Becoming a Composer by Errollyn Wallen review – from Belize to the Proms
Wallen’s patchwork of notes, essays and diary entries tells the story of how she became one of the world’s most performed living composers
The best European culture of 2023
Critics, writers and broadcasters pick their home country’s cultural highlight of 2023, which they hope will find international success in 2024
Lou Reed: The King of New York by Will Hermes review – beauty and the beast
Genius, queer pioneer, influencer: a vivid new biography presents rock’s poet of the shadow self for a new generation
‘Like a gothy yoghurt starter’: how Neil Gaiman and an Australian string quartet fell in love
The English author says crossover project with FourPlay is ‘gloriously strange’ – and unexpectedly popular
The big 2023 quiz of the year
Barbie was on the big screen, Taylor Swift on the airwaves… How well do you remember the year that was?
On my radar: Samantha Morton’s cultural highlights
From a gorgeous puppet show venue to a minimal 20th-century church via some Brooklyn jazz, the actor and musician picks her current favourites
Patti Smith ‘in good health’ after being hospitalised in Italy
Singer suffers sudden illness while on tour and cancels remainder of dates
Kate Ceberano: ‘I’ve been misrepresented by ignorance – I work really hard and I love what I do’
The Australian singer talks about quitting school at 14, growing up in Scientology and why she’s finally coming into her own as an artist, aged 57
Five of the best music books of 2023
A celebration of dance music, a homage to the Cure, a deep dive into Black punk and more
Ian Broudie: ‘Terry Venables liked Three Lions: “It’s a proper key-tapper, Ian,” he said’
The Lightning Seeds musician on his memories of Britpop, why the FA didn’t like his Three Lions song, and why he loves being a scouser
Chandler Bing pyjamas, a Shrigley frisbee and Bowie’s scarf: it’s the arts Christmas gift guide 2023
A Bear apron, a Van Gogh vase, a reversible Frida Kahlo jacket, a Britney death metal T-shirt … here, curated by our arts team, are 30 fabulous festive suggestions for the culture vulture in your life
My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand review – funny girl
From difficult childhood to glittering career, this is an astonishing success story
Mozart in Italy by Jane Glover review – the making of a master
An account of the teenage Mozart’s operatic awakening is packed with humanising detail
Living the Beatles Legend by Kenneth Womack review – a long and winding roadie’s tale
He saved them from a car crash, snuck them drugs and inspired Let It Be… The detailed story of the Fab Four’s driver, bodyguard and confidant Mal Evans captures Beatlemania up close
On my radar: Chris Bush’s cultural highlights
The award-winning playwright on one of pop’s most extraordinary voices, role-playing drag queens and the scathing wit of her favourite foodie website