Opinion
Classical music means more than one thing and explanation is in order. Sometimes I make the distinction between big “C” and little “c”, but even that doesn’t fully solve it. The starting point is this: the “Classical” period in music is generally described as encompassing the works of Haydn
Opinion
This month, Fali Pavri, concert pianist and Associate Head of Keyboard at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, muses on performing, teaching and his forthcoming concerts at the NCPA. One of the biggest challenges I face is finding the right balance between performing, teaching and juggling all the other things that
Opinion
What is the current situation with respect to parity in gender representation in Western classical orchestras compared to the 20th century? Keeping in mind history of women employment in orchestras, the orchestras of today showcase progress with increased female participation. However, there is a long way to go. In this
Opinion
If I had a dollar for every time I heard a classical music professor scoff at an undergrad student who got into genre-bending, then I’d be a much richer woman than I am now. Across my career as a musician, I’ve been told the following: * Bach should never
Opinion
Spend a minute now thinking why you are teaching music. No, really! Stop reading and have a think! I’d love to know your answer – but I’m not going to try to second-guess. There are many reasons why people teach music, and they are (mostly) good reasons. Instead, I’
Opinion
India’s classical music legend Maestro Zubin Mehta turned 85 this year, on 29 April. A grand concert was organized by his long-time friend, pianist Daniel Barenboim, featuring the orchestra of the Staatskapelle Berlin (of which Mehta in honorary conductor) at Staatsoper Unten den Linden. It was conducted by Mehta
Opinion
Isolation appears to have taken an unexpected turn for the Resident Conductor of the SOI, Mikel Toms. The longer the current lockdown drags on, the more you may have noticed my increasing resemblance to Napoleon. Certainly, once a fortnight as I stand beslippered in my back garden, sawing away at
Opinion
Education in music has many rewards for students. Certain skills like social interaction, improved coordination, more self-confidence, and a greater memory enhancement all stem from having a musical background. Musicians and music teachers alike tend to think that once they master the art of an instrument or a specific facet
Opinion
If music be the food of sleep, play on. With apologies to Shakespeare, of course, who would imagine that the great music we so avidly listen to in concert halls could be prescribed by doctors for insomnia? There’s a new science out there, called Arts on Prescription. The U.
Opinion
One of the most important elements of music making, and one that I find is somewhat undervalued in the general conversation around performance, is the role played by our awareness during singing; that is, where our attention lies as performers while we are playing or singing. My own observations with
Opinion
The fact that music has an impact on humans, plants, and animals is already discovered and proven. However, some people doubt it, although music is a great tool to control your emotions and mood. To do this, it is not at all necessary to have a special music taste or
Opinion
Beethoven has been described as ‘the Face of Western Classical Music’. You may have your favourites—Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Bach…but you are still unlikely to dispute that statement, so secure is Ludwig van’s position in the pantheon of music. His music is ingrained in our culture: the opening
