We have been informed of the death of Hugh Maguire on Friday, at the age of 86. Dublin born, Hugh was leader of the London Symphony Orchestra during the turbulent late 1950s (1956-61), when strong-minded players exerted their contrasting wills on an always turbulent ensemble. Neville Marriner was leader of the seconds, Simon Stretfeild was principal viola, Kenneth Heath led the cellos and Stuart Knussen the double-bass section. Losing one argument too many, Hugh joined the BBC Symphony … [Read more...]

Wayne Marshall, 52, from Oldham, Lancs., has been appointed chief conductor of the WDR (West German) Rundfunkorchester. The agency involved is AskonasHolt. Press release follows. Wayne Marshall was announced today as Chief Conductor of WDR Rundfunkorchester from the 2014/15 season, becoming their Chief Conductor Designate in September 2013. Wayne was thrilled to accept the new position: "I am honoured and delighted to be the next Chief Conductor of the WDR Rundfunkorchester. It's a fantastic … [Read more...]

It's the latest viral classic -the impromptu Dvorak string quartet played by four members of the Philly when their plane got grounded in China. The Youtube video has obtained 1.94 million viewings after widespread coverage on US news networks. Should reach 2m before the weekend's out.     … [Read more...]

We have received this message from the musicians of the shut-down national radio and television centre in Athens: Dear friends, these are our colleagues from our National Radio Orchestra and Chorus, performing in tears, in their rehearsal room, yesterday night. The room, albeit hot and humid as the air-condition is not working, is packed with people, while thousands are watching outside on the video wall. Both the orchestra and chorus were shut down along with the state radio and tv channels … [Read more...]

John Gilhooly, Director of Wigmore Hall and Chairman of the Royal Philharmonic Society, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to music. Well done, John. … [Read more...]

So, it's like this... … [Read more...]

The disintegration of the Maggio Musicale is gathering pace. Today, Francesco Ventriglia quit with immediate effect as head of ballet. He had held the job since October 2010.   … [Read more...]

While the fate of the well-supported Quentin Poole remains in the Governors' hands, the headmasters has appointed two deputies to take the wieght off his back. The announcement went out to parents today. So much for saving costs. Many parents, pupils and graduates are outraged at the treatment of Mr Poole. Among those blazoning the green ribbon of solidarity is Nicholas Daniel, the school's first BBC Young Musician winner.       Here's the head's … [Read more...]

He was a humble copper, director of the police band, but the anthem he wrote represents the nation. Pa Benedict Odiase's death was announced by the president, Goodluck Jonathan. Here's Beyonce singing Arise, O Compatriots. And here's the official version: … [Read more...]

Three tweets from the National Youth Orchestra suggest that it did. - Tune in to Britain's @GotTalent tonight and you might just catch quite a few NYO players on stage - 10 string players are currently in the ITV studios sound checking for Britain's Got Talent, watch out for us tonight! - Blimey! That wasn't one of us but a violinist from another agency just threw eggs at Simon mid performance! We have been unable to ascertain so far if the under-age musicians were paid. However, … [Read more...]

In our conversation for sinfinimusic.com, I asked Valentina Lisitsa what she made of the spread of reviews she received - some hugely appreciative, others altogether dismissive. She took a deep breath and described her reaction to negative responses when she first posted her work on Youtube. These hostile opinions were often followed by contradicting views and a debate would ensue. 'That's what I like,' she says. 'These record magazines publish a review but allow no comments. That's a problem … [Read more...]

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has agreed an eight percent cut with the Treasury, of which five percent will be exacted from arts and museums, the BBC has confirmed. This is tough, but by no means as bad as feared. Two arts chiefs I spoke to this morning were sanguine about that result. The Culture Secretary Maria Muller held the line and achieved the same cut as other spending departments. She was attacked in the Times this morning for refusing to 'debate' with one of its … [Read more...]

Later today, Sinfini Music is going to publish my filmed encounter with Youtube's most popular pianist, 58 million views and rising. Here's a trailer. We'll let you know when the interviews and performances go live. … [Read more...]

We're not quite sure what's going on here in Fez, but out videographer Lynn Evans Davidson was riveted by it all. Photo by Neil van den Linden. … [Read more...]

The stunning Laura van den Heijden has joined Cambridge-based Hazard Chase. She's just 16. Expect to hear lots of Walton. Details here. … [Read more...]