Ivo Pogorelich, Pianist – October 19
Ivo Pogorelich is most well-known for a prize that he didn’t win. In 1980, he was in the Warsaw Chopin Competition. An argument ensued among the jurors, and Martha Argerich, a member of the jury, resigned in protest, claiming "Pogorelich is a genius!" The scandal provoked by this made Pogorelich famous overnight. That said, I hear he plays a pretty good piano as well. The New York Times wrote: "He is an entire orchestra. His often controversial and always stunning interpretations confirm the originality of his talent and intellect."

BBC Orchestra of Wales – January 27
The only professional symphony in Wales, they've enjoyed critical acclaim for their masterful interpretations of Shostakovich, Dvorjak, Stravinsky, and Britten among others. Their concert program is listed as "TBA". I don't think I've heard of that composer before...

Puccini’s Tosca – February 1
Performed by the Bulgarian State Opera, Tosca takes place in Rome during Napoleon’s reign. An escaped political prisoner, Angelotti, seeks refuge in a church with Cavaradossi, an artist who is also the lover of the famous singer, Floria Tosca. When the artist acts suspiciously, trying to protect his friend, Tosca gets all jealous, thinking that he’s cheating on her. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

The King’s Singers – February 11
The King’s Singers have been around for over thirty years. They are amazing musicians, and their repertoire is huge and diverse. They’re the kind of group that make musicians and singers sit up and pant, they’re so good. Visit their webpage, listen to some clips. It’s creepy how good they are.

Carl Rosa Opera’s Pirates of Penzance – March 23
The Carl Rosa Opera’s mission is to “bridge the perceived gap between traditional Grand Opera and popular music, whilst pursuing new styles and openness in policy of innovation and access to new and established audiences.” In translation, the want to make classical music more fun and accessible. Pirates of Penzance is a good medium for that mission. Nothing closes gaps better than a good hearty laugh, after all.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Gil Shaham, Violinist – April 11
An orchestra that has won a Grammy Award? I didn’t even know that was possible. What makes this group unique is their leadership. They rotate leaders. I’m not kidding. For every work, the members select a concertmaster and the principal players for each section. All members participate in refining in interpretation and execution, with members taking turns listening from the auditorium for balance, blend, articulation, dynamic range and clarity of expression. That’s just cool.