National Symphony Orchestra (USA)

If the orchestra of the USA’s capital has lagged in recognition behind the old-established Big Five of America (Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) or the newer wave of superb West Coast ensembles like Los Angeles and San Francisco orchestras, things may be changing. Led by Gianandrea Noseda, well known for his work at the BBC Philharmonic and Turin Opera, and as a dynamic guest with the LSO, the National SO of Washington is sounding very fine, the ensemble tighter and more punchy, the winds showing real character. These qualities are well demonstrated by the first releases in a series focusing of the music of the African-American George Walker (1922-2018), undeniably thorny, but music that responds excitingly to the kind of committed advocacy that Noseda and his orchestra bring. But if you want to sample them on more familiar ground, there’s a Beethoven symphony cycle in the offing – and we know how exciting Noseda can be in that music.

Danish National Symphony Orchestra (Denmark)

Under its clearly inspirational Italian chief, Fabio Luisi, the Danish National Symphony Orchestra – which is fast approaching its centenary in 2025 – has made an impressive debut on DG with a cycle of Carl Nielsen’s symphonies (soon to be supplemented by the three concertos). Bringing a completely idiomatic approach to the composer, the playing of the Danish orchestra is, in ES’s words ‘personal to the point of posessiveness. This orchestra lives its heritage’. An impressive partnership, Italian warmth meeting Nordic cool, that is well worth watching.

Le Concert des Nations (Spain)

Rather like Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Frans Brüggen, Jordi Savall stepped up from soloist (he remains a magnificent viol-player) to being an inspired conductor – and with an ever-expanding repertoire. At home in Baroque and Classical music, he’s forging forward into the 19th century with performances of impressive ambition and poise. Of their Schubert Unfinished and Great C major coupling, David Threasher commented how ‘the ensemble remains solid even in the motoric, stamina-sapping string figures that propel the finale of the Ninth,’ resulting is what may now be ‘the ideal choice’. This impressive period ensemble, largely employing musicians from Mediterranean and South American countries, has tremendous personality and a unique spirit.