Music

Olivier Derivière: The Composer Who Brings Video Games to Life

Since the age of 6, Olivier Derivière has never left the world of video games, a passion that has led him to become one of the most prominent composers of video game music. At 46, this French musician works tirelessly, game controller in hand and sheet music in front of him, to provide players with a unique sonic experience. Scheduled for release ...

Yingge Dance: Martial Arts and Opera Spark Lunar New Year Excitement

In the bustling streets of Shantou, a city in southern China, 40 young dancers clad in vibrant costumes and painted faces bring traditional performance art to life as they move to the rhythm of gongs and drums. Spectators line the streets, captivated by the energy and skill on display. This spirited celebration is part of a centuries-old dance ...

Hans Zimmer to Rearrange Saudi National Anthem as Part of Cultural Reforms

Saudi Arabia has enlisted Hans Zimmer, the Oscar-winning German composer known for his film soundtracks, to "rearrange" (meaning to reorchestrate) its national anthem, a senior official from the kingdom announced. The artist, recognized for his iconic works such as those for The Lion King, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Dune (2021), has agreed to ...

Manel Mallat Brings Edith Piaf’s Legacy to Life at Casino du Liban

Manel Mallat will take the stage at Casino du Liban on February 7 and 8, 2025, to perform Mon Hymne à Piaf, a tribute to the iconic Edith Piaf. Orchestrated by Danny Bou-Maroun and produced by Cats Production, the show is directed by Kristian Abouanni. This musical celebration promises to bring Piaf's timeless legacy to life, with ...

Timothée Chalamet Steps into Bob Dylan’s Shoes

Hollywood's prodigy, Timothée Chalamet, embodies the iconic folk artist Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, a biopic that earned eight Oscar nominations. Directed by James Mangold, known for Walk the Line and Le Mans 66, the film focuses on Dylan's early years in 1960s New York, a time when he carried a guitar on his back and shared ...

Ravel’s Boléro: A Timeless Masterpiece Shadowed by Heirs’ Greed

In 1928, at a time when the artistic world was in full effervescence and musical experimentation was at its peak, Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) composed his Boléro (M.81), a work that would quickly become one of the most famous pieces of Western 20th-century art music. Commissioned by the Russian dancer Ida Rubinstein for a ballet, the piece ...

Bob Dylan’s Words, Music and Influence Transcend Generations

Bob Dylan remains an unparalleled force in music and culture, influencing generations through his profound lyrics and innovative sound. From his iconic songs to his unexpected ventures, Dylan’s legacy continues to shape the artistic world. With upcoming auctions and new releases, his timeless influence endures, reminding us why he’s a true ...

'Cornucopia': Björk’s Visionary Blend of Art and Environmental Advocacy

Björk continues to push boundaries in art, music, and environmental advocacy with several groundbreaking initiatives this year. Her latest accomplishments include the release of Cornucopia: The Book, a meticulous documentation of her five-year Cornucopia tour. Designed by M/M Paris and featuring photography by Santiago Felipe, the book showcases ...

'Freekeh' Explores Grief Through Theater, Cooking, and Music

In Freekeh: It’s Been 40 Days Since My Aunt Passed Away, Hiba Najem delivers an immersive experience that combines theater, cooking, and memory. Inspired by the traditional forty-day mourning ritual, the performance explores the emotions tied to grief and the evolution of family traditions. Accompanied by Samah Boulmona on the accordion, Freekeh ...

At 80, Rod Stewart Continues His Rocking Music Legacy

Singer Rod Stewart, who helped British rock conquer the world with a string of megahits, turns 80 on Friday — with no plans to slow down. Stewart, with his distinctive spiky blond hair and raspy voice, dominated pop charts during the 1970s and 1980s with hits like Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? and Young Turks, amassing more than 250 million record sales ...

Legendary Folk Musician Peter Yarrow Passes Away at 86

Peter Yarrow, the iconic American musician of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86 in New York after battling bladder cancer for four years, his agent confirmed to AFP. His daughter, Bethany, expressed in a statement: "Our indomitable dragon is tired and has begun the final chapter of his magnificent ...

Pierre Boulez Centenary: Reviving the Avant-Garde and Shaping Tomorrow’s Sound

2025 will be marked by the celebration of the centenary of Pierre Boulez, a major composer of 20th-century contemporary music. Through concerts, unpublished editions, and commissions to current composers, the music scene will pay tribute to this genius of the avant-garde, an essential figure in music and pedagogy, as well as a builder of cultural ...