UNBELIEVABLE: Gyorgy kurtag - Caught on Camera

Magnificent minimalism, sizzling Strauss, bracing Berlioz: Guardian critics’ top picks for Proms 2026

As details of this year’s concert series are unveiled, here are some of the most exciting lineups – from a Bach recital by Notre-Dame’s organist to Thomas Adès conducting the National Youth Orchestra in his own ballet

The Guardian - UK · Apr 21

Philharmonia/ Schwarz/ Ólafsson review – a masterclass in pianissimo

Marking György Kurtág’s 100th birthday, Elena Schwarz and Víkingur Ólafsson led a programme of hushed intensity and fleeting ferocity

The Guardian - UK · Mar 2

‘Play like a dog biting God’s feet’: Steven Isserlis on the formidable György Kurtág at 100

Their friendship and musical partnership spans four decades. As the legendary Hungarian composer turns 100, cellist Steven Isserlis celebrates a musician of boundless imagination, humour – and his vivid way with words

The Guardian - UK · Feb 26

Kurtág: Játékok review – Aimard is perfect guide to major set of piano miniatures

Kurtág himself approved Pierre-Laurent Aimard’s selection of 81 pieces from the composer’s 10 volumes of miniature pieces, now among the past half century’s great achievements

The Guardian - UK · May 1, 2025

Lines of Life: Schubert & Kurtág album review – Benjamin Appl’s wonderful tribute to extraordinary composer

Works by Schubert and Brahms are interwoven with 13 of composer’s own songs in this beautifully realised collection

The Guardian - UK · Feb 13, 2025

On my radar: Daniel Handler, AKA Lemony Snicket, on his cultural highlights

The US children’s author and novelist on a sublime musical trio, how spices reinvigorated his cooking, an addictive ‘mid-19th century’ BBC panel show and being floored by a new jazz track

The Guardian - UK · May 11, 2024

Classical home listening: Mozart and CPE Bach from the Dunedin Consort; Cuarteto Quiroga’s Atomos

The baroque specialists thrill in a new edition of Mozart’s C minor Mass, while the Spanish string quartet go to the edge with Beethoven, Bartók and more

The Guardian - UK · Sep 23, 2023

Prom 43: Endgame review – music brings compassion to Beckett’s austere drama

For its UK premiere, György Kurtág’s opera faced a challenge summoning the play’s claustrophobia in this venue, but performances and players were superb

The Guardian - UK · Aug 19, 2023

Prom 43 at Royal Albert Hall review: Samuel Beckett’s Endgame, reimagined

Many spellbinding moments, with a handful of dramaturgical hiccups

Evening Standard · Aug 18, 2023

‘I compose to seek the truth’: György Kurtág on depression, totalitarianism and his 73-year marriage

He was mentored by Ligeti, too shy to meet Beckett, and half of one of the greatest ever musical and romantic partnerships. As his opera arrives at the Proms, the avant garde master gives a rare interview

The Guardian - UK · Aug 16, 2023