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Music in Durham

Previews

Personal previews about things I’m going to see, or things I’d like to see. For full event listings, please see the what’s on page.

Composer Ailsa Dixon in woodland

Introducing Ailsa Dixon’s Music

Composer Ailsa Dixon studied at Durham in the 1950s. Ahead of a concert celebrating her music, her daughter Josie Dixon tells Ailsa’s story and introduces the music on the programme.

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The Tale of the Golden Cockerel

Despite what Moscow propaganda claims, Russian culture isn’t cancelled in the West, but The Golden Cockerel, currently touring with ETO, may not be entirely to Putin’s taste.

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Recorders at Ushaw

Discover the rich and varied world of the recorder, with music from the middle ages to world premiere performances at The Society of Recorder Players National Festival at Ushaw.

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Messiahs in Durham

There are Messiahs of all shapes and sizes coming to Durham this Christmas season – here’s my run-down of what’s on offer.

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Life at Samling Academy

Former Durham Cathedral chorister Zoë Jackson, and recent Durham University graduate Peter Dunn talk to Music in Durham about their experiences with Samling Academy and their preparations for the upcoming Samling Academy Opera baroque double-bill.

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Caesar and Cleopatra in all their glory

Handel’s Giulio Cesare is a sumptuous feast of an opera, with one ravishing aria after another. I’m absolutely thrilled that ETO have chosen it for this autumn’s production, coming to Durham for two nights in October, and to introduce you to my favourite Handel opera, I’ve put together a summary and playlist of the best arias.

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