Steve Wright
Recent articles by Steve Wright
The best Italian composers of all time
From Palestrina to Einaudi, Italian composers have given us wonderful music, in opera and beyond. Here is our pick of the top ten best Italian composers of all time =
The best violin concertos of all time
Here is our selection of the greatest pieces ever written for violin and orchestra. Do you agree?
Mozart: a brief biography of the incomparable melodist
Was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart the greatest composer who ever lived?
Johannes Brahms: a great Romantic
Meet Johannes Brahms, the Janus-like face of Romanticism
Igor Levit: new Mendelssohn album reacts to October 7 attacks on Israel and rise in anti-Semitism
A response to the rise in anti-Semitism, pianist Igor Levit's new album contains a selection of Mendelssohn's ‘Songs without Words’
The 50 greatest composers of all time
We asked 174 composers to choose the 50 greatest composers of all time. A tough task: here's how they rank...
Best Black Friday speaker deals 2023
Looking for a new speaker or speakers to enjoy your favourite classical music all the more? Here are some of the best speaker deals for Black Friday 2023
Dartington Summer School and Festival on hold, director resigns
Future plans for the music summer school and festival are under review, and artistic director Sara Mohr-Pietsch has stood down
Free download: Mahler symphony No. 1, second movement
This week, we present a movement from the only ballet by one of Estonia's greatest composers, centred on the exploits of a mischievous goblin
2023 Ivors Classical Awards: more than 30 composers nominated
Thomas Adès, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Joby Talbot, Hannah Kendall and Dobrinka Tabakova are among the 2023 Ivor Novello Award nominees
World Mental Health Day: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s flagship Music and Health Programme celebrates 15 years
The RLPO's Music & Health programme uses music to promote wellbeing and improve participants' mental and physical health
Julian Lloyd Webber calls for end to one-to-one music tuition
The British cellist recommends teaching in groups after Royal College of Music professor is suspended following allegations
November 2023
A guide to Leoš Janáček's Sinfonietta and its best recordings
Terry Williams enjoys a musical tour of the Czech city of Brno, as he explores the nooks and crannies (and best recordings) of Janáček's Sinfonietta
London Philharmonic Orchestra introduces cheaper tickets for younger audiences
The LPO Under 30s scheme invites younger audiences to experience live orchestral music for less, with ticket prices never exceeding £20
Baroque Virtual Sessions: online sessions with Rachel Podger, Alina Ibragimova and more
Violinist Rachel Podger will deliver two online masterclasses as part of this year's Baroque Virtual Sessions from the Benedetti Foundation
'Waltzing Matilda': the stories behind the Australian song's name, lyrics, and time signature
It's a hugely important part of Australian identity, sometimes called Australia's 'unofficial national anthem'. What is the story behind the song 'Waltzing Matilda'?
Lammermuir Festival: Open Letter to Creative Scotland signed by Nicola Benedetti, Sean Shibe and hundreds more
Nicola Benedetti, Sean Shibe, Steven Osborne and Sir James MacMillan are among those objecting to the withdrawal of financial support
Did Prokofiev and Stalin die on the same day?
Prokofiev's death and funeral were overshadowed by the passing of a much bigger figure in Russian public life
Best funeral songs: the most popular songs for saying goodbye to loved ones
Funeral songs must be sensitively chosen - but often, you will want something uplifting to remember a loved one by. Here are some of the best-loved songs for funerals
Best Christmas concerts UK 2023
A round-up of the venues hosting live Christmas concerts and showcasing classical artists across the UK
Audiences want more modern concert experience, says RPO survey
Shorter concerts, advance digital programmes and more informal dress codes were among the most popular suggested innovations
Wynne Evans is ambassador for Welsh National Opera's new dementia choir
The opera singer, broadcaster and Celebrity MasterChef champ will help with the WNO's community singing groups for people living with dementia
Vera Lynn: who was the popular wartime singer known as the 'Forces' Sweetheart'?
Her performances and recordings during World War II made her something of a national treasure. But who was Vera Lynn and what are her best-known songs?