John Williams emerges from behind curtain, to conduct surprise ‘Indiana Jones’ at US premiere

John Williams conducts surprise ‘Indiana Jones’ at US film premiere. Picture: Getty

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

 

Legendary composer John Williams conducted a surprise orchestral set at the US premiere of ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’, to the audience’s delight.

Attendees of the US premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on 15 June were in for a treat, as John Williams made a surprise appearance on stage with a live symphony orchestra to play the franchise’s much-loved music.

Before audiences saw the film for the first time, some of the franchise’s most famous faces, including George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, were introduced to the stage.

After a few moments, Spielberg was handed the microphone, and he began paying tribute to his long-time collaborator and friend, John Williams.

“The person who is the glue to all five of these films, who gave us all of our rhythm and all of our melody, the great maestro, John Williams,” Spielberg said.

As he announced his long-time collaborator’s name, the screen behind Spielberg rose like a curtain to reveal Williams and orchestra. “This is amazing,” members of the audiences can be heard saying in shock.

Williams then led the orchestra in 12 minutes of glorious music from Indiana Jones, from the iconic main melody to some of the composer’s newer themes, including music from The Dial of Destiny.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Premiere: John Williams performs

“We have a tradition with Indiana Jones which is that Indy has his music in all the various moves that he has, and his action scenes and comedy, and so many modes, the music is always there,” Williams told the audience. 

“The other part of the tradition,” Williams added, “Is that we usually have a theme for the heroine or leading lady. In this film we have Phoebe Waller-Bridge. You’ll see the most brilliant duet between Harrison and Phoebe as they do their wonderful witty dialogue and action and comedy and jeopardy.”

Williams continued, “Phoebe will be represented musically by a lyrical piece, reminiscent of the ’40s and ’50s and old Hollywood… This is ‘Helena’s Theme.’ It’s all about Phoebe, not all parts of her, but a lot of it.”

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - Intro & John Williams Live Performance at U.S. Premiere

The 91-year-old composer, who earlier this year became the oldest person to be nominated for an Oscar, was set to lay down his baton after Indiana Jones. But in January, he reversed on his decision, admitting that he “couldn’t say no” to Steven Spielberg on an additional upcoming project.

Spielberg then revealed that he was making a documentary on Williams’ life. A release date has not yet been given, but we can take a guess at who could be providing the soundtrack...

The Lark Ascending

'Coppélia,' 'Christmas Fairytales,' and 'Limang Daan' highlight Ballet Philippines' 54th season

Ballet Philippines 2023: A diverse box of delights.

BY PHILIP CU UNJIENG

Jun 29, 2023 11:48 AM

  

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This 54th season of Ballet Philippines sees the troupe living up to its theme of the “Power of Dance,” by showcasing diversity. And to enrich the agenda, Ballet Philippines is proud to announce that it has a new home for the next three years: The Theatre at Solaire.

This is a coup for Ballet Philippines, as many performing arts companies have been scrambling for regular venues since the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) went into hiatus for its three-year renovation program. The Theatre at Solaire is one of the most sought-after, well-equipped, and designed live performance venues in town, so it is a great fit for Ballet Philippines.

At a media lunch held at the Oasis, Solaire, the Ballet Philippines Board of Trustees was represented by Kathleen Lior-Liechtenstein, Bernadette Aboitiz, and Rosalind Wee. Artistic Director Misha Martynyuk introduced a short snippet of "Coppelia," which will serve as a teaser for the company's 54th season.

Kathleen Liechtenstein speaking to Mark Wilson, with Bernadette Aboitiz to Mark’s right.

"Coppélia" will be performed on Aug. 4-6, with five performances spread over the three days. The ballet was first performed in 1870, and it is considered a classic of the genre. It was originally choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon to the music of Léo Delibes, with a libretto by Charles Louis Nuitter. "Coppélia" is a comic ballet, and it is a wonderful light-hearted way to usher in Ballet Philippines' 54th season.

At its core, "Coppélia" is a story about a young boy named Franz who falls in love with a life-sized doll named Coppelia. Franz's girlfriend, Swanilda, is determined to dispel Franz's infatuation with the doll, and she soon discovers that Coppelia is actually a creation of Professor Coppelius, a mysterious inventor.

Ballet Philippines gave a sneak preview of "Coppelia" to media guests at the press conference in Solaire.

The premise of creating life from inanimate objects was a popular one in the 19th century, and "Coppélia" is one of many works that explore this theme. Other famous works that deal with this subject include "The Adventures of Pinocchio" and "Frankenstein, the Modern Prometheus."

This concept of creating life from inanimate objects is still a popular one today, as evidenced by the continued fascination with robots and AI bots. This is why the theme and storyline of "Coppélia" will have a broad appeal. If Misha ratchets up the comic elements, as he promised during the press event, then a good time is guaranteed for all, young and old alike.

The ever entertaining Rosalind Wee, with Metro Channel’s Lala Ventura.

The second performance of Season 54 will be "Christmas Fairytales," slated for Dec. 15-17. The set design and costumes promise to be part of the wonderment attached to this performance. The ballet is set at a regular home, and when the young girl asks her minder to read her a fairy tale, she is whisked away to a world where the toys and storybook figures come alive. And of course, waking up the next morning with her family is the best reality.

On March 8-10, 2024, Ballet Philippines will present "Limang Daan," a Filipiniana ballet that looks back through dance at 500 years of cross-cultural encounters and references, dominated by Spanish influences. "Limang Daan" is both art and history, reflecting on our yesterday, informing us of today, and preparing us for our tomorrow. It promises to be quite the spectacle.

The 54th Season of Ballet Philippines is a diverse lineup of performances, with something for everyone. From the classic "Coppélia" to the whimsical "Christmas Fairytales" to the thought-provoking "Limang Daan," there is sure to be something to enjoy.

The sun continues to shine brightly on Ballet Philippines, and its new home at Solaire is a fitting place for this talented company to continue to grow and thrive.

Rhapsody in Blue: How Gershwin broke the mold

Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue is a unique genre-defying piece, it breaks all the rules, crosses all the boundaries and has remained massively popular despite regular getting a drubbing from the critics. In this video I take a look at what makes it tick.

Freddie Aguilar - Magdalena (Official Lyric Video)

12M views 6 years ago #FreddieAguilar #OfficialLyricVideo

Lyric video of Ka Freddie's hit song "Magdalena" #FreddieAguilar #MagdalenaLyrics #OfficialLyricVideo

Piano Duel - Yuja Wang vs. Khatia Buniatishvili

1,306,289 views Dec 20, 2021

Yuja and Khatia entrance fans by their looks - but more importantly, by their music. Which do you prefer? Round 1 - Intro piece 0:04 Scriabin: Prelude Op. 11 No. 11 (Yuja) 1:42 Chopin: Waltz Op. 64 No. 2 in c# minor (Buniatishvili) Round 2 - Technique 4:58 Prokofiev: Toccata Op. 11 in C (Yuja) 8:46 Liszt: La Campanella (Buniatishvili) Round 3 - Musicianship 12:47 Rachmaninoff-Kocsis: Vocalise (Yuja) 16:33 Schubert-Liszt: Ständchen (Buniatishvili) Round 4 - Finale 23:04 Scriabin: Etude Op. 8 No. 9 (Yuja) 27:29 Ravel: La Valse (Buniatishvili) Bonus number - 36:47 J. Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5 (Piano 4 hands)

Bert Kaempfert - Wonderland By Night (1960)

Bert Kaempfert and his Orchestra performing "Wonderland By Night", released originally in 1960.

It reached #1 in the US Billboard Hot 100, #1 in New Zealand Charts, and #5 in the US Billboard Hot R&B Sides.

"Wonderland By Night" is an instrumental song that served as the theme of a film about Germany. Bert Kaempfert was a German-born multi-instrumentalist who worked with popular artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and the Beatles. He produced the Beatles' first session in 1961, in which the Beatles backed Tony Sheridan, and Kaempfert's influence continued to inspire them.

Kaempfert started to achieve success with "Wonderland by Night," and his rise to the top began in 1959, when he was hired as a staff producer for Polydor Records in Germany. The song was particularly appealing to more mature listeners, and Decca Records, which made an agreement with Polydor to distribute Kaempfert's releases in America, worked to assemble an album around the song.

As a result, many of the tracks that rounded out the album, including the Kaempfert original "Lullaby for Lovers" and his version of the standard "La Vie En Rose," were filler.

Bert Kaempfert continued to chart albums through 1971. He died at the age of 56 in June 1980 in Switzerland.

MAGBAGO KA - Freddie Aguilar

Song MAGBAGO KA by Freddie Aguilar in tagalog on beautiful scenery from my first trip to The Philippines. Scenes of Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales and Oriental Mindoro.

1924. The year Jazz crashed Classical Music’s party - Rhapsody in Blue

George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue captured the spirit of American culture and art in the early 20th century - Exuberant, restless innovation, and a healthy disregard for the rulebook.

The 5 Best Key Changes in Classical Music

Rounding off my mini-series on Harmony, this video is about those sudden key changes, that often form points of revelation or increased intensity...This list is entirely personal!

Theme of Man with no Name trilogy..........

One of the best soundtracks by Ennio Morricone for Man with no name Trilogy! All the three sound tracks from movie A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The good the bad and the ugly. Hope You like it..

Rhapsody in Blue Debut | Rhapsody In Blue | Warner Archive

5,231,302 views Jul 17, 2017 #WarnerBros #WarnerArchive #RhapsodyInBlue

Rhapsody In Blue (1945) #WarnerArchive #WarnerBros #RhapsodyInBlue Robert Alda stars alongside musical greats Al Jolson, Paul Whiteman, and Oscar Levant in this biopic treatment of the life of composer George Gershwin. The film traces Gershwin's rise, from his first big hit "Swanee" (performed by Al Jolson, playing himself), to his collaborations with lyricist brother Ira (Herbert Rudley) to the heights of artistic achievement with the debut of "Rhapsody in Blue" at Aeolian Hall. Directed By Irving Rapper Starring Robert Alda, Joan Leslie, Alexis Smith

cat stevens "he was my inspiration": here comes the sun june, 18, 2023

How well do you know Classical Music? A Quiz.

5,564 views Jun 24, 2023

It's a year's worth of videos... So, a quiz. 25 clips, a point for the composer, another for the piece. Double for your percentage score. This quiz is hard...I tried it in 'stupid' mode and got 30%. In 'smart' mode I got 68%...and I know the music! Anyhow...here's a breakdown... 0-10% - Congrats, you know some classical music 11-20% - You know a reasonable amount of classical music 21-40% - You have a wide knowledge of classical music (or you've followed my channel closely) 41-60% - You have a wide knowledge of classical music, AND you've followed my channel 61-80% - Respect. You clearly know your stuff 81-100% - Are you cheating??

A Day In The Life with orchestra - The Beatles (arr. Sam Haug)

4,505,849 views

I arranged the song 'A Day In The Life' from The Beatles into an orchestral piece with choir. This is the result. Hope you like it!

Mantovani & His Orchestra - On Wings of Song(Mendelssohn)

Some Advice to Young Musicians

By Janet Horvath, Interlude

One of my adult students, who happens to be a heart surgeon, came to a lesson last week with an idea. For his upcoming birthday, during the gathering at his home, he’s thinking he’d like to perform three or four cello pieces with the piano accompaniment for his friends. “Tell me if I’m crazy!” he said. I told him I thought it was a terrific plan. Not only would it give him the incentive to prepare and polish some pieces, but I was certain his friends and family would no doubt be delighted and proud of his accomplishments. And what could be more special than sharing music?” We selected music we thought he could play beautifully in six months, music that is pleasing to an audience—Enrique Granados Orientale, Rachmaninoff Prelude, and the first two movements of Haydn-Piatigorsky Divertimento, with piano. 

© Minnesota Youth Symphonies

Several of my adult students are passionate about their playing and are dedicated to setting aside time each day to make music, nurturing a lifelong passion, no matter their level of accomplishment. It got me thinking. What advice would I give young musicians, so they will always love playing music, wherever life takes them? Here are ten suggestions:

1. Play everything beautifully, even scales and exercises, with a warm alluring tone. Your sound quality is your voice, which should please you and your audience.

2. Always try to play with ease. Release any and all tension. Your music will flow if your body feels free. Think about breathing, and use the least amount of effort to execute a phrase.

3. Experiment with the way you express the music. Search for better and more meaningful ways to communicate. Avoid playing a phrase the same way twice. Change something—the phrasing, the dynamic, the fingering, the bowing, the bow speed, the sound quality.

4. Study the music away from your instrument. Attend performances of great music and outstanding musicians. Listen to a variety of artists’ masterclasses and recordings, including historic recordings. Compare their approaches, but never imitate. Try to find your unique interpretation.

5. Practice consistently and carefully. One hour a day is better than three hours every three days. Never let a passage go by that is out of tune, poorly executed, or sounds ineffective. Consistency will lead to fluency. Listen for interruptions in the musical line. Analyze what didn’t work and go back over the passage with questions—was it due to a fingering, a shift, a bow-change, a breath, a string-crossing, the position of your hand or arm?

6. Seek out excellent teachers and colleagues. Learn from as many of them as you can. Be a good colleague and collaborator. Be willing to play with others, and to listen to others.

7. Play for people and perform often—at your place of worship, in your home, at community centers, or recital halls. Join a community orchestra or form a small ensemble that gets together frequently. One learns very quickly what works and what doesn’t in the performance situation.

8. Musicians are constantly criticized. Heed constructive suggestions but try not to take them personally. Learn to incorporate useful information to improve your playing.

9. Perfect pieces within your capabilities. Work on the techniques, which will help you play a piece skillfully, and will allow you to focus on communicating the music. Avoid struggling with a work that is beyond you at the moment.

10. Have confidence. Playing music is a process. Celebrate every milestone. If your goal is to move people emotionally not playing “perfectly” you will have succeeded. It’s a privilege to learn to play music. It’s an even greater privilege to share music with others. Remember, your audience and the colleagues with whom you are playing are there for the collective experience, for beauty, for transcendence.

Our world today has unique challenges. Economies are moving further away from traditional employment. In a world where innovation and originality are so important, where logical thinking and the ability to innovate are sought-after talents—imagination, inventiveness, tenacity, and creativity have become coveted skills. Learning a musical instrument enhances these skills and uses your head, as well as your heart. Making music will always enrich everything you do in life.

The Enchanting Power of Intimacy: Music in Small Venues

By Frances Wilson, Interlude

I will never forget a concert I attended in the mid-1980s in a tiny Medieval church in Zadar, a small seaside town in former Yugoslavia. Amidst the ancient stone pillars and arches, a string quartet played music by Beethoven and Schubert, lit only by the waning evening sun and, later, candles.

1901 Arts Club

In the realm of live music, small concert venues serve as magical spaces to create a unique connection between performers and audiences. While grand concert halls have their place, it is within the intimate confines of these smaller places that a profound and transformative musical and emotional experience unfolds.

Such places are often not purpose-built music venues but simply small spaces which lend themselves to a more intimate concert experience. They may be converted churches, a former schoolhouse (the 1901 Arts Club in London, for example), a café, a river barge, or even someone’s home. Music presented in such settings is also a reminder of how music was performed up until the mid-19th century, when performers like Franz Liszt and Clara Schumann transformed the intimate concert into the rather grander, large-scale affair which we understand today.

Steven Isserlis performing at Fidelio cafe

Small venues provide an unparalleled level of intimacy that is often absent in larger venues. The close proximity of the audience allows for a more immediate and personal connection between performers and listeners. Musicians can see and feel the energy of the listeners, creating a symbiotic relationship where the audience’s response fuels the performer’s passion. This intimate connection can foster a sense of vulnerability and authenticity, enhancing the overall experience for both parties. 

Treehouse Shoreditch

In smaller concert venues, performers have the freedom to express themselves authentically and with spontaneity. These venues often attract artists who prioritize creative exploration and experimentation over commercial success. Artists feel more comfortable taking risks and showcasing their true artistic vision, as they are performing for a receptive and engaged audience who appreciates the rawness of their craft. The absence of overwhelming production elements, such as special lighting or stage setting, encourages musicians to rely on their talents and ability to communicate which creates a genuine and organic musical experience.

For the audience, there is a heightened sense of engagement: they are not mere spectators but active participants in the unfolding narrative of the performance with more direct interaction with the musicians, a non-verbal ‘conversation’, as it were, which creates a sense of community and shared experience that is deeply gratifying for both performers and audiences alike. Audiences can get ‘up close and personal’ with music and musicians, watching the musicians interact with one another through eye contact and gestures, and actually witnessing music being created ‘in the moment’. 

Small concert venues can also act as breeding grounds for emerging artists and composers, and the discovery of new, lesser-known, or rarely-performed repertoire. These intimate spaces provide a platform for performers to showcase their talent and gain exposure. Audiences, in turn, have the opportunity to discover hidden gems and witness the growth of rising stars firsthand. The sense of discovery and being part of an artist’s journey adds an element of excitement and exclusivity that is often absent in larger or more commercial venues.

Above all, the atmosphere in a small venue can be truly memorable. The intimate setting creates a special ambiance of a shared, often transformative, or immersive experience that resonates long after the performance ends.

reinee's latest single 'Liwanag' is heartfelt ballad about the joy and pain of new love

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 23, 2023 12:08 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• rienne's sonic tapestries are carefully woven from the threads of their own life story, intertwining catchy melodies with introspective lyricism. As they navigate the ever-changing landscapes of love, identity, and self-discovery, their songs become powerful vessels that reflect the universal struggles and triumphs of their generation. With each heartfelt note, rienne invites listeners to explore the vast spectrum of human emotions, celebrating the beauty of individuality and embracing the complexities of the human experience.

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In their latest single, "Liwanag," singer-songwriter rienne takes us on an emotional journey, capturing the essence of both the elation and heartache that come with the experience of new love. Inspired by the warmth of a rising sun and the bittersweet anticipation of what lies ahead as they pour their heart into this soul-stirring ballad.

rienne's sonic tapestries are carefully woven from the threads of their own life story, intertwining catchy melodies with introspective lyricism. As they navigate the ever-changing landscapes of love, identity, and self-discovery, their songs become powerful vessels that reflect the universal struggles and triumphs of their generation. With each heartfelt note, rienne invites listeners to explore the vast spectrum of human emotions, celebrating the beauty of individuality and embracing the complexities of the human experience.

After releasing several bops last year like their single "honey," and having their songs featured in the iWantTFC series Sleep With Me, and concluding the year by unleashing the empowering anthem "HINDI KITA KAILANGAN", rienne now gifts us with a new musical creation that radiates with even more brilliance. This time, mix and mastered by Nick Lazaro, with executive producer Ricky Del Rosario Ilacad, under Off The Record Label.

In an interview, rienne explained that "Liwanag" is about the feeling of falling asleep next to someone you adore and knowing that they might have to leave when you wake up."

It's about that moment when you stay in that warm, safe morning sunlight. You hope the sunlight (aka your person) won't leave because you know you aren't going anywhere.”

WATCH rienne answers fan questions: https://youtu.be/vMumrQm1nZA

An interesting fact about their latest single is that rienne wrote “Liwanag” years ago when they were still in college and inspired by a local Filipino band. ”They said that they wanted to write a song that is somehow optimistic but still captured the bittersweet feeling of new love.

In rienne’s latest single, we get to know how "Liwanag" is a reflection of that precious moment. It encapsulates the longing and vulnerability that accompany such a situation, as well as the desire to hold onto the fleeting moments of happiness. 

rienne's identity as a queer artist brings a powerful and necessary perspective to their craft. Their music becomes a vessel for self-expression, channeling the triumphs and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community into melodies that speak volumes. By fearlessly embracing their truth, rienne becomes a beacon of hope for those who may feel unheard or invisible, offering a voice that celebrates the diversity and resilience of their community. Releasing “Liwanag” during pride month is a hopeful treat for everybody! We surely can’t wait to hear this live or through different streaming platforms once released!

Hailing from the vibrant streets of Pasig City, Philippines, and now finding their creative haven in the enchanting landscapes of West Virginia, USA, rienne emerges as a queer alt-indie pop artist with a distinct musical identity. Their artistic journey is deeply intertwined with their personal experiences as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, infusing their music and lyricism with the raw emotions and unique perspectives of a Gen Z individual.

Lang Lang’s Incredible Piano Performance Draws HUGE Crowd | The Piano | ...

In his first public performance at a railway station, Lang Lang drew a huge crowd to hear him perform The Flight of the Bumblebee, composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, followed by Liebesträume, by Franz Liszt, on a piano specially brought into London’s St Pancras station. The performance, inspired by the incredible amateur pianists featured on the Channel 4 show, The Piano, came ahead of the series one finale. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, #ThePiano sets out to find the best amateur pianists from across the UK. Performing on public pianos across iconic venues such as London St Pancras, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham train stations, while sharing their beautiful stories and music with the British public.