Prominent Finnish Composer Kaija Saariaho Has Died, Aged 70
Saariaho's compositions melded live performance and electronics, winning recognition and securing commissions from numerous leading organizations.
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Do Yourself a Favor and Watch This Charming Video of BJörk Interviewing Composer Arvo Pärt
Even the biggest Björk fan might not know that she admires Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. However, listening to Pärt’s music, which many describe as “holy minimalism,” and then Björk’s, it’s easy to understand why.
The History of European Music May Owe More to Arab Culture Than We Realize
Ever since the Middle Ages, musicians in Europe eagerly adopted musical traditions from around the world, from as far as the Indian subcontinent to the shores of Northern Africa.
This String Quartet Was Founded at a Taco Truck… Now It’s at Juilliard
In September 2017, violinists Jason Issokson and Clara Kim, violist Dana Kelley, and cellist Joann Whang move to New York to begin a graduate residency at the Juilliard School. The four musicians play together as the Argus Quartet, which formed in one of the most unlikely of places: next to a taco truck.
9 Classic Short Stories Every Classical Music Lover Should Add to Their Summer Reading List
If you’re looking for quick summer reads to add to your list, give these music-themed short stories a try, with everything from Anton (Chekhov) to Zora (Neale Hurston). The best part: they’re all available for free online!
KAIA Kids Around the World – The Music of Argentina
In this musical adventure with KAIA String Quartet, learn about one of Argentina’s most well-known styles of music and dance: tango. Tango originated in the towns and cities surrounding Río de la Plata, a wide river that forms part of the border between Argentina and Uruguay. The rhythms of tango come from both African and European musical traditions, including Afro-Uruguayan candombe and French ...
Playlist: 12 Polish Composers You Should Know (Who Aren’t Chopin)
Everyone loves the music of Frédéric Chopin, Poland’s most well-known composer. But, how many other Polish composers do you know?
VIDEO: Take a Spin Around Berlin, Music Capital of the World, with Carl Grapentine
When Carl Grapentine, host of WFMT’s Morning Program, first visited Berlin in 1965 as a student he immediately felt at home.
The Earliest Opera Is Over 800 Years Old… And It Was Written By a Woman
The extraordinary story of Hildegard von Bingen.
The One Classical Album That Almost Caused Cuban Musician Roberto Fonseca to Quit Playing the Piano
"In Cuba you will find any type of music: mariachi, heavy metal, dubstep, or even free jazz... It's a mystery — it's something magical that you will find there in any type of music."
Chiara String Quartet Plays Complete Bartók Quartets Completely By Heart
"Once we have gotten over the initial hump of memorizing, we've found it allow us to improvise as a group in a much more agile way."
