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Almost four decades ago, I experienced live in action India’s greatest living legend, Maestro Zubin Mehta. 17 September 1984, Shanmukhananda Hall Sion in then Bombay. It was the maiden and so far only visit of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra to India. Until then I had only been exposed
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In January 2020, the gorgeous façade of Jacksons Lane Art Centre was faced with a completely overturned reality on the inside. As severe winter flooding across the U.K., and an exploding boiler that bled hot brown liquid down the office walls painted a grim picture, a sold-out edition of
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The violin, with its soul-stirring melodies and captivating sound, has enthralled music enthusiasts for centuries. Behind this beautiful instrument lies an essential element that breathes life into its music – the violin bow. The bow, a simple yet intricate creation, is the key to producing the enchanting tones that resonate from
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Stradivarius violins have long held a position of fascination and awe in the world of classical music. Their mystique and extraordinary value make them the crown jewels of the violin world. From their unrivaled craftsmanship to their exceptional sound quality, Stradivarius violins have captivated musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. But
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It takes a pair of eyes that understands music to capture the sight of sound. A deep dive into the art of documenting live music. The final bell chimes, the doors shut. A dignified quietude takes over the concert hall as if not a strand of hair is allowed to
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You sing like angels. Yes, you do. Why don’t you record your songs professionally? Twenty-five year old Joel Samuel and his twin brothers, Johan Paul Samuel and Jowin Sam Timothy Samuel (22), heard such comments with increasing regularity. The brothers, residents of Chennai, India, had been making home videos
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There is precious little in Vienna that does not invoke awe, but there is something about a monument that is built not just of opulence and grandeur, but an unparalleled musical legacy. The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper in German) is among the oldest and most prestigious opera houses in
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A four-part series of reflections on the pleasures and paradoxes of learning to sing or play an instrument. For parents, musicians, and would-be musicians of all ages. The Ultimate Holistic Practice What is the meaning of “holistic”? The Oxford Dictionary gives two definitions, the first related to philosophy: “characterized by
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A four-part series of reflections on the pleasures and paradoxes of learning to sing or play an instrument. For parents, musicians, and would-be musicians of all ages. All the World’s a Stage Performing might be considered the ultimate goal of music study. To occupy the stage confidently and perform
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A four-part series of reflections on the pleasures and paradoxes of learning to sing or play an instrument. For parents, musicians, and would-be musicians of all ages. We have seen that learning to sing or play an instrument involves a lot of very worthwhile work. Understanding notation, controlling the physicality
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I have started looking at the story of Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa) as a story in three parts, which I shall creatively refer to “normal”, the “new normal” and “what now?”. The last few years have taught us to be flexible and responsive more than anything else, and
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A four-part series of reflections on the pleasures and paradoxes of learning to sing or play an instrument. For parents, musicians, and would-be musicians of all ages. Why Bother? It is said to require ten thousand hours of practice to master an instrument. TEN THOUSAND HOURS? Are you kidding me?
