The love story between Robert and Clara Schumann is often regarded as one of the most romantic in classical music history. Happily for historians, many of their love letters survive. They document their inner thoughts and emotions, as well as
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Intermission Sessions
‘There isn’t a ‘wrong’ way to be mindful’ May 21st, 2023United by their passion to share the benefits of yoga and mindfulness with the wider musical world, Intermission is the brainchild of violinists Elena Urioste and Melissa White, both wonderful musicians in their own right who, in 2017, teamed up -
What’s the Most Expensive Cello in the World – And Where Is It? May 20th, 2023 Have you ever wondered what the most expensive cello in the world is, and what its story might be? Today we’re taking a look at the history of the Duport Stradivarius…and why we don’t even know for sure where it -
Les Femmes “Compositeurs”
Orchestral Compositions by French Romantic Women Composers May 20th, 2023The Paris Conservatoire opened its doors in 1795, and it was open to students of both sexes. However, theoretical classes like harmony, counterpoint, and fugue, and composition remained exclusively in the domain of men. A scholar writes, “Young women still -
On This Day
20 May: Paul Lewis was Born May 20th, 2023Pianist Paul Lewis is credited with an “uncommon sensitivity and musical intelligence, with a discerning balance between vivid moment-by-moment characterization and long-range structural command.” Without doubt, Lewis is internationally recognized as one of the leading musicians of his generation. Yet, -
New Music 550 Years Later: The Leuven Chansonnier May 19th, 2023 In 2015, a 15th-century parchment book of songs was discovered and in the book were 12 previously unknown songs. All were given without attribution but modern scholars examining them have discovered links with works of many of the greatest composers -
On This Day
18 May: Gluck’s Iphigenie en Tauride Was Premiered May 18th, 2023Iphigénie en Tauride has always been one of Willibald Gluck’s most frequently performed operas. It was the sixth of his seven operas for Paris, and premiered on 18 May 1779 by the Paris Opéra at the second Salle du Palais-Royal. -
17 May: National Mushroom Hunting Day May 17th, 2023 Did you know that there are over 50,000 species of mushrooms? Some are hallucinogenic, a small percentage poisonous, and a few are used for their medical properties. Although the majority of mushrooms are edible, very few varieties are actually flavorful. -
Alistair McGowan’s Ludlow Piano Festival May 17th, 2023 Celebrity impressionist, comedian, and actor turned pianist Alistair McGowan has launched the inaugural Ludlow Piano Festival, which takes place between 24 and 28 May in the beautiful, historic town of Ludlow, Shropshire, England. Alistair McGowan: The Piano Show This new