I took my mother to Taipei for a short holiday and as usual, was on the lookout for classical music events. When I read online about a major event dedicated to Tyzen Hsiao, praised by the local media as “Taiwan’s

Anna, Anna, Sacrée Nana! Anna Nebretko is known to be a star in the opera world. But nowadays, record companies have become so proficient in marketing and “creating” artists, so to speak, with digitally enhanced images, glamorous makeup and wardrobe,

I debated whether I should go to the Beijing Music Festival or not, as I had just returned from over four weeks of traveling in Europe, which included the Queen Elisabeth Musical Voyage, and was looking forward to some peaceful

Queen Elisabeth Musical Voyage There’s an old saying that declares cruises are either for newlyweds or the nearly dead – I am of neither category, but yet I have always loved cruises. It isn’t a passion for the sea or

This summer, Hong Kong’s music enthusiasts were excited to witness the first Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival, organised by Premiere Performances of Hong Kong under the artistic direction of cellist Trey Lee. During the four-day festival in June, 10

Madam Butterfly My mother dragged me to the Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) for a performance of Puccini’s “Madam Butterfly” when I was in my early teens. It was supposed to be a treat, and my initiation to Opera. I