Elizabeth Brauss

Emmy-winner Helen Mirren and Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons star in Elizabeth I, a two-part HBO Films miniseries event that explores the intersection of the private and public life of Elizabeth I (Mirren) in the latter half of her reign, offering a personal look at her allies, her enemies and her suitors as she struggled to survive in a male-dominated world. Part 1 explores the middle-aged Elizabeth's tempestuous relationship with the Earl of Leicester (Irons) as it survives a French suitor, war, treason, and illness. Part 2 follows Elizabeth through her later years, during which she had an equally passionate affair with the young, ambitious Earl of Essex (Hugh Dancy), who had been raised, ironically, by his stepfather Leicester…

Much to our good fortune, Mozart composed a number of concertos for piano and orchestra throughout his life, every page of which reads like a ‘unique and privileged’ musical entry in his personal diary. His compositional talents elevated these concertos to an unrivalled perfection.

Kevin Raftery’s music reflects his diverse heritage and life experiences.

This new recording from Elizabeth Jordan and the Northern Chamber Orchestra showcases the clarinet's remarkable versatility, featuring music from the 18th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

This new recording from Elizabeth Jordan and the Northern Chamber Orchestra showcases the clarinet's remarkable versatility, featuring music from the 18th, 20th, and 21st centuries. From Johann Melchior Molter's concertos-written for the D clarinet-to Jean Francaix's playful Concerto and Stephen Barlow's evocative Nocturne, the album highlights the instrument's diverse character and expressive range. Francaix's 1967-68 clarinet concerto, initially considered nearly unplayable, is a dazzling display of virtuosity. Described by the composer as an "aerobatics display for the ear," it features bright, tonal movements with intricate cadenzas and playful flourishes.

Two faiths, two empires, two rulers - colliding in 1588. Papist Spain wants to bring down the heretic Elizabeth. Philip is building an armada but needs a rationale to attack. With covert intrigue, Spain sets a trap for the Queen and her principal secretary, Walsingham, using as a pawn Elizabeth's cousin Mary Stuart, who's under house arrest in the North. The trap springs, and the armada sets sail, to rendezvous with French ground forces and to attack. During these months, the Virgin Queen falls in love with Walter Raleigh, keeping him close to court and away from the sea and America. Is treachery or heroism at his heart? Does loneliness await her passionate majesty?

Kevin Raftery’s music reflects his diverse heritage and life experiences.