A hundred years ago, concerts were far more come-what-may - people played cards, drank beer and appreciated the music. If we go some way towards... →
Charles Hazlewood
For anyone who doesn't have that connection with Mozart, I urge those people to go and find some of his music, because it can quite genuinely... →
I admire Tom Ades: he's a brilliant conductor, and he gets just the right hard, brilliant sound from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra... →
I have loads of issues with the way classical music is presented. It has been too reverential, too 'high art' - if you're not in the... →
I think most people's record collections are more interesting than radio generally gives them credit for. You're likely to be as interested... →
I want people to hear really exciting music played by the best, but in a context where they can clap when they want to, chase their toddlers, drink... →
I'm always up for music shows such as Jools Holland, but news more than anything, particularly Newsnight. And cookery: Hugh... →
It still amazes me how many musicians aren't really interested in engaging with their audience at all. Alfred Brendel, a pianist for whom I have... →
It's wonderful doing concerts in places like New York and London, but I feel a responsibility to also bring my work home, to bring world-class... →
Music is about communication, and the chemistry between an audience and the orchestra is absolutely essential; the performance does not exist in a... →