BBC Proms 2016 to Continue 'Ten Pieces' Concerts, Now Caters to Secondary School Students >>
The always-inspiring BBC Proms---the eight-week series of summer classical concerts held in the Royal Albert Hall---has announced that it will continue its popular Ten Pieces concerts, which, last year, aimed to bring primary school children in contact with classical music. The initiative was held to be a success for young audiences in 2015, and now the BBC Proms 2016 intends to continue the "new tradition" by encouraging secondary school students to respond to a selection of ten classical pieces in a manner in which they see fit.
Townshend Unveils Orchestral 'Quadrophenia' with Alfie Boe, Billy Idol and Royal Phil for DG >>
More than 40 years since its initial release, Pete Townshend has created a "classical" version of The Who's iconic album 'Quadrophenia.' On Tuesday, June 9, Deutsche Grammophon/Universal Music Classics will release Townshend's new, orchestral version in both standard and deluxe editions. This new version of Quadrophenia will have its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Oriana Choir along with Pete Townsend, Alfie Boe, Billy Idol and very special guests on July 5.
Anna Netrebko Announces Performance of 'Iolanta' at Royal Albert Hall Outing June 24 >>
Opera's beloved darling, Anna Netrebko, is proud to announce a recently added gig at the world famous Royal Albert Hall. In association with the venue and U-Live, the special Iolanta performance is scheduled for June 24.
Pete Townshend to Record a Classical Version of 'Quadrophenia' with Alfie Boe on Vocals >>
Pete Townshend, legendary guitarist and song-writer of The Who, has announced that he has created a classical version on the bands 1973 album, "Quadrophenia" for symphony orchestra, opera singers and choir.
BBC Report of Sexist Dissent at Marin Alsop's Last Night Proms is Wrong...Right? >>
There's an odd comment in a BBC report on the South Bank Center new season launch. Referring to the comments of SBC boss Jude Kelly that the classical music business is still weighted against women -- in many ways a fair comment and one that has been widely reported -- the Beeb suggested that there were dissenting voices from Marin Alsop's selection to conduct the Last Night of the Proms in 2013
After Lang Lang Takes Grammys with Metallica, Sony Classical Releasing 'Happy Chinese New Years' EP >>
The Grammys will play host to a new invention of orchestral thrash this year, as the deft concert pianist Lang Lang will team up with metal pioneers Metallica. This wouldn't be the first time the heavy quartet paired up for an orchestral hybrid--"Carol of the Bells" being an earlier collaboration with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra App, RPO Rewards by Kodime, Offers Perks for Purchases >>
Despite its age, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (founded in 1946) has always been alert to innovation (and no doubt that attitude has contributed to its longevity). It was the first major U.K. orchestra to launch its own record label--albeit in a smaller way than today's much more common model, popularized by LSO Live--and one of the first to spearhead a really top-notch education program. And now, it's getting into the app market.
Lang Lang, Hans Zimmer, Pavarotti Win Big at Classic Brit Awards 2013 [FULL LIST] >>
They might have been on strike at Carnegie Hall, but across the pond in Blightly, the Classic Brit Awards still steamrolled ahead. A massive production--filmed for mainstream, primetime TV (the ITV1 channel)--it was a cast of dozens and a healthy clutch of big stars.
Classic Brit Awards 2013 to Honor Luciano Pavarotti for Lifetime Achievement >>
While quite how excited an artist can get about an award after their demise is debatable (at best), perhaps depending on one's religious views, the U.K.'s Classic Brits have announced that they will bestow a posthumous award on Luciano Pavarotti.
UPDATE: Fans Have Chosen the Program for Pianist Valentina Lisitsa's New York Debut at 92Y >>
Two months ago, Valentina Lisitsa invited her fans to vote on possible programs for her New York piano recital debut. Here's what her fans decided.
