19
Brahms Unwrapped
With 36 events taking place over the year, 11 of them before the end of March,
this is a mouth-watering survey of Brahms. Kings Place, London N1 (020 7520
1490)
Matthias Pintscher
The German composer Matthias Pintscher conducts the BBC Scottish Symphony
Orchestra in his own brand new piece Ex Nihilo, alongside music by Schumann
and Mendelssohn. Glasgow City Halls (0141 353 8000)
28
Jonathan Harvey – Total Immersion
Harvey composes music of strange, glistening beauty. It’s explored in this
two-day celebration by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers and Guildhall
Symphony Orchestra. Barbican Hall (020 7638 8891), until Jan 29
31
Lana Del Rey: Born to Die
The gangster Nancy Sinatra answers blog critics with her eagerly awaited debut
album of dreamy, melancholic pop noir. Album released on Interscope
FEBRUARY
8
NME Awards tour
New music showcase featuring rising stars Tribes and the much-hyped Azealia
Banks. Until Feb 25
10
Michael Kiwanuka
High on ‘Ones to Watch in 2012’ polls, Michael Kiwanuka takes his
Seventies-influenced afro soul on the road. Touring until Feb 25
14
Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
She’s facing some stiff competition from Azealia Banks, so Minaj will have to
pull out all the stops to retain her title as reigning queen of hip-hop
shock. Album released by Universal
18
Szymanowski’s Stabat Mater, in Birmingham
Karol Szymanowski’s sensuously beautiful music will be much in evidence during
this anniversary year. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra gets in
first with his Stabat Mater, conducted by Edward Gardner.
Symphony Hall, B’ham (020 780 3333)
20
Sinéad O’Connor: How About I Be Me (And You Be You)
Newly married (for the fourth time) to a man she met on Twitter, the Irish
singer-songwriter is promising her most powerful set in two decades. Album
released by One Little Indian
23
Labrinth
The producer behind Tinie Tempah and Simon Cowell’s first urban signing,
Timothy McKenzie’s debut UK tour should show us whether he can live up to
expectations. Until Mar 8
26
Air: Le Voyage Dans La Lune
The French duo expand on their soundtrack for the restored version of Georges
Méliès’ classic 1902 silent film. Album released by Virgin
MARCH
1
Laura Marling
Marling has been advancing into bolder, darker and even rockier musical
territory. An all-time great in the making. Touring until Mar 13
2
Florence + the Machine
The big, Gothic sound of Ceremonials should translate well to the stage and
give Florence Welch a chance to show just why she is the heir to Kate Bush.
Support from the Horrors makes it unmissable. Arena tour, until Mar 16
26
Paul Weller: Sonik Kicks
Can the Modfather continue his recent purple patch with his 11th solo album?
Guest appearances include Noel Gallagher and Blur’s Graham Coxon. Album
released on Island