa to find out more about the world of international music competitions, and what Ogawa has learnt from being involved in their juries.
Also this month, Richard Bratby celebrates the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s rich history, and finds out what the superb ensemble has in store for its centenary year. Following her recent win at the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, where she took home the prestigious Gold Medal, we meet the great composer Sofia Gubaidulina and look back on her fascinating career in the Soviet Union and beyond.
Plus, we name the greatest recordings of Debussy’s Préludes for solo piano and Polish composer Grażyna Bacewicz is our Composer of the Month.
Click the image below to download the inlay for this month's free cover CD.
