January brought the release of Behzod Abduraimov​’s Shadows of My Ancestors on Alpha Classics. Behzod is keen to pay tribute to Uzbek composer Dilorom Saidaminova and record her music, which, like the other two works from Ravel and Prokofiev on this album, is evocative and colourful.

Polyarts composer Carlos Simon​’s Tales: A Folklore Symphony, was recorded live in concert at the Kennedy Center with National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda. Tales is the first of a series of Carlos’ orchestral compositions to be released by NSO on its own label, with the full compendium Four Symphonic Works being released later this year, marking the first full-length record of Simon’s orchestral works. 

This release follows the announcement of Carlos’ extension as the Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence through to the 2026/27 season, where he continues to be involved in cross-genre creative and social impact work throughout the center, as well as an upcoming European Tour where the National Symphony Orchestra will be performing his recently premiered work Wake Up! Concerto for Orchestra.

“Tales is an exploration of African American folklore and Afrofuturist stories, and I am so proud and confident to know that the best musicianship and artistry has been brought to this recording,” remarks Carlos. ​“Thank you to the Sphinx Organization and the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra for commissioning this work, and to Maestro Noseda, the NSO staff, and each and every musician for how you have brought it to life here.”

Cellist Sol Gabetta and Pianist Bertrand Chamayou both released Mendelssohn on Sony Classical. The album features Mendelssohn’s complete works for cello and piano and new, short pieces written by famous contemporary composers Wolfgang Rihm, Heinz Holliger, Francisco Coll and Jörg Widmann.