This is Beirut

The Sound of Heritage: Noel Anderson and Ireland’s Last Handmade Harps

This is Beirut, 30/10 18:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

"It's never too late to start a new hobby," says 89-year-old Irish harp maker Noel Anderson, one of only a few making the intricate instrument, a national symbol of Ireland. A retired wood and metalwork teacher, Anderson only took up the niche craft seven years ago, making his first harp at age 82. "It doesn't matter what age I am, really; I ...

Universal Music and Udio Partner to Launch Licensed AI Music Platform

This is Beirut, 30/10 16:35 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Music Universal AI Copyright US Culture

Recording industry giant Universal Music Group said Thursday it had struck a licensing deal with AI music generation startup Udio, in an industry-first tie-up aiming to launch an AI creation platform next year. Universal and Udio said in a statement that their platform, as yet unnamed, "will be powered by new cutting-edge generative AI technology ...

Charlotte Gainsbourg Returns Under the Spell of a 'Blurry Moon'

Marie-Christine Tayah, 30/10 11:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Charlotte Gainsbourg Single Music Culture Art France

With her new single Blurry Moon, released in September 2025, Charlotte Gainsbourg marks a magnetic and deeply personal return to music. Produced by Saint Laurent and SebastiAn, the track blends elegance, restraint, and emotional clarity. The music is elevated by a video that is both artfully stylized and strikingly simple, a visual mirror of the ...

Paul McCartney Reflects on Life and Music after Beatles

This is Beirut, 28/10 13:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Paul McCartney Music Documentary The Beatles Culture Cinema

A new documentary about Paul McCartney’s solo career after The Beatles’ breakup will be released on February 25, 2026, on Amazon Prime Video, following a limited theatrical run, according to a statement released Monday. The film, available in 240 countries and territories worldwide, features rare archival footage that captures the period when ...

Legendary Jazz Drummer Jack DeJohnette Dies at 83

This is Beirut, 28/10 10:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Jazz Music Heritage Drummer Jack DeJohnette Culture

US jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette, a major figure in modern jazz who collaborated with Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett, has died at 83, his management said on Monday. "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jack DeJohnette. He died peacefully in Kingston Hospital, NY. He was surrounded by his wife, family, and close friends," a post on ...

Broadway Musicians Threaten Strike Amid Contract Talks

This is Beirut, 22/10 16:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Broadway Music Theater Culture Art

Musicians performing in New York’s Broadway theaters threatened Tuesday to go on strike if they fail to reach a new labor agreement with producers, amid ongoing renegotiations of their employment terms. Dozens of shows and musicals could be affected, including world-famous productions such as The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, and Aladdin, according to ...

‘Dream Come True’ for Pianist Eric Lu After Chopin Win

This is Beirut, 21/10 14:35 - Reading : less than a minute

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Eric Lu steals the spotlight! The 27-year-old pianist wins the International Chopin Piano Competition, joining the ranks of classical legends.

American Pianist Eric Lu Triumphs at Prestigious Chopin Competition

This is Beirut, 21/10 12:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Music Competition Culture Art Winner Prize

American pianist Eric Lu won the top prize at the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition, the contest's Polish organisers said Tuesday. The competition — held every five years in Frederic Chopin's homeland — is seen as a gateway to classical music glory, with winners going on to play top global venues and sign recording ...

Sam Fender Wins 2025 Mercury Prize with 'People Watching'

This is Beirut, 17/10 13:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Culture UK Art Music Prize Mercury Prize

Rock singer Sam Fender took home the prestigious 2025 Mercury Prize on Thursday night with his album People Watching, during a ceremony held for the first time outside London. The 31-year-old singer-songwriter, born and raised in North Shields, received the award in front of a cheering crowd at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Jury members praised ...

In 'the Last Ship', Sting Honors a Lost Industry and Warns of a Divided Future

This is Beirut, 15/10 10:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Music Sting AI Britain Culture Art

British singer-songwriting legend Sting finds the multiple genres and streaming platforms of the modern music scene "quite odd", but still believes in the power of song to unite people. In an interview with AFP, the 74-year-old with 17 Grammy Awards and sales of over 100 million albums also spoke about his worries about AI as a tool for ...

#MeToo: Navigating Art by Controversial Creators

Bélinda Ibrahim, 14/10 19:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

#MeToo Culture Artists Music Movies

On the sidewalk outside the Champo in Paris in 2019, during the release of J’accuse, filmgoers’ queue mingled with banners protesting the selection of Polanski’s work. That same month, Spotify announced the temporary removal of R. Kelly’s tracks from its official playlists, bowing to media pressure. But six weeks later, the platform ...

Taylor Swift, Love, Diamonds and Pop: Everything She Touches Turns to Gold

Marie-Christine Tayah, 14/10 16:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Taylor Swift Music Culture Economy Art Star

Dominating music charts, Taylor Swift leads in multiple areas, establishing herself as a worldwide sensation. The American star creates rare ripple effects across music, fashion and even finance. At 35, after announcing her engagement to American football player Travis Kelce this summer, Swift triggered an immediate reaction from millions of fans ...

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