Specific cities have inspired a huge amount of classical music over the years. Today, we’re looking at a selection of classical works explicitly connected to major cities, examining how each composer responded to each place. Some pieces reflect civic pride
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On This Day
23 June: Henning Kraggerud Was Born June 23rd, 2022Norwegian violinist and composer Henning Kraggerud, the Artistic Director of the Arctic Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, has been lauded for his versatility and passion for music and the beauty of his performances. A critic writes, “Kraggerud displays striking virtuosity which feels -
Say It in Silk: Silk Presentation Programmes June 22nd, 2022 English theatres had a special way of celebrating important performances. Gala, royal, anniversary, benefit, charity, or visits of foreign dignitaries called for the use of a silk programme. This programme was made for the grand opening night of the London -
On This Day
22 June: Darius Milhaud Died June 22nd, 2022Darius Milhaud, one of the most prolific composers of the 20th century, died in his home in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22 June 1974 at the age of 81. For the last 25 years of his life, Milhaud had been confined -
The Tears of Dowland June 21st, 2022 From Flow My Tears to Lachrimae, or Seven Tears The composer John Dowland (1563-1626) perfected the idea of the lute song. He also thought himself as suffering from melancholy, a known illness of his time. Melancholy was one of the -
On This Day
21 June: Wagner’s Meistersinger Premiered June 21st, 2022Richard Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg premiered, generously supported by Ludwig II of Bavaria, at the Munich Court Opera on 21 June 1868. Hans von Bülow conducted, and Franz Strauss, the father of Richard Strauss played the French horn at -
Music, Musicians, and Climate Change
An Interview With John Warner, Founder of the Orchestra for the Earth June 20th, 2022Breathe: A Countdown to Earth Hour Orchestra for the Earth (OFE) was founded in England in 2018 to share the message of valuing and protecting our beloved earth. John Warner, the founder and current artistic director of OFE, is a -
On This Day
20 June: Jacques Offenbach Was Born June 20th, 2022Jacques Offenbach composed some of the catchiest tunes and melodies ever written, and he exerted a powerful influence on subsequent composers for the music theatre. Initially, however, he was primarily known as a traveling cello virtuoso. He was born Jacob -
Musicians and Artists:
Saariaho and the 15th century Bridal Couple June 19th, 2022Kaija Saariaho: Orion – I. Memento mori A painting in the Cleveland Museum of Art was the unexpected inspiration for composer Kaija Saariaho’s orchestral work Orion. Orion was the giant hunter in Greek mythology. A son of Poseidon, he was