The 2025 Chopin Piano Competition has garnered tremendous attention in the classical piano arena this 19th term of its existence. The pressure of high expectations conveyed to participants at every round of the competition could certainly rival that of the

Many classical musicians play the great composers’ works without knowing which musicians inspired them. Which is a shame, because so many great composers were directly inspired or influenced by great performing musicians! Some influential musicians even inspired multiple great works

The great composers are not particularly famous for their faithfulness. Many had extramarital affairs. The stories of those relationships provide intriguing glimpses into their complicated personal lives. Today, we’re looking at the relationships between four composers and their mistresses: how

There are three well-known French composers who have changed the direction of music forever. With their works, they have broken traditions, connected cultures and brought innovation to how music is perceived, composed and experienced. We are, of course, talking about

The world’s greatest orchestras have long awed audiences from their concert hall stages, but now, thanks to the magic of the Internet and YouTube, their reach can extend far beyond their physical auditoriums. Today, millions of listeners around the world

Most people think of classical music as being very serious. But in reality, classical music is often bizarre, sarcastic, or just plain weird. Today, we’re looking at eight compositions with particularly weird titles, from Mozart’s cheeky “Leck mir den Arsch”

Alma Rosé, a top-class artist – violinist, conductor, ensemble leader and actress, is most remembered today for her amazing courage. She was the conductor and founder of the celebrated women’s orchestra Wiener Walzermädeln–but she is primarily remembered as the conductor of

Sergei Prokofiev, the Russian composer whose innovative and vibrant works revolutionised 20th-century music, holds a special place in the hearts of classical music enthusiasts. Known for his bold harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and a unique blend of lyricism and irony, Prokofiev’s