Music & Culture
Classical Music Posts

What Is The Sound Of Grief? Composer Osvaldo Golijov Puts It To Music
Osvaldo Golijov is a MacArthur “genius” composer who’s written for Yo-Yo Ma, Kronos Quartet and soprano Dawn Upshaw. But in 2012, he was accused of plagiarism, and he disappeared from the scene. Only now, nearly a decade later, is Golijov reemerging — with a work that could not have a more timely subject: it’s a meditation on grieving and loss. Continue Reading What Is The Sound Of Grief? Composer Osvaldo Golijov Puts It To Music

Betto Arcos Shares The Power Of Community In ‘Music Stories From The Cosmic Barrio’
For over a decade, arts journalist Betto Arcos has been a familiar voice to public radio listeners, bringing them the sounds of the world — be it from a samba school in Rio or an amphitheater in Colombia, profiling artists who play unusual instruments or create cross-cultural mashups. More than 140 of those reports are collected in his new book, Music Stories from the Cosmic Barrio. Continue Reading Betto Arcos Shares The Power Of Community In ‘Music Stories From The Cosmic Barrio’

Labess Shows Music Has No Boundaries With This Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
This Algerian and Canadian band proves that music has no boundaries even in times of isolation. Recording its set from France and Colombia, Labess blends flamenco and Gypsy jazz-influenced North African chaabi into energetic soul music with a nonstop beat. Continue Reading Labess Shows Music Has No Boundaries With This Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

NPR’s Classical Music Editor Previews 2 Albums You’ll Want To Hear
In 2021, I’m looking forward to, fingers crossed, live music. I really miss the roar of a symphony orchestra in concert or a soaring soprano on the opera stage. But artists are still making albums, even in lockdown, like British composer Max Richter. His upcoming album is a follow-up to last year’s Voices. This new one is Voices, Part 2 which will be released in April. Continue Reading NPR’s Classical Music Editor Previews 2 Albums You’ll Want To Hear

Car Concerts Offer Choirs A Way To Rehearse And Perform During The Pandemic
For members of Luminous Voices, a professional choir ensemble in Alberta, Canada, rehearsing and performing safely during the pandemic has meant getting into their cars, driving to an empty parking lot and singing with each other’s voices broadcast through their car radios. Continue Reading Car Concerts Offer Choirs A Way To Rehearse And Perform During The Pandemic

Melodic Harp, Choral Vocals, Beautiful Views Highlight Active Child’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
From a stunning room overlooking the San Gabriel Mountains in Pasadena, Calif., we hear the ethereal sounds of Active Child. “I chose this space, as this is where I’ve written nearly every piece of music for my active child project. my music and this house / this view are completely intertwined.” Continue Reading Melodic Harp, Choral Vocals, Beautiful Views Highlight Active Child’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concert