Asher Fisch to take up WASO baton
The incoming chief says he wants to give Perth's state orchestra its own distinct sound.
May 2, 2012
Tokyo String Quartet calls it quits
The Tokyo String Quartet have announced that their 2012–2013 concert season will be their last. Founded in 1969, the group has made a name for itself as one of the world’s leading chamber music ensembles, especially in the Beethoven string quartets. They have been artists-in-residence at Yale School of Music since 1977, and toured Australia for Musica Viva in 2009. Last year, the quartet announced that two founding members, violinist Kikuei Ikeda and violist Kazuhide Isomura, were retiring, and the remaining two, violinist Martin Beaver and cellist Clive Greensmith, had instigated an international search for replacements. But they have called off the headhunters. “It is a difficult prospect to replace one long-standing quartet member,” said Beaver, but “to replace two of them simultaneously is a Herculean task. “With the retirement of our colleagues in our minds, we increasingly felt over the last few months that the most fitting way we could honour and celebrate our quartet’s long and illustrious career was to bring it to a graceful close.” Added Greensmith, “It has been a humbling and extraordinary experience to be part of such an ensemble, but it is time to step away from the hectic travel schedule and allow each…
April 23, 2012
Kathleen Ferrier: Song of Joy
On the 100th anniversary of Kathleen Ferrier’s birth, we examine the legacy of the British “girl next door”.
April 23, 2012
Cellists run marathon (with instruments in tow!)
Trio of “extreme” musicians carry their cellos 42km to raise money for spinal injury charity. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
April 19, 2012
May 2012 issue of Limelight on sale now!
Is composer Eric Whitacre the Messiah of new music? Plus, the truth behind Mozart's Requiem.
April 18, 2012
St Lawrence String Quartet: cool kids on campus
The Stanford-based ensemble tours Australia with oboist Diana Doherty. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
April 13, 2012
Caged animals unleashed: Decibel’s John Cage odyssey
Decibel undertakes the first complete performance of John Cage's colossal Variations for the composer's centenary.
April 12, 2012
The 13 Strangest Composer Deaths in Classical Music
On Friday the 13th we remember composers who met unusual ends, whether by conducting, pimple or foul play.
April 12, 2012
Sydney Chamber Opera through a Glass darkly
In the Penal Colony is a minimalist chamber opera taking on big, brave themes.
April 5, 2012
Peter Sculthorpe honoured in Art Music Awards
The legendary homegrown composer tells Limelight what he has in common with George Clooney. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
April 5, 2012
My 10 Desert Island Discs: Kimmo Pohjonen
What classical and experimental records are extreme enough for Finland's extreme accordionist?
April 4, 2012
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma to release hip-hop album
New disc Yo Yo Ma Biatches recorded on specially made solid gold cello. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
March 31, 2012
The Classical Music Drug
Does it make you smarter? Does it reduce crime? We investigate the latest scientific research to discover the actual benefits of listening to classical music. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
March 29, 2012