20 Classical Artists to Watch

When we think of classical musicians, we often think of famous performers who have been household names for decades. Over the past 20 years, though, many gifted and charismatic artists have risen to prominence in their disciplines, and some have even become celebrities outside their field. This list of musicians and albums is by no means exhaustive, but it concentrates on important people to look for in the coming years. They have proven track records, and we think they've got staying power.
 

Thomas Adès, Composer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Apollo's Fire, Chamber Orchestra
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bang on a Can, Chamber Ensemble
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Gautier Capuçon, Cellist and Renaud Capuçon, Violinist
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Gustavo Dudamel, Conductor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

eighth blackbird, Chamber Ensemble
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Julia Fischer, Violinist
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Osvaldo Golijov, Composer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hilary Hahn, Violinist
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Emmanuelle Haïm, Opera Conductor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Philippe Jaroussky, Countertenor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Magdalena Kožená, Mezzo-soprano
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Lang Lang, Pianist
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Paul Lewis, Pianist
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Anna Netrebko, Soprano
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Jonathan Nott, Conductor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pacifica Quartet, String Quartet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tan Dun, Composer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rolando Villazón, Tenor