Kid Kapichi release its fourth album, where you could be forgiven for thinking that this was not the same band that melted pop, punk and rock into an energetic ball of uplifting songs.

Ripon's Choral Foundation stands as one of English cathedral music's great success stories. Since Dr Ronny Krippner's appointment as Director of Music in 2022, the transformation has been remarkable—in numbers, quality and ambition. This superb disc provides compelling evidence of his achievement. The programming proves refreshing

Boy bands are experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by factors such as the comeback of BTS, the return of Five and Boyzone for the older generation, and the big-budget launch of Simon Cowell on December 13 for the younger fans. Heck, even BoyzLife are currently A-listed at BBC Radio 2 after years of building on the periphery of the industry.

Radio 2’s Piano Room makes a triumphant return in February on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show (9:30-12pm weekdays) with 16 incredible live performances from a star-studded line-up including Tori Amos, Melanie C, Mumford and Sons, Pulp, Darius Rucker, Labi Siffre and Squeeze.

Celebrated actor and writer Gaynor Faye will star in Hot Flash, a feature film which delves into the challenges of menopause. Gaynor will play Geri, an accidental entrepreneur who triumphs despite brutal menopause symptoms, imposter syndrome, and the challenges of being a forty plus single mum.

When Trousdale arrive in the UK this February, they do so as a band, very much in their stride – even if that stride has come with a fair share of self-reflection.

They could have easily taken the easy route and re-recorded their hits or done an album of cover versions; instead, they have given their fans a record for them – and the band themselves – to be proud of.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) has added three significant new outdoor sculptures to the landscape by Vanessa da Silva, Auke de Vries and Damien Hirst, each offering thought-provoking encounters with contemporary art in the open air.

Under Steven Reineke’s direction, and during Folds’ time as Artistic Advisor to the Orchestra, this recording captures him stepping into new territory. His piano and vocals are still front and centre, but the orchestral arrangements add a richness and depth that make familiar songs feel fresh.

Following last year's well-received Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6, Martín's commitment to championing Dvořák's less frequently performed symphonic works has established itself as a significant project—the first such complete cycle undertaken by an Australian orchestra.

Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra continues its ambitious series of Strauss tone poems with Poema - 2. Terra Nova, an imaginative pairing that sets Richard Strauss's Also sprach Zarathustra alongside Ian Cusson's 1Q84: Sinfonietta Metamoderna.

The Fourth Symphony is exquisitely expressed, the woodwind excels, and the Andante second movement is particularly engaging. The build-up in the finale's last chord is terrific. These are recordings that should be in every Brahms enthusiast's collection. There are more traditionally Germanic performances available, but this pairing is totally refreshing. If the year continues with this level of quality from both recording engineering and sheer brilliance of playing, we are in for many treats indeed.

Leeds Song Festival returns from Saturday 11 April to Saturday 18 April 2026, bringing together some of the world’s most captivating voices, inspiring musicians, cutting-edge creators, and rising stars for a packed week-long celebration of art song.

Twenty-five years ago, a then largely unknown Craig David dropped his debut album, Born To Do It, a record which became a landmark in UK garage and British R&B and instantly made its creator a household name. By the time the album’s era came to a close, he had also claimed three Ivor Novellos, his first four MOBO Awards, two Grammy nominations, and two MTV Europe Awards.

The process of artistic apprehension is relentless for Katharine Holmes, as if her landscape – the precipitous limestone terrain of Malhamdale – will only yield to endless scrutiny.