Opera North pairs Mascagni’s masterpiece with teenage Rachmaninov in a potent double bill. Plus, well-tuned extremes from Tenebrae and a blizzard of notes with Mahan Esfahani

The conductor’s special qualities were on show in a varied programme, and helped add stability to artist-in-residence Alexander Malofeev’s glittering performance

Yuja Wang’s interpretation of the concertos is more mature than her previous work, carrying off flashy exuberance and changes of mood with dramatic flair

In lockdown, the Observer’s classical music critic began work on a book about the Russian composer’s later years. Then war, and events in her own life, began to reshape the narrative

The former prodigy’s barn-stormingly unsubtle approach has changed little since his teenage years, but his affinity with Rachmaninov is undeniable

From Rachmaninov to pop reunions, Beyoncé’s tour to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, Spielberg to Sam Smith, our critics guide you through the next 12 months

Edward Gardner led the orchestra in a controlled performance, with an exquisite but tentative Víkingur Ólafsson on piano

Pianist who has played for five US presidents says great composer taught her to incorporate colour in music

The 23-year-old Kazakh’s personality shone through in his dashing and extrovert Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninov

Over the past few months, our Know the Score series introduced 20 great composers. But what of the many we couldn’t write about? Martin Kettle suggests some other names whose music is well worth exploring

Babayan’s affinity with Rachmaninov is evident, though his personality shows most in the more substantial pieces

Daniil Trifonov’s extraordinary eloquence removes every trace of over-familiarity – this is one of the releases of the year

Philharmonia Orchestra/Ashkenazy (Signum Classics)