Tōru Takemitsu, born on 8 October 1930, freely admits that his first real composition teacher was the radio. Nursing an extended illness, he listened to as much Western music as possible, broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. His first mentor was

In 1995, Pekka Kuusisto became the first Finnish violinist to win the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition. He also received a special prize for the best performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto. One of the most versatile and distinctive musicians

On 3 October 2026, the American composer Steve Reich, best known as a pioneer of minimal music, turns 90! Birthday celebrations are well underway for a composer whose looping patterns and insistent pulses transformed much of the musical landscape of

Vladimir Horowitz, born on 1 October 1903, is generally considered one of the greatest pianists of all time. Known for his virtuoso technique, infinite degrees of colour, and high-voltage charisma, Horowitz mesmerised audiences with interpretations that produced sonorities that may

For many historians and critics, David Oistrakh was one of the preeminent violinists of the 20th century. To be sure, Oistrakh made playing the violin look easy, and many considered him the ideal violinist, combining fingers of steel with a

Thomas Enhco belongs to a new generation of artists who seem happiest when one musical world bumps into another. He enjoys breaking down rigid boundaries by performing roughly 100 concerts annually worldwide. He studied classical music at the Paris Conservatory

Alina Ibragimova, born on 28 September 1985 in Polevskoy, Russia, has established herself as one of today’s most respected and distinctive violinists. Her playing combines formidable technical command with an intensely personal sensitivity to colour, articulation, and musical detail. With

Hong Kong-born pianist Rachel Cheung made her triumphant international debut at age 11 at the Vladimir Horowitz Competition in Ukraine. Additional awards followed at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (2002), the Gina Bachauer International Junior Piano Competition (2004), and a