Research shows our brains react differently to classical and pop music
Researchers in China have discovered that the brain responds differently to classical music than to popular forms. Participants listened to five clips of opera music … Read more
CLASSICAL
What do you think of audience members tweeting during the opera?
To some audience members at a concert or opera, it’s a pet hate, but others just can’t stop themselves. Of course, we’re talking about the … Read more
Take a look inside a Stradivarius in this 3D video
Many people have tried over the centuries to figure out just what it was about the violins made by Antonio Stradivari that make them so … Read more
Pittsburgh Symphony musicians continue their longest strike in history
The current strike by 101 Pittsburgh Symphony musicians, launched at the end of September in opposition to demands by management for concessions, is now the … Read more
International Classical Music Awards nominations announced
The list of nominations for the seventh annual International Classical Music Awards was released this week. A total of 321 audio and video productions were … Read more
German government to spend €27 million to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday
The German government announced a budget of €27 million last week for a year of celebrations to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. The … Read more
Dutch composer constructs grand piano using 29,000 lego pieces
Most people would be satisfied if they managed to build a model piano out of lego. But for a composer living near Rotterdam in the … Read more
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel was born today in 1805
History has been less than kind to Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, the romantic-era composer and older sister of renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn. Since 14 November was … Read more
Young cellist calls for more diversity in classical music
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, a 17-year-old cellist who came to prominence in the UK after winning the BBC Young Musician award in 2016, has announced a long-term … Read more
Pianist faces eviction after neighbour complains about noise
Soheil Nasseri, who is set to give a recital at the Berlin Philharmonie next week, received an order from his landlord to leave his apartment … Read more
Leonard Cohen influenced classical music too
Classical music may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Leonard Cohen’s lengthy music career. But the popular singer and … Read more
Conductor tweets Beethoven’s symphonies
Summing up precisely what it is about a piece of music that makes it so popular or enjoyable to listen to can often difficult, particularly … Read more
BBC Philharmonic joins education project for disadvantaged children
Britain’s BBC Philharmonic was teaming up with the Orchestras For All to engage with young classical musicians facing challenging circumstances. BBC Philharmonic musicians joined in … Read more
Berlin Philharmonic begins North American tour
The Berlin Philharmonic begins its last tour of the United States and Canada this week under music director Sir Simon Rattle. The orchestra will open … Read more
Hungarian pianist and conductor Zoltan Kocsis dies aged 64
Internationally acclaimed pianist Zoltan Kocsis, renowned for his interpretations of Bartok and others, died in Budapest on Sunday aged 64 after a long illness. The … Read more