As medici.tv’s Chief Content Officer I spend a lot of time thinking about classical music—and a lot of time on the internet. Here’s my selection of the top four news items you need to see this week if you want to stay in the know.
Verbier Festival announces new winter edition in China (The Violin Channel)
The renowned Verbier Festival is expanding its footprint with a new winter edition in Shenzhen, China in early 2026. The inaugural “Summer in Verbier, Winter in Shenzhen” season will include over 25 concerts and events in Asia, including performances by top artists like Martha Argerich, Lang Lang, Joshua Bell, Janine Jansen, Mischa Maisky, and others, as well as masterclasses, workshops, and more. The Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra will serve as the resident ensemble, led by Gábor Takács‑Nagy.
We’re still coming down from the thrill of our annual trip to the Swiss Alps and it’s not to late to catch up! 20+ exceptional programs are available on replay from the 2025 edition, plus hundreds more from previous years. Start with my personal favorite from this summer: this stunning recital from the always-excellent Daniil Trifonov!
Royal Ballet and Opera cancels Israel performance after backlash (CNN)
The iconic Royal Ballet and Opera has canceled a planned 2026 production of Tosca in Tel Aviv following internal dissent over Israel’s war in Gaza. An open letter signed by 182 staff condemned the collaboration, accusing the company of supporting a state committing “crimes against humanity.” The decision to cancel, however, was reportedly made before the letter, due to safety concerns. This follows an incident last month in which a dancer pulled out a Palestinian flag onstage during a curtain call. Tosca will debut in London in September.
Atomic-Bombed Piano and Peace Trio Tour Japan (NHK)
Heart-warming news coming out of Japan this week as multiple news sources profiled Hiroshima piano tuner Yagawa Mitsunori, who has restored seven atomic-bombed pianos, preserving their scars to honor history and promote peace. Yagawa has joined forces with American jazz pianist Jacob Koller to form a “peace trio” — tuner, pianist, and piano — touring Japan to share music’s power to heal.
Takács Quartet take on Tiny Desk (NPR)
Legendary classical chamber ensemble the Takács Quartet performed at one of the internet’s most beloved—and unusual—stages a couple of weeks ago: NPR’s Tiny Desk.
