A mark of a forward-looking conductor is one who takes up an unfashionable modernist.

For her debut with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla will conduct a Sunday-afternoon Elliott Carter concert on January 28 at Birmingham Town Hall, performed in the round.

Not everyone’s cup of tea, perhaps, but a serious signal of intent.

Zubin Mehta has asked La Scala Milan to replace him for Der Rosenkavalier in the New Year.

He is undergoing a shoulder operation and will be out of action for three months.

Cancellations start mid-December with the LA Phil (no replacement yet).

La Scala has called in Cornelius Meister, who is conducting that same work in Vienna.

Interesting to see who the Israel Phil gets to replace Zubin.

At least two candidates have refused to take calls until there is a management change.