Throwback Thursday
Rated as one of the most accomplished singers of her time, Toti Dal Monte was born in Venice on 27th June 1893. Her ambition was to become a concert pianist and she entered the Benedetto Marcello Conservatory in Venice while still a child. A strained tendon in her left hand
Know Your Composer
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was born on September 25, 1906, in St. Petersburg, Russia, a city immersed in the cultural and intellectual fervor of the time. Growing up in a family with a deep appreciation for music, young Dmitri showed an early proclivity for the art form. His mother, a pianist,
Music of India
Renowned sitar virtuoso, composer, and nine-time Grammy nominee, Anoushka Shankar, is set to enrapture audiences across India with her transcendent music as part of her global tour. The daughter of the legendary sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Anoushka will showcase fresh compositions from her latest mini-album, Chapter I: Forever, For
News
The Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), the country’s only full-time professional orchestra, is set to unveil its Spring 2024 Season on the 2nd of February. Following a celebratory Autumn 2023 Season and the seven-city UK Tour, the eighteen-year-old orchestra, will be welcoming back beloved guest artistes – conductor Martyn Brabbins
News
With a sweeping victory across multiple categories at an international competition in Dubai, students of the SOI Music Academy bring home laurels and memories. The SOI Music Academy, devoted to the resolve of imparting education and training to young, promising musicians, recently completed 10 glorious years. In a land where
News
The American composer Ron Nelson, who wrote numerous works for wind ensemble, as well as for orchestra and chorus, passed away on December 24, 2023. He was 94. Leonard Slatkin once called Nelson a “quintessential American composer,” and praised his “ability to move between conservative and newer styles with ease,
Music of India
In the rich fabric of Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, one encounters the enchanting figure of the Gandharva. Rooted in celestial realms, the Gandharvas are esteemed beings revered for their diverse roles and influences across different spiritual domains. Defining the Gandharva The term ‘Gandharva,’ derived from Sanskrit meaning
Interviews
Maria Forsström, a versatile Mezzo-Soprano, initially studied church music, piano, and conducting before transitioning to singing at 33. Her performances span from Baroque to late Romanticism, collaborating with global orchestras and conductors like Christoph Eschenbach. Maria’s accolades include a prestigious 1st prize at the Varazdin Baroque Festival and appearances
Some people might not think being a musician takes a toll on the body. While there are countless benefits to playing music, it can also be a physical workout that wears down your muscles and joints, over time. That’s especially true when it comes to repetitive motions that can
Music of India
Ancient Tamil music, deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of Southern India, presents a profound musical tradition that dates back thousands of years. Defined by its distinctive melodic structures, rhythmic patterns, and cultural significance, this musical legacy offers a unique window into the artistic expressions of Tamil-speaking regions. Ancient Tamil
Interviews
Indian-American pianist Kunal Lahiry, a BBC New Generation Artist and 2021 Carl Bechstein Foundation scholar, has left an indelible mark on prestigious stages worldwide, from Wigmore Hall in London to the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. His performances have graced renowned festivals, captivating audiences with his exceptional artistry. A trailblazer in commissioning
Music of India
In the northeastern state of Manipur, nestled amid verdant landscapes and rich cultural heritage, thrives an art form steeped in elegance and storytelling finesse: Manipuri classical dance. A dance form renowned for its gentle and lyrical movements, Manipuri dance is a captivating visual narrative that echoes the cultural essence of