Gorgeously layered and indebted to '90s R&B, a star-studded new chapter begins with effortless regality

Based on the writings of an English medieval theologian, the Norwegian’s eighth album increases the sense of enigma around her

Second album from South London six-piece mixes distorted electro-punk, industrial disco and nihilist anthems to cause a sense of disorientation

The legendary Canadian looks back over his life in unashamedly nostalgic, romantic fashion with supremely poignant results

Former Smiths guitarist's fifth solo album may not contain any surprises but sees him refine his songwriting chops and deliver a solid record in the process

Edward Gardner brings tremendous discipline and emotional power to Britten's War Requiem, crowned by an outstanding performance from Paul Appleby

Melbourne-based singer songwriter goes back to her roots on fourth album and enhances her burgeoning reputation

American R&B artist expands her palette and subverts expectation on liberatingly chaotic and fun eighth album

Electronic producer Anthony Gonzalez returns, once again building skyscrapers of sound from what seems like precious little resources

Dublin quartet's fourth album arrives with complete, unrestrained mayhem, music that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go

American alt-country singer-songwriter consolidates her position on tenth album with songs of gravitas that address arduous and unstable times

Debut album from Amsterdam all female five-piece delivers fuzzy, off-kilter post-punk that promises even greater things to come in the future

Final album from legendary synth duo is a lovely swansong to the late Dave Ball, the sound of a glorious journey coming full-circle

Maxime Pascal and Le Balcon complete their Licht odyssey in spectacular fashion, but Stockhausen’s final act tests even their powers of persuasion

Barrie Kosky and Komische Oper Berlin pull off a remarkable theatrical achievement, even if Aribert Reimann’s abrasive score keeps us at emotional arm’s length.

Arguably the biggest jazz band in the country return with an album that shows off both their exuberant and more reflective sides

Throwing Muses frontwoman's thirteenth solo album is a challenging but ultimately emotionally rewarding rumination on life

Edwards' pure Zemira and Bowen's anguished Azor shone in Bampton's fizzing production of Grétry's neglected gem – a five-star rarity

From Beverley Minster to Ripon Cathedral and Leeds Grand Theatre – our guide to the best classical music and opera across Yorkshire this season

Hollingworth's dazzling spatial imagination and opulent ornamentation made this Vespers one of the finest Monteverdi performances heard in London in years

Marking her tenth album under a new moniker, the former Disney star's latest artistic reinvention is as intriguing as it is muddled

Sixth album by Swedish electro artist is an unpredictable reckoning of dark experimental pop, commandingly majestic at times but delivered amidst a backdrop of chaos

Sheffield singer-songwriter's second album takes in piano ballads to softly swelling pop-rock, all underpinned by her rich, expressive voice

Denmark-born and London-based vocalist's third album sees her deliver refreshing R&B sounds that foster a sense of inner peace

From Martha Argerich to the Berlin Philharmonic and Nicky Spence's Last Night triumph – our writers reflect on a record-breaking 2026 Proms season

Founding member of disco/house outfit Crazy P explores other musical avenues in a way that is emotionally charged and comforting in equal measure

Fourth album from the masked country singer is a searingly honest, sometimes wryly humorous account of the breakdown he experienced in 2023

Latest release by British electronic producer is a creative odyssey that shows he still has many tricks still up his sleeve

English instrumental ensemble's 17th album is reassuringly wide-ranging in style, both immediately recognisable but typically elusive

Final part to the deeply heartfelt trilogy of albums in response to his divorce is wondrous and uniquely uplifting

First album in over a decade from American metal outfit sees them look forward rather than revel in nostalgia

Beatrice Laus comes full circle on her fourth album, a return to the soaring pop-punk of her early days and her most consistent release to date

Bobby Gillespie and co showcase the uncompromising power of 6th album XTRMNTR alongside moments of uplifting unity from elsewhere in their back catalogue

A double album full of sensual, confident and accomplished dance-pop that reflects recent positive life events

Giordani and Rilievi's twining tenor lines in the 'Salve Regina' were the crown of an evening that confirmed Il Pomo d'Oro as masters of this repertoire

Wang's Barber and Spence's unstoppable energy made this one of the finest Last Nights in years – and the Dolly Parton tribute was unexpectedly moving

James Petralli and co serve up a reminder of the peaks they can reach with their spiralling, groove-based guitar workouts

Cohen's Arcangelo brought precision and intelligence to Bach's Mass in B minor – but the Royal Albert Hall swallowed the orchestra whole

Twelve-part Byrd, obscure pre-Reformation rarities and a programme steeped in religious turmoil – The Gesualdo Six's Wigmore residency begins in style

The Welsh band's classic rock twisted indie folk on their third album demonstrates their earwormy ability to write a hook

By turns studiedly moody and urgently intense, Simon Green's global outlook is at once reassuring and thought provoking

Kele Okereke and co have made a concept album a break-up album all at once – and with Trevor Horn on production duties

At 85 and still astonishing, Argerich made Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 sound wonderfully fresh – the Munich Philharmonic's Brahms was weightier fare

Augustin Hadelich's Beethoven and Kirill Petrenko's Scriabin combine to make this BBC Proms concert a deeply memorable occasion

Even losing his baton mid-performance barely slowed Kirill Petrenko down – this was the Berlin Philharmonic at the absolute peak of their powers

Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton offer a meditation on age, modern life and the past, offering hope and resilience – and evidence that things can get better

Anatolian psych rock interpretations of Turkish folk music meets the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jules Buckley

A fearless guest soloist and an orchestra playing with theatrical fire made this one of the BBC Proms' finest evenings

Sam Eastgate's fourth solo album brings in Boys Noize for a blend of soft, soulful sounds and night time house music

Paul Banks and co are the ultimate example of 'it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Yet with subtle embellishments to their sound, this feels like something of a reset