We reveal who’s recording what, and where…
Pianist Di Xiao is putting the finishing touches on a new album that brings together works by women composers and traditional Chinese tunes. Planned for release in March, it follows a pair of concert projects on a similar theme, with performances taking place in London and Birmingham, then later in the year in China.
NMC Recordings is working with the Goldfield Ensemble to record an album of chamber music by 82-year-old Erika Fox. Though active in music in the 1970s and
’80s, and with only a few recordings made for radio broadcast, the Vienna-born composer has never actually had a commercial release of her music. Described as ‘bold, uncompromising and remarkably fresh’, it’s one of the more anticipated releases of 2019.
Alexandra Papastefanou impressed last year with her recording of Bach’s Welltempered Clavier, and she returns to the studio for a follow-up two-disc set of Bach’s complete French Suites. The album, from First Hand Records (FHR), will also feature a rare piano transcription of the Violin Sonata in A minor.
FHR heads Stateside for a week of recording with pianists Michael Brown, Adam Golka and Roman Rabinovich at Montana’s Tippet Rise Arts Center. The three artists will also act as producers on each other’s recordings, which take in works by Ravel and Medtner (Brown), Beethoven (Golka) and Haydn (Rabinovich).
Animal Requiem is a brand-new work by Rachel Fuller and receives its world premiere in London at the end of January. A memorial for all animals, it’s dedicated to anyone who has lost a beloved animal or who cares about animal welfare. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chamber Choir of London recorded the work ahead of the premiere performance, and it will be available to buy in February with profits going to animal charities and shelters around the world.