2026 Awards

From Chamber to Concerto, Opera to Orchestral, we proudly announce the nominations for this year's BBC Music Magazine Awards - all the very finest classical albums released during 2025

BBC Music Magazine Awards 2026: vote now for your favourite classical music releases of 2025

Orchestral, Opera, Chamber and more: vote now for your favourite classical music releases of 2025, in the 2026 BBC Music Magazine Awards

Welcome to the 2026 BBC Music Magazine Awards. The nominated recordings for the 2026 Vocal Award are listed below. The nominees for the 2026 Vocal Award Brahms LiederChristian Gerhaher (baritone), Gerold Huber (piano)Sony Classical 19802897352 Reviewed July 2025 The expressive depths of Brahms's Lieder are intricately explored in this captivating record from Christian Gerhaher and Gerold Huber. The pair’s immaculate storytelling and dynamic precision paired with Gerhaher’s masterful phrasing make ‘the composer’s dark emotional response to the world live for us,’ said our reviewer. Mahler Songs of FateAnna Lucia Richter (mezzo-soprano), Gürzenich-Orchester Köln/Jordan de Souza Myrios Classics MYR036 Reviewed Christmas 2025

Welcome to the 2026 BBC Music Magazine Awards. The nominated recordings for the 2026 Choral Award are listed below. The nominees for the 2026 Choral Award Bach B minor Mass Julie Roset (soprano), Beth Taylor (mezzo-soprano), Lucile Richardot (alto) et al; Pygmalion/Raphaël PichonHarmonia Mundi HMM902754.55 (2CD) Reviewed June 2025 This tremendous take on Bach’s Mass in B Minor brings something blazingly fresh to the list of recordings of this work. Triumphant, spirited and finely detailed performances from Raphaël Pichon’s period-instrument ensemble and choir Pygmalion offer a ‘dynamic, imaginative new reading’ which every choral music enthusiast should add to their collection.  Handel

Welcome to the 2026 BBC Music Magazine Awards. The nominated recordings for the 2026 Chamber Award, in association with Wigmore Hall, are listed below. The nominees for the 2026 Chamber Award Bach Sonatas for Violin and ContinuoIsabelle Faust (violin), Kristin von der Goltz (cello), Kristian Bezuidenhout (harpsichord)Harmonia Mundi HMM902698 Reviewed November 2025 Our ‘Recording of the Month’ in November saw Isabelle Faust team up with Kristin von der Goltz and Kristian Bezuidenhout to present a carefully considered and exquisitely performed programme showcasing the demanding material of Bach’s little-known violin works. According to our reviewer, Faust is a ‘splendid guide, not