In the annual tussle between German’s two main TV networks, the Mainz-based ZDF has put in its thumb and pulled out the big plum.

It will broadcast a Christmas special with Jona Kaufmann at 10.15 on Christmas Eve.

Kaufmann will appear from the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf near Salzburg, where Silent Night, Holy Night was first heard in 1818.

We hear from Moscow that Alexander Vedernikov died there last night of Covid. He was just 56 and had been on a ventilator for several days.

Vedernikov was chief conductor at Royal Danish Opera, music director at the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St Petersburg and honorary conductor at Nielsen’s town, Odense. He had worked with most of Europe’s leading orchestras, many of which are in shock at the news. He was due to conduct Beethoven’s Ninth in Copenhagen tonight.

He came from Moscow’s musical elite. His father was a leading bass at the Bolshoi and his mother professor of organ at the Conservatoire.

photo: IMG/Borggrave

Vladimir Putin issued a statement last night denying that Russia was experiencing a second Covid wave.

Tributes here.