Which works do orchestral players love to play? And which do they dread? We head round the sections of some of Europe’s finest ensembles to find out

Composer Alex Ho is part of a growing community of musicians combining their British and Chinese heritage in fascinating ways, writes Richard Morgan

As the Christmas season approaches, the BBC Music Magazine team share the festive tunes that make our hearts sink

Roger Thomas is impressed by the elegant skill and emotional conviction of this accomplished debut

Awarded annually at the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, the Inspiration prize recognises UK amateur music making

When asked to write music for Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt, Grieg thought he was facing an impossible challenge. But, as Terry Blain relates, the composer’s perseverance resulted in a masterpiece of matchless character and colour