If you’d prefer to listen to a much-loved classic rather than try and get your mind around a new work, think again. It may well be worth the effort of listening to something new. Scientists at Rotman Research Institute, in Toronto, found that the brain’s reward centre showed increased activity when participants heard a new piece of music.
Read about the study and is implications at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22096764
Concerto writing for the violin in the 21st century is alive and well with the works of these celebrated living composers listed by Gramophone magazine. http://gramophone.co.uk/editorial/ten-violin-concertos-by-living-composers …and as a sequel to its list of 21st century violin concerti, Gramophone magazine nominates its list of top 10 20th century violin concerti. http://gramophone.co.uk/editorial/top-ten-20th-century-violin-concertos
Singer Jenny Morris has created a project called Art of Music in which 10 paintings inspired by iconic Australian songs will be auctioned to raise funds for the Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre at the University of Western Sydney’s Kingswood campus. The auction is to be held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on…
It’s rush hour for Sydney’s performing ensembles as they jostle to release their programmes for 2014 and secure the all important subscription dollar for the year. Hot on the heels of the SSO’s 2014 season release, Opera Australia has announced it’s compilation for next year on a re-vamped website. Nine of the 16 productions offer opera in…
Hearty congratulations to Musica Viva CEO Mary Jo Capps who last week was awarded the degree of Doctor of Visual and Performing Arts honoris causa by the University of Melbourne, in recognition of her extensive contribution to music and the University. This is the highest honour that the university can bestow. Professor Barry Conyngham, Dean of the Faculty of VCA&MCM said,…
Terrific reading for classical music fans in the Sydney Morning Herald: The Sydney Symphony’s tour of China: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/diplomacy-conducted-on-a-grand-scale-20121120-29nz4.html Natalie Bochenski interviews classical guitarist Milos Karadaglic: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/milo-lets-his-fingers-do-the-talking-20121121-29pz7.html Peter McCallum reviews the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Russian Visions programme: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/from-russia-visions-of-its-disturbing-tumultuous-past-20121119-29m42.html And Philip Glass’ epic opera Einstein on the Beach returns ….to Melbourne in 2013: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/opera/time-is-relative-as-fourhour-einstein-opera-epic-returns-20121120-29nxn.html
Max Richter has a new single River (It’s Coming On Christmas), a short piano solo built on the opening notes of Jingle Bells and played in the tinkling upper register of the piano. The theme floats over some familiar chordal progressions and lasting just 2.42 minutes is pleasant seasonal fare available of Spotify. Max Richter…