Joachim Becerra makes his debut as a soloist and Tabita Berglund is honoured with the Sibelius Prize
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4 min read|1. October 2026
Tabita Berglund receives the Sibelius Prize 2026, Joachim Becerra Thomsen makes his solo debut with Det Kongelige Kapel, and DR Vokalensemblet extends with Martina Batič. Here are the most important news items from the classical world right now.
Tabita Berglund receives the Sibelius Prize 2026
The Norwegian conductor Tabita Berglund has been awarded the Sibelius Prize 2026 for her outstanding communication of the music of Jean Sibelius. Berglund, who has established herself as one of the most sought-after young conductors on the international scene, receives the prize for her deep understanding of the Nordic orchestral tradition. Sibelius-Selskapet highlights her ability to combine analytical clarity with musical integrity. The prize, which is awarded by Sibelius-Selskapet in Norway, also recognises her contribution to the international impact of Nordic musical culture. So reports Ballade.
Source: Ballade
DR Vokalensemblet extends with Martina Batič
DR Vokalensemblet has extended the contract of its chief conductor Martina Batič until 2028. The Slovenian conductor has headed the ensemble since 2023 and has helped give the choir a more experimental profile. Under her leadership the ensemble has given several world premieres and strengthened its collaboration with living composers. The artistic director Elena Mitrevska expresses delight at the extension and looks forward to continued artistic development. So reports Magasinet KLASSISK.
Source: Magasinet KLASSISK
Cleveland Orchestra avoids strike with new contract
Cleveland Orchestra has entered into a new three-year contract with its musicians, averting a threatened strike that could have jeopardised the orchestra's upcoming European tour. The agreement includes annual pay rises of 5 percent and a transition to a new health plan. The negotiations, which began in July, were concluded after a short strike during which two concerts were cancelled. The orchestra's music director Franz Welser-Möst did not take part in the dispute. So reports Opera Wire.
Source: Opera Wire
Joachim Becerra Thomsen makes his solo debut
Joachim Becerra Thomsen, who is already principal flute of Det Kongelige Kapel, made his debut as a soloist with the orchestra. Despite nervousness, the young musician managed to impress the audience, who had to wait outside in the cold before the concert. Thomsen has already made his mark as one of Denmark's great talents in classical music. So reports Politiken kultur.
Source: Politiken kultur
Gabriela Montero honoured with the Pablo Casals Award
The Venezuelan pianist and composer Gabriela Montero has received Kronberg Academy's 2026 Pablo Casals Award for her extraordinary humanitarian work. The prize, which was presented during the Kronberg Festival, recognises Montero's work for human rights and her social engagement through music. Montero, who is also known for her career as a performer and teacher, dedicated the prize to the Venezuelan human rights lawyer Tamara Sujú Roa. So reports The Violin Channel.
Source: The Violin Channel
Esa-Pekka Salonen and DR Symfoniorkestret in the cinema
Esa-Pekka Salonen conducted DR Symfoniorkestret in a performance of Olivier Messiaen's Turangalîla Symphony, which can now be experienced in cinemas across the country. The concert, which took place in spring 2026, has been adapted for the cinema screen with surround sound to give audiences a unique experience of the monumental work. So reports Magasinet KLASSISK.
Source: Magasinet KLASSISK
La traviata celebrates 100th performance at La Scala
Liliana Cavani's grand production of Verdi's La traviata celebrated its 100th performance at La Scala in Milan. With Nadine Sierra as Violetta, the performance became a celebration of tradition and artistic splendour. Sierra was praised for her vocal performance, which combined power and agility. The production marks a milestone for La Scala and underlines the enduring appeal of the opera. So reports BachTrack.
Source: BachTrack
Philip Glass Ensemble fills the concert hall in Copenhagen
The Philip Glass Ensemble played to a completely sold-out hall in Copenhagen, where their characteristic minimalist music was met with great enthusiasm. The ensemble, known for its repetitive structures and harmonic explorations, managed to create an intense musical experience for the audience. The concert was presented by the venue Alice in Konservatoriets Koncertsal. So reports Politiken kultur.
Source: Politiken kultur
Thorbjørn Tønder Hansen has died
The former director of the Ultima festival, Thorbjørn Tønder Hansen, has died shortly before his 55th birthday. Hansen had a significant influence on the Nordic art music field and led Ultima through challenging times, including the pandemic. He was known for his commitment to pluralism and inclusion in musical life. His death leaves a void in the international music community. So reports Ballade.
Source: Ballade