Below are some exceptional classical concerts and opera performances our critics have recently attended. We will also highlight opportunities for you to see these events live or through on-demand streaming. We encourage you to share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section at the end.

Audience enthusiasm was palpable during the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s exuberant concert at Barbican, conducted by Domingo Hindoyan. The wind section of the RLPO, with its exquisite tuning and vibrant color, might just be the finest among the UK’s leading orchestras. Hindoyan will next lead the RLPO in Verdi’s Requiem at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, on July 12. Geoff Brown has further insights in the review of RLPO/Hindoyan.

BBC Symphony Orchestra/Elder — Dynamic Performances by Alice Coote and David Butt Philip

David Butt Philip delivered a stunningly dramatic performance, especially in Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde (Drinking Song of Earth’s Misery), showcasing both intensity and freshness in his tone during Von der Jugend (Youth). Meanwhile, mezzo-soprano Alice Coote drew listeners deep into the emotional core of the music from the very first strained notes of Der Einsame im Herbst (The Lonely One in Autumn). Catch this performance on Radio 3/BBC Sounds from May 27. Rebecca Franks shares more in the review of BBC SO/Elder.

OAE/Schiff — A Memorable Evening with Mendelssohn and Schumann

This concert at the Royal Festival Hall featured Andras Schiff surrounded by cherished collaborators, particularly the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. The music of Schumann and Mendelssohn, two friends and contemporaries representing Romanticism, filled the hall beautifully. More details can be found in Geoff Brown’s review of OAE/Schiff.

RPO/Petrenko — Strauss Outshines Yunchan Lim

This concert felt like two distinct performances intertwined, featuring Mussorgsky’s Night on the Bare Mountain and Strauss’s Alpine Symphony, alongside a performance from the incredibly talented 21-year-old Yunchan Lim, who is making waves in the classical music scene. Lim’s delicate touch adds depth to his celebrated talent. Neil Fisher provides more in the review of RPO/Petrenko.

Anna Lapwood — Captivating the Royal Albert Hall with Organ Music

This concert, featuring Anna Lapwood, witnessed a full house at the Royal Albert Hall for a showcase of classical organ music. Reports from seasoned observers indicate that Anton Bruckner had achieved similar crowds back in 1871. Richard Morrison reviews Anna Lapwood’s remarkable performance.

Parsifal — Powerful Performances at Glyndebourne

The chorus’s performance was thrilling, with the London Philharmonic providing rich and sensitive accompaniment. Initially concerned with Robin Ticciati’s leisurely pacing of this expansive score, I found Act II so compelling as he led the opera to a beautifully tranquil conclusion. Scheduled until June 24, you can find more in Richard Morrison’s review of Parsifal.

Stile Antico — A Majestic Celebration of 20 Years

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Stile Antico performed a spectacular program at Wigmore Hall. This nearly three-hour event included 14 substantial Renaissance pieces, two commissioned works, and engaging interviews with all 12 active members, hosted by Radio 3’s Hannah French. This grand celebration is summarized by Richard Morrison in the review.

LSO/Dudamel — An Exuberant Evening of Ravel and Strauss

While I considered deducting a star for the lack of dark thematic depth in this concert, the guiding force of Gustavo Dudamel through the London Symphony Orchestra’s delightful renditions of Ravel and Strauss scores was utterly captivating. Richard Morrison reflects on this entertaining performance in the review.

Trial by Jury/A Matter of Misconduct — A Modern Take on Operetta

Scottish Opera deserves applause for placing operetta at the forefront of its summer season, especially with their commission to accompany a classic. A Matter of Misconduct, staged at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, explores themes of political ambition through a hapless character in a leadership contest. This production runs until May 16 and continues to various locations. More details are in Simon Thompson’s coverage.

Hallé/Elder — A New Classic Emerges from Huw Watkins

Huw Watkins’ Concerto for Orchestra feels as though it has always belonged to the repertoire. This piece results from a fruitful collaboration with Hallé, which has already yielded two acclaimed symphonies. It will be featured on BBC Radio 3 on June 5 and available on BBC Sounds; further insights can be found in Rebecca Franks’ review.

Quatuor Danel — A Stunning Performance with Shostakovich

Presenting three Soviet string quartets from the 1970s, the Carducci Quartet demonstrated remarkable restraint and precision, particularly in their interpretation of Shostakovich’s works. Meanwhile, the burgeoning Sonoro Quartet infused their performance of the fifth quartet with vibrant boldness, leaving the audience exhilarated. More from Daniel Lewis in the review.

Requiem A — Reflecting on Guilt and Grief in Vienna on VE Day

In Vienna, VE Day carries more complex meanings compared to London. Since 2013, the Mauthausen Committee Austria has commemorated this day through a festival of joy. This year, attendees experienced the premiere of Requiem A by composer Sven Helbig, contemplating guilt, grief, and renewal. Available on vinyl and digital formats, Richard Morrison shares more about this new work.

BBC NOW/MacMillan — A Flowing New Concerto

James MacMillan composed his new concerto for euphonium and strings, Where the Lugar meets the Glaisnock, evoking the intertwining of two rivers in Cumnock, his hometown. The music flows effortlessly in a seamless 25-minute piece that reflects the composer’s long-held inspiration. More from Rebecca Franks regarding this performance.

The Merry Widow — A Playful Modern Twist

Scottish Opera launched its operetta season on a remarkably sunny day with a new rendition of The Merry Widow, embodying a vibrant summer atmosphere. This production runs until May 17, followed by performances in various cities including Inverness and Edinburgh. Simon Thompson discusses this delightful production.

Crowe/Stankiewicz — A Dazzling Baroque Experience

This remarkable concert at Wigmore Hall showcased the talents of the individual players in a top-tier orchestra, especially soprano Lucy Crowe, who delivered Bach and Handel arias with exceptional skill, theatricality, and wit. This performance, now available on-demand, is reviewed by Richard Morrison.

Carmen — A Stunning Revival with Aigul Akhmetshina

The renowned mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina returns to the stage as Carmen, bringing both power and vulnerability to the role, depicting a complex character torn between diverse identities. This production runs at the Royal Opera House, London, until July 3. Neil Fisher offers insights in the review of Carmen.

Peter Grimes — A Captivating Theatrical Experience

Welsh National Opera showcased its talent with a powerful interpretation of Britten’s Peter Grimes, highlighted by precise orchestral playing and exceptional singing, under the baton of Tomas Hanus. This captivating production is touring until June 7, with more insights from Richard Morrison.

Carducci Quartet — Masterful Interpretation of Shostakovich

The Carducci Quartet’s performances of Shostakovich’s quartets at Milton Court Concert Hall combined admirable restraint with precision, offering a captivating array of string quartet repertoire. Daniel Lewis shares his thoughts on this significant event.

We invite you to share your own concert and opera suggestions in the comments below.