I set aside some time this Good Friday to listen to the complete St. John Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Besides being fitting music for that day of the Holy Week, this year marks the 300th anniversary of the work. In Christian music, a Passion is a setting of the Passion of Christ (i.e. the short final period before the death of Jesus, described in the four canonical gospels and commemorated in Christianity every year during Holy Week). The word Passion itself comes from the Latin ‘patior’, “to suffer, bear, endure”. We have a similar-sounding word in Konkani, from this same ..read more

Chile, in South America, has produced a handful of operatic singers in the last century, like Sofia del Campo, Carlo Morelli and Ramón Vinay. Among these, stands out the name of Renato Zanelli who enjoyed a fine career in the most important opera houses in the world during a period full of rivals—baritones Giuseppe De Luca, Pasquale Amato, Giuseppe Danise and tenors Aureliano Pertile, Giovanni Martinelli, Giacomo Lauri-Volpi. Zanelli was considered the best Otello in his time and was heir to Francesco Tamagno, Leo Slezak and Giovanni Zenatello. Zanelli was born in Valparaíso in central Chile o ..read more

The booming popularity of electric drum kits among music enthusiasts and professionals alike continues to grow. Whether you’re a lifelong drummer looking to transition to a quieter, more versatile setup or a complete beginner with a passion for percussion, deciding on your first electric drum kit is a significant step in your musical journey. While the richness of choices regarding brands, features, and price points can be exciting, it’s also a surefire way to get lost in the options. Fear not, because with the right approach, you can strike the perfect chord that suits both your budget and yo ..read more

Trinity College London, the international examinations board for music, performance arts and language, hosted a gala event in Delhi on March 2. It was a wide-ranging programme, showcasing the Board’s suite of subjects and providing a platform for networking amongst new and old teachers. The purpose behind the event revealed Trinity’s commitment to its topmost priority—the importance of education in the arts. An important part of the event was to recognise teachers from Delhi | NCR, and express appreciation for and recognition of their professional dedication and commitment to Trinity College ..read more

The young graduates of the SOI Music Academy gear up for their annual concert, along with a special performance. The tepid April breeze heralds the approaching summer break and respite from textbooks. But at the NCPA, it is the harbinger of the annual concert of the SOI Music Academy, where bright young graduates take the stage. Under the direction of SOI Music Director Marat Bisengaliev and rigorous training by the teachers at the academy, students will come together to showcase the fruits of their labour. The concert will feature soloists of the academy with the SOI Chamber Orchestra and the ..read more

Ballet, with its mesmerizing choreography and ethereal grace, is a captivating art form that seamlessly intertwines movement and music. At the heart of every memorable ballet performance lies its musical score, guiding dancers and audiences alike through a journey of emotion, storytelling, and beauty. In this exploration, we delve into the realm of iconic ballet scores, focusing on timeless masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on the ballet repertoire. From the enchanting melodies of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” which transports audiences to a whimsical realm filled wi ..read more

From the return of India-born Danish conductor Maria Badstue to the India debuts of the Georgian Sinfonietta, Danish Chamber Players and Indian American soprano Indira Mahajan, the NCPA presents many an international collaboration with the Symphony Orchestra of India. Concerts such as these that transcend borders indicate just how important it is to foster the inextricable link between music and culture. Last month, the audience at the NCPA witnessed the vibrant music of Georgia at a memorable concert by the Tbilisi State Chamber Orchestra, ‘Georgian Sinfonietta’. Straddling Eastern Europe and ..read more

“American Youth Symphony Announces Permanent Closure” screamed the ‘breaking news’ headline on the Violin Channel newsletter I subscribe. Rubbing my eyes in disbelief, I read further: “Citing financial challenges, the orchestra is ceasing all operations as of March 15, 2024, after almost 60 years.” Due to my interest in music education, I keep abreast of youth orchestras and ensembles around the world. The American Youth Symphony (AYS) was particularly well-known to me because it was founded in 1964 by Mehli Mehta (1908-2002), who is today better recognised as father of the celebrated Maestro ..read more

Born in Paraguaná, Venezuela, Moisés Lugo is a dedicated music educator and trumpeter. Trained in El Sistema in Paraguaná, he honed his skills under local teachers in his city before going on to perform under the batons of Simon Rattle and Gustavo Dudamel. With over a decade of experience in music education, Moisés passionately empowers children and teenagers through his teaching. Grateful for mentors like Panos Karan and Pedro Gomez Briceño, he actively contributes to charitable initiatives like Keys of Change. Moisés has made a global impact as a music teacher, notably in Ghana with Kinder P ..read more

Maurizio Pollini, a name synonymous with brilliance and innovation in the realm of classical music, left an indelible mark on the world stage with his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. On March 23, 2024, the music world mourned the loss of this legendary Italian pianist, whose playing combined intellectual rigour with technical mastery. Early Life and Musical Journey Born on January 5, 1942, in Milan, Italy, Maurizio Pollini’s journey into the world of music began at a tender age, nurtured by a family deeply passionate about the arts. His mother, Renata Melotti, was a ..read more