Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Britten Pears Arts, reflects on leading an organisation where legacy, place, and innovation intersect. We explore the 2025 Aldeburgh Festival, the return of Festival Extra, and how collaboration across the sector is vital to sustaining new artistic work.

Some people raise the bar just by walking into the room. Mezzo Soprano and Creative Consultant Jennifer Johnston is one of them. We talk about her award-winning creative work during the pandemic, her journey from barrister to singer, and her latest collaboration with the London Transport Museum — recorded at the Southbank Centre ahead of Mahler 8 with the LPO.

Following a stunning opening concert in Manchester Camerata's new Mozart series, horn player Martin Owen talks about Mozart's Horn Concertos, working with Camerata, and a 30-year career spanning many of the UK's leading orchestras. Owen is warm, playful and generous, and that is reflected in his captivating performance. His is an instantly likeable sound on stage, one that conveys an infectious sense of confidence in performance. Little wonder performance. He fell in love with the sound of the horn at 3 years old. I rigorously checked out his story, of course. His follow up concert with Manchester Camerata is on 23 May 2025 in Stoller Hall.