Erica Jeal is a leading British classical‑music critic whose work has shaped how audiences engage with opera, orchestral performance, and contemporary composition. A longtime contributor to The Guardian, she has been one of the publication’s classical‑music writers since 1999, bringing a blend of intellectual precision and emotional sensitivity to her reviews. Her writing is known for its ability to illuminate musical detail while remaining accessible to readers at every level of familiarity with the art form, making her a trusted voice in the UK’s cultural landscape.

Alongside her work for The Guardian, Jeal serves as Deputy Editor of Opera magazine, where she helps guide one of the world’s most respected publications dedicated to the art form. Her criticism and commentary have also appeared in outlets such as BBC Music Magazine, Gramophone, The Musical Times, and Art Quarterly, reflecting a career defined by breadth, depth, and a commitment to elevating music journalism. She has contributed to BBC Radio 3’s Record Review and participated in panel discussions on opera and arts writing, further cementing her role as a leading cultural commentator.

Jeal’s path into journalism began after studying music at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge, where she immersed herself in performance, ensemble work, and the study of musical history and analysis. This foundation continues to inform her criticism, giving her a performer’s insight and a scholar’s rigor. Beyond writing, she remains an active musician, playing violin with the Kensington Symphony OrchestraFaculty of Music. Her career reflects a lifelong dedication to understanding, interpreting, and celebrating the world of classical music.