WARSAW, Poland — Pianist Eric Guo did everything but travel through time to commune with Chopin. On March 1, the day celebrated as Frederic Chopin’s birthday, the 21-year-old Canadian played one concert at the birthplace of the Romantic-era piano virtuoso and composer, on a piano built during his lifetime. Then he went into town for … Read more
Faye Webster, known for her thoughtful blend of indie rock, folk and country, has a new album titled “Underdressed at the Symphony.” The release journeys through a lifetime — looking back at childhood and ahead to adult relationships — without ever sounding rushed. The Atlanta-based singer-songwriter’s new record retains the warm, relaxed tone of her … Read more
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s home is being renamed Marian Anderson Hall in honor of the pioneering Black American contralto, a rare case of an artist’s name replacing a corporation. The orchestra’s auditorium in the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts was known as Verizon Hall from 1999 through 2023, as part of a $14.5 million contribution … Read more
MILAN — Conductor Gianandrea Noseda made a triumphant return to Teatro alla Scala in an informal role as cultural ambassador, leading the U.S. National Symphony Orchestra that he has made more “luminous” with his personal loan of centuries-old Italian-made instruments. Noseda’s energetic performance Monday evening marked the emotional highlight of the NSO’s nine-city European tour, … Read more
MILAN — London-based designer Feben opened the last day of Milan Fashion Week with a refreshingly diverse runway in every way, both in size and race. “I think why you are not seeing that around is because you are not seeing a lot of Black women in creative roles,” said the designer, who is originally … Read more
NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — Sir Rod Stewart will not be slowed. At 79, he continues full-throttle with a busy year. Highlights in 2024 include his 200th show at his Las Vegas residency, an ongoing world tour and a new swing album. “Swing Fever” is a collaboration with Jools Holland and the talk … Read more
WARSAW, Poland — Once banned by rulers dispatched from Moscow, Poland’s stately polonaise dance that nurtured the country’s spirit even through the dark years of its partition is now honored by UNESCO. This 18th century dance has been performed from aristocratic balls to village celebrations, inspiring composers the likes of J. S. Bach and Frederic … Read more
People had been coming to Ziggy Marley and his family for years with ideas about how to turn reggae icon Bob Marleyâs life into a movie. But it never felt quite right, until a few years ago when they decided to be the instigators. âIt was just a feeling,â Ziggy Marley said of getting his … Read more
RIO DE JANEIRO — Sound begins blasting ear drums and rattling bones even before the speakers — hauled by big rigs creeping their way through Brazil’s thronging Carnival crowds — draw near. The behemoth sound trucks known as electric trios are a Brazilian innovation that amplified music and effectively did away with front-row seats — … Read more
NEW YORK — Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Cher, Lenny Kravitz, the late Sinéad O’Connor and heavy metal’s so-called Prince of Darkness are some the 2024 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a wide musical net that also includes the pop-soul of Sade and Britpoppers Oasis. Ozzy Osbourne, who led … Read more
