The must-see jazz and classical concerts for summer 2024
From top-class blues by the sea to the sound of burning pianos, this season is packed with visionary music-making
![Saxophonist Camilla George performs at the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival, on August 24](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/music/2024/06/24/TELEMMGLPICT000382564018_17192412332960_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq_oMXTpXgBkHuxDpi0rvHeDUArhp340FJVUObuOgqbQs.jpeg?imwidth=350)
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From top-class blues by the sea to the sound of burning pianos, this season is packed with visionary music-making
Grammy-winning singer, who came out as non-binary in 2019, has become known for sexualised costumes and choreography
BBC confirms the programme will feature the song despite calls for it to be scrapped earlier this year
The BBC Symphony Orchestra stalwart went from playing organ for his Watford parish choir to an illustrious five-decade international career
Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 space flight gave him a lifelong obsession with ‘how to translate the idea of the cosmos into a gigantic ambient sound’
Thangam Debbonaire calls for ‘good debate’ about song being performed at Last Night of the Proms but insists it’s up to BBC to decide
Long-running Radio 2 show revived on sister station in schedule revamp to reverse falling audiences
Plus: Trump vs Biden; safeguarding children; why young people still want to get married; short-termist Tories; and an unkind Kindle
Prime Minister ‘does enjoy tradition’ and is ‘very comfortable’ with the patriotic anthem
Sheku Kanneh-Mason says performance of patriotic anthem makes him feel uncomfortable
Violinist hits out at 'groovy' classical groups attempting to attract bigger audiences by adding mainstream hits to their repertoire
This year the wrecking ball came swinging for Britain’s orchestras and choirs. But ballet has never looked better
‘Oh dear, here comes Nanny!’ said the conductor of his formidable PA, but she was indispensable to him – and covered for his womanising
Director, who was appointed in the role in 2015, will remain in post until October 2024
It’s out with the mood-swings and in with teamwork, as Finnish conductors seize control of Britain’s top ensembles
Sakari Oramo drew a sensitive tribute to Czech composer Dora Pejačević from his players, ending with a rousing rendition of Mahler's Fifth
A huge choral-and-orchestral blockbuster is a wonderful way to launch a new season, and the LPO rose to the occasion
The sheer awfulness of our progressive middle class is on full display at the Albert Hall this time every year
Former Tory MP Harvey Proctor calls for inquiry but broadcaster says the Royal Albert Hall decides which flags can be brought into the venue
Heart-warming, silly and moving – and as Rule Britannia soared the Last Night showed it is truly indestructible
If it’s time for change at the Last Night of the Proms, our wealth of traditional tunes provides plenty of lively options
Sheku Kanneh-Mason 'doesn't quite see' why the patriotic anthem is so important to people
The pop prophet talks about the return of homophobia, Sinéad O'Connor – and how Dolly Parton disappointed him