music

Baalbek Recounts... Herbert von Karajan

“Is this truly the title?” one might wonder, as though such an article could settle for anything less than a simple yet profound headline. Herbert von Karajan. That is the title, and no other could suffice. Any qualifier would diminish its essence; any superlative would merely skim the surface, falling short of the reality it seeks to ...

Royal Mint Launches Coins Dedicated to Paul McCartney

The Royal Mint has launched a new collection of £5 coins celebrating Paul McCartney’s exceptional career, highlighting his legacy with The Beatles, Wings, and his solo work. This marks the first time McCartney has been featured on an official UK coin. “It’s a tremendous honor,” McCartney stated, reflecting on his collaboration with the ...

Zeina Abirached Presents 'The Prophet': Musical Reading in Marseille

More than 800 attendees gathered at La Criée for an extraordinary evening of art and storytelling. The event combined the power of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet with the evocative visuals of Zeina Abirached, whose black-and-white illustrations were projected on stage. The performance was enriched by the soulful voice of Tania Saleh and the ...

Baalbeck Recounts... Henri Goraïeb's Starry Path

Some souls pass through this world like a shooting star, leaving behind a light that never fades. They are born in silence and return to the original silence. On tiptoe, it is said. Henri Goraïeb (1935-2021) was one of them. A concert pianist — and, oh, what a virtuoso — he was one of those candles that burned stoically despite the contrary ...

Rhiannon Giddens' 'American Railroad' Celebrates Immigrant Workers' Contributions

The Grammy-and Pulitzer-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has long made music that sheds light on America's untold stories, and her latest project brings to the fore marginalized groups that built its railroad. The ambitious, multi-year American Railroad project tells the story of the transcontinental grid's construction through the lens of ...

Rod Stewart to Play Glastonbury’s Coveted Legends Slot in 2025

British rock icon Rod Stewart is set to return to Glastonbury, taking on the prestigious Sunday afternoon legends slot at the 2025 festival. The announcement, made by organisers on Tuesday, marks a significant moment for the 79-year-old star, who last performed at the legendary festival over two decades ago in 2002. Stewart expressed his ...

Basel Secures Eurovision 2025 Despite Controversy and Costs

Basel voters on Sunday overwhelmingly approved the city putting up nearly $40 million towards hosting next year's Eurovision Song Contest, meaning the continental TV extravaganza will go ahead with its customary full-on razzmatazz. Intermediate results showed 66.4 percent of voters in the Swiss city backed putting taxpayers' cash into staging ...

AI in Music: Creative Tool or Threat to Artists?

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Do I really need it? This is the question posed by Lulu Gainsbourg in his song Elle, where he reflects on the impact of AI on music. The son of Serge Gainsbourg, with a touch of irony, wonders about the growing presence of generative artificial intelligences, which are transforming musical creation. In this emerging ...

Elim Chan Challenges Orchestras to Embrace Fresh Change

Since her breakthrough a decade ago, Hong Kong-born conductor Elim Chan has waged a “long-term battle” against outdated perceptions about herself, classical music, and the management of orchestras. In 2014, Chan became the first woman to win the prestigious Donatella Flick Conducting Competition, launching an international career that ...

Baalbeck Recounts... The Musical Chehabism of the Rahbani Brothers

If a country had eyes, she would be its eyelids — fluttering like butterflies, grazing the dawn with their delicate wings to summon contemplation. A discreet yet all-consuming reflection on the landscape. The light awakens us, stirs us from lethargy, and intoxicates us. Beneath our hungry gaze, an idyllic land is instantly adorned with a ...

Michel Polnareff: A Striking Comeback with New Album and Tour

At 80 years old, Michel Polnareff, the iconoclast of French chanson, is making a much-anticipated comeback with a new single, an unreleased album, and a tour across France and London. The French-American artist revealed on his Instagram account that his "final tour," titled Ma derrière tournée, will take him across France in 2025, with a major ...

Rising Stars: Lebanese Conservatory Talents Take Berlin by Storm

The Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music (The Conservatory) has achieved a new milestone on the international stage. Thirteen teams of students, from both the Eastern and Western music departments, earned awards in Berlin’s 9th Rising Stars Grand Prix 2024 – International Music Competition. This globally renowned event ...