VAN Magazine • An independent, online classical music magazine

The Art of the Ideal

What classical institutions mean when they say that “music can change the world”

by Marianna Ritchey March 5, 2026

As emails seen by VAN show a high level of internal pushback regarding Norman Lebrecht’s rehiring by BBC Radio 3, why did the station’s controller sack him now—and why was he rehired in the first place?

by Hugh Morris March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

ADVERTISEMENT

Interview

How You Say The Thing

An interview with conductor Paavo Järvi

by Dr. Alexander Gurdon December 11, 2025March 4, 2026

Report

Inside the UK’s Amateur University Opera Societies

What scrappy, low-budget opera for students gets right that professional opera doesn’t

by Maddie Lay February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Opinion

Is Post-Piece Silence a Recession Indicator?

Silence is a precious and dangerous tool. Use it at your peril.

by Jeffrey Arlo Brown February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

I Know, But

I Know, But: Andrea Bocelli

In an opera world flailing for mass appeal, there are worse things than an enthusiastic if underqualified crooner

by Kevin Ng December 17, 2025

Rankings & Roundups

(Almost) Every Piece by Darius Milhaud, Ranked

345 works from absolute turkeys to profound statements of faith

by Caroline Potter February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Report

Under The Mask

The conductor Rebecca Bryant Novak complained about an inappropriate comment by her professor at Eastman. What followed was a bureaucratic nightmare.

by Jeffrey Arlo Brown November 20, 2025November 21, 2025

ADVERTISEMENT

Snapshot of the Week

Sunwook Kim with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe

For the first time, pianist Sunwook Kim, who impresses with his sensitivity, brilliance and stylistic confidence, will lead the democratically organised Chamber Orchestra of Europe as a soloist directly from the piano. Following their first successful collaboration in 2022, they will now go on tour together again and present all of Beethoven’s piano concertos in twelve concerts, five concerts each in Europe and South Korea as well as two concerts in the UK, complemented by works by contemporary composers such as Anna Clyne and Helen Grime.

The two concerts in the UK mark the orchestra’s return to the UK stage after almost eight years (they last performed at the Proms in 2017). The Chamber Orchestra of Europe is one of the finest ensembles of its kind. It was founded in 1981 and has its administrative headquarter in London.

The tour closing concert in London takes place on Saturday, 12 April 2025 at the Barbican Centre, London, with Beethoven piano concertos No. 3 and 4 paired with Anna Clyne’s Beethoven-inspired work Stride and Beethoven’s Rondino for winds.

The tour is made possible through the generous support of Hyundai Motor. (Photo © Lukas Zwiessele)

ADVERTISEMENT

Video of the Week

Participate to Early Music Day!

On 21 March 2025, music lovers around the globe will unite to celebrate Early Music Day, a vibrant tribute to over a thousand years of musical heritage. This annual event is organised by REMA – the European Early Music Network.

The ambassador of Early Music Day 2025 is Franziska Fleischanderl. A pioneer in the revival of the baroque salterio, she has redefined the instrument’s place in historical performance. Her innovative work, which combines musicology, artistic research and historical interpretation, has earned her international acclaim.

Participate to Early Music Day!