The following is a selection of recommended albums released in 2024 from people who work in classical music. It’s gratifyingly eclectic and the perfect antidote to the well-trodden paths usually followed at Christmas and New Year. They’re all tantalising listens. But if you’re especially busy, be sure to to seek out Hanni Liang‘s recommendation of Frank Dupree’s tour de force rendition of Nikolai Kapustin’s scores with the SWR Big Band featured at the end of this post. Electrifying.
Jane Mitchell, Creative Director, Aurora Orchestra
“Our household was counting down the days to the release of The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift. My two sons and I have become obsessed with her this year and this album has been the soundtrack to most things we do. I’m so struck by how at the centre of all the glitz and glamour and fame and hype there is a woman simply writing songs at the piano or the guitar. I was lucky enough to see her Eras Tour show at Wembley in the summer and it felt like the ultimate homage of the power of song. I’ll never forget 90,000 people singing my favourite line from The Tortured Poet’s Department ‘Put narcotics into all of my songs, and that’s why you’re still singing along.’“
Aurora will mark their 20th anniversary in 2024 with a weekend of festivities at Snape Maltings (10 – 11 May 2025)
Pianist Alexandra Dariescu
One album that has truly captivated me recently is Joni Mitchell’s At Newport. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and artistry. Hearing Joni’s voice, weathered yet profoundly moving, alongside a community of artists celebrating her genius is deeply inspiring. It’s not just an album; it’s a masterclass in storytelling and human connection. For anyone seeking to pause, reflect, and be moved by raw, unfiltered emotion, this is an absolute gem.
In January, I’m delighted to make my debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto. This extraordinary work holds a special place in my heart and features on my recently released album with the Philharmonia. It’s a joy to bring this masterpiece to life on such a prestigious stage. On 21 March, I will be performing this piece with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, in the orchestra’s historic home, alongside works by Nadia Boulanger and Mozart.
Baritone Benjamin Appl
“Anastasia’s musicianship and passion is contagious. On her debut album focusing on Venice, she makes me forget the stench of the canals, the many tourists, the overcharged hotels and restaurants and only presents the magical Italian city in the most beautiful evening sun dancing on the shimmering waves. The programme selection is so interestingly chosen, surprising and witty. Because of this album, I think I will book my next holiday to Venice…
Benjamin Appl is Artist in Residence with the Liverpool Philharmonic in the 2024/25 season. He will make his conducting debut with Handel’s Messiah on 11 January
Annie Lydford, Chief Executive Officer of Academy of St Martin in the Fields
“2024 has undoubtedly been the year of female pop supremacy. From the ever-presence of Taylor Swift through to the incredible rise of artists like Chappel Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Raye, and with brilliant records from Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Griff and so many others – this year I have had the best time fully embracing the mainstream and falling in love with the music of these brilliant, brilliant women. For me, though, my album of the year has to be a tie between Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and Charli XCX’s Brat remix album (Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat). Cowboy Carter came out just as ASMF embarked on its annual tour to the US, and it was the perfect setting to hear that album for the first time, with its incredible layer-upon-layer of American and Country music signifiers transformed into something rich, remarkable and like nothing I’ve ever heard. While summer this year was all about Charli XCX’s Brat, the remix album carried us through to autumn with something a little darker and more melancholic. The album features an extraordinary array of guests, but the vulnerable Everything is Romantic remix, featuring Caroline Polachek, is – for me – a simply perfect song. I think I’ve listened to it almost every day since it was released. Both albums are up for an AOTY Grammy, as part of an incredibly strong field. I don’t envy the job of those who have to choose.”
Barnaby Smith, VOCES8
“I am choosing an album by my favourite Baroque violinist, Rachel Podger called ‘The Muses Restor’d’. I love it so much because of the repertoire, the skill, and divine beauty with which is it played. You can hear the conversations between Rachel and her plethora of collaborators within these tremendously live and vivid interpretations. It feels as though it is chamber music in the moment, and it sounds fresher with every listen; something that is so hard to achieve on a recording. It oozes class and musicianship, and stirs within me a desire to grab my own violin and play along (though no one needs to hear that!).”
LIVE From London Christmas runs throughout December 2024 until 6 January 2025. VOCES8’s 20th anniversary concert is at the Barbican on Sunday 8 June 2025.
Composer Brian Field
“One of my favorite albums of 2024 is “Human Cocoon” from Turkish pianist/composer Beyza Yazgan. This collection of often-meditative tracks is a way of dealing with “the cacophony of unresolved emotions and existential questions” as Yazgan notes. Her style is a fusion of minimalism, Satie-like reflections and often has a haunting temperament to them (such as her opening track “Question” or “Pasaj”) with moments of more aggressive perpetual motion (“This immortal machine”). Her compositional style—melodic, modal—with memorable motifs that subtly evolve within each of her pieces, makes for a fine collection of modern piano music.”
Brian T. Field’s Three Passions for Our Tortured Planet is performed by Spanish pianist Irene Cantos and explores environmental themes through music.
Hanni Liang – Pianist and Concert Curator
“In my free time I love listening to jazz and I’m totally into the music of guitarist Pat Metheney. The sphere, the sound, the harmonies, all feel like I‘m flying on a wave through the most beautiful world I can imagine. Just close your eyes and flow with his latest album MoonDial.
By the way, have you ever felt the urge to dance to classical music? If so, then definitely listen to the music of Nikolai Kapustin and connect with the recording of Frank Duprée. An album that makes sitting still impossible and will get you up from the sofa.”
Stream Hanni Liang’s latest album VOICES here. Liang will be performing works from this album on 13 June 2025, (performing works by Emilie Mayer and Ethel Smyth) at the Konzerthaus and improvising together with the audience.
