Albums: Freya Ridings Mother Of Pearl

There is a distinct moment on Mother Of Pearl where it becomes impossible to think of Freya Ridings as anything other than a fully realised artist. Not simply a remarkable vocalist or gifted pianist, but a songwriter with the confidence to expose every bruise, every fracture, and every hard-earned revelation without softening the edges. This is, unquestionably, her finest record to date.

Albums: Violet Grohl Be Sweet To Me

Violet Grohl Be Sweet To Me Tracks: THUM; 595; Bug In The Cake; Last Day I Loved You; Big Memory; Mobile Star; Often Others; Applefish; Cool Buzz; Pool Of My Dreams; Plastic Couch Label: Republic Records There is something immediately compelling about Violet Grohl’s presence.

Looking Ahead To The RPO's 80th Anniversary Season

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has recently announced its London season for 2026-2027, celebrating 80-years of music-making in the capital.

Classical Music: Barber's Vanessa

Samuel Barber's Vanessa is not an opera one stumbles upon every season, and that is precisely why this gripping new recording from Gianandrea Noseda and the National Symphony Orchestra demands attention. Captured live in concert in 2025, it makes the most persuasive case I have heard for a work that ought to occupy a far more secure place in the affections of opera-goers. If the piece is unfamiliar to you — and for many listeners it will be — then this recording is the disc to put that right.

Classical Music: Copland

Aaron Copland's Third Symphony is one of those works that seems to contain an entire continent within its bars. Composed in the dying days of the Second World War, it reaches towards the horizon with the confidence of a nation steeling itself for brighter times, its vast sonic landscapes shaped by a mind equally at home in the concert hall and on the open plains. Sir Antonio Pappano and the London Symphony Orchestra bring it to life here with a performance that is, in every sense, the real thing.

In Conversation With Later Youth

Musician Jo Dudderidge has already been a few times round the musical block with Manchester indie outfit The Travelling Band. And while all members have meandered down different paths for the time being, Jo has more to say. And as Later Youth with his wicked juxtaposition of melody and meaning and the mighty use of a Wurlitzer, he’s making himself heard.

Stellar Line-Up Announced For 60th HACS Harrogate Music Festival

Harrogate International Festivals is celebrating its 60th anniversary in style by bringing some of the biggest names and brightest emerging stars in classical music to Harrogate this summer – from the boundary-pushing stars such as Abel Selaocoe and Aurora Orchestra to legendary cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and the renowned BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

London Concertante Announces Three Candlelit Concerts Across Yorkshire This June

Internationally acclaimed chamber orchestra London Concertante will bring three atmospheric candlelit concerts to Yorkshire in June 2026, with performances at Leeds Minster, Sheffield Cathedral and Selby Abbey.

The Karate Kid – The Musical Strikes Hard In Leeds

The fashion for turning eighties films into stage productions continues with this version of the popular movie The Karate Kid. On one of the hottest nights of this spring so far, the prospect of sitting through a story in Leeds’ Grand Theatre that I was unfamiliar with wasn't an enticing prospect – how wrong my assertion turned out to be.

In Conversation: Boys Go To Jupiter

Brooklyn indie-pop outfit Boys Go To Jupiter are entering what might be their most ambitious era yet. With the release of their new EP Now You’re A Circle, out now via High Rotation Records, the band have unveiled the first chapter in an interconnected trilogy of releases exploring identity, intimacy, and perception.

Red Ladder Local’s Summer Season Brings Comedy, Pathos And A Mythical Tale

A myth reimagined, a surrealist comedy show, and a dash of family-friendly slapstick featuring a couple of absurd gladiators – Red Ladder has something for everyone this summer. The award-winning Wright & Grainger head to Leeds next month with SELENE, a compelling story about a goddess and the dark side of the moon.

In Conversation: Regent

Southampton’s own Regent have never hidden their love of football, and with England dreaming of glory once again this summer, the four-piece are back with another terrace-ready anthem. Their new single, The Best of Things, landed on 22nd May, blending swaggering guitar riffs with nostalgic nods to England’s legendary 1966 World Cup triumph.

Singers Announced In Hunt For Uk’s Best Classical Vocal Talent

The Northern Aldborough Festival New Voices Singing Competition has unveiled its 2026 semi-finalists. Now in its fourth year, the nationwide search spanning concert halls and conservatoires has become a showcase of the hottest rising stars, with a £7,000 prize fund.

Crumbs! Carnazza Rises To The Occasion In Badapple's Bonkers One-Woman Show

In the Studio Theatre at the York Theatre Royal, Badapple’s Crumbs proves that you do not need a sprawling cast or elaborate sets to create an entertaining evening. Written by Kate Bramley, her 27th original script for Badapple, this eccentric one-woman show is packed with energy, creativity and quick-fire jokes.

Catching The Boogie Disease: Doctor Ross And The One-Man Blues Cure

Doctor Ross was one of the most distinctive figures - and is still one of the most underrated - in post-war American blues and rock’n’ roll. There is always something compelling about the one-man-band, not least Jesse Fuller and Don Partridge, but Ross operated on another level entirely. He did not simply perform: he generated momentum like a force of nature.

In Conversation Thee Sinseers

Emerging from East Los Angeles, Thee Sinseers have become one of the defining voices in contemporary soul revival, blending classic R&B, oldies, and lowrider soul traditions into something that feels deeply lived rather than revived.

Michael Gray - You And Me

As one half of production and remixing duo Full Intention, Michael Gray has remixed tracks from artists ranging from Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Jamiroquai, besides having a big hit under his own name with the uplifting dance track The Weekend.

Classical Music: Celtic Nocturne

What an enjoyable album this is. More than easy listening, Celtic Nocturne is melodic and lyrical, played from the heart and communicating a warmth through sensitive, thoughtful pianism. Every track tells a story, and every story is told with beauty.

Classical Music: Look How Brightly Alex Mills – Chamber Music

There is much to contemplate on this absorbing Delphian release, where time seems to stand still and the listener is drawn into a sequence of unhurried, inward-facing reflections. Look How Brightly offers a portrait of Alex Mill's music from the past decade: ten works, many closely linked to moments of change, loss, ritual, and renewal, together telling what feels like an intimate, personal story—almost, as Nico Muhly writes in the booklet, "a sequence of musical diary entries."

Stop At Nothing: The Woman From Book Club By Carrie Hughes

I have often wondered where ‘The Book Club’ originated. It seems (I think) to be a predominantly female affair. From what I’ve heard, some groups are very serious and engage in rigorous debates about ‘this week’s choice’; some are more gossip-fests where the wine flows freely and local scandal is shared.

Albums: Black Veil Brides - Vindicate

Black Veil Brides - Vindicate Invocation To The Muse; Vindicate; Certainty; Bleeders; Hallelujah; Cut; Alive; Purgatory (Overture IV); Revenger; Sorrow; Grace (Interlude); Ava Maria; Woe and Pain; Eschaton (Spinefarm) Heavy rock masters Black Veil Brides have returned with their seventh album, and seemingly it is business as usual; melod…

Birmingham's Orchestra Knows Exactly WHO It’s For

There was really only ever one piece that could mark this orchestra’s connection to one of our county’s most celebrated composers in the year that marks 50 years since his death – Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, written for the consecration of the newly rebuilt Coventry Cathedral, and premiered there by the CBSO in 1962, when the memories of war were still frighteningly real.

Boy George And Culture Club Bring Good Karma As Northern Shows Announced

Music icons Boy George and Culture Club have announced a major UK arena tour for December 2026. The Singles Tour will feature all the classic songs you want to hear, along with hit singles including Karma Chameleon, Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, Time (Clock of the Heart), Church of the Poison Mind, Miss Me Blind, I’ll Tumble 4 Ya and many more.

The Script - A New Chapter Begins As New Album And Tour Announced

Irish rock giants, The Script are making a return to the north this November along with James Morrison as support. Bringing their unmistakeable blend of heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies and anthems back to northern stages. The Script are renowned for creating a powerful connection with audiences, transforming every arena show into an unforgettable experience.

In Conversation: The Hoosiers

Nearly two decades after bursting onto the scene with their infectious brand of indie-pop, The Hoosiers are stepping back into the spotlight with renewed purpose. Buoyed by the creative energy behind 2022’s Confidence, Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland return armed with their sixth album — one shaped by reflection, resilience and an unwavering connection with their audience.

Shortlist For Mcdermid Debut Award 2026 Revealed

Harrogate International Festivals has announced the shortlist for the McDermid Debut Award for new UK and Irish writers. The winner will be revealed on the opening night of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Thursday 23 July.

In Conversation: St.Arnaud

Edmonton’s St.Arnaud has always occupied a space where sincerity and self-awareness collide, but with the new single Love You! (For Real), Ian St.Arnaud sharpens that tension into something irresistibly groove-driven.

Settle Orchestra Concludes Celebrated Season With The French Connection

Following two sell-out concerts earlier this season, the Settle Orchestra closes its 2026 programme with a vibrant celebration of French elegance and classical brilliance, featuring Mozart’s celebrated “Paris” Symphony alongside works by Debussy, Ravel and Poulenc under the baton of Andre Chan.

Two Organists Share Saltaire Wurlitzer Console For Summer Concert

Two familiar faces from the UK theatre organ circuit will share the console at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on 14 June at 2.30pm, in the first of three joint concerts on the venue's celebrated Wurlitzer this year.

In Conversation: Alyssa Bonagura

With a career that spans songwriting hits, international touring and acclaimed collaborations, singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Alyssa Bonagura is entering an exciting new chapter.

MORE