Thursday, September 5, 2019

Teen’s rendition of The Sound of Music’s ‘Edelweiss’

... at London Underground station goes viral

2 September 2019, 14:26

Pianist and teenage opera singer go viral after impromptu performance on London Underground

Credit: Dr K Boogie Woogie on YouTube

By Helena Asprou

When Elicia Palmer teamed up with a stranger to perform a beautiful rendition of the 1965 film classic, she probably had no idea she would become an Internet sensation...

Originally from Grimsby, Elicia Palmer had been travelling through Tottenham Court Road underground station when she spotted a musician playing the station’s public piano.

Keen for a duet, the pianist approached the opera singer and cellist to make his musical request – but at the time, the teen was unaware it was Brendan Kavanagh, a well known concert pianist with a YouTube following of 844,000.

Also known as Dr K, the pianist, composer and former secondary school English teacher had left his day job in order to become a YouTube sensation by giving live Boogie Woogie style performances in unusual places.

Now, his videos have received millions of views online – and fans were quick to be impressed by his impromptu collaboration with Elicia (watch video above).

The video of this impromptu duet has received thousands of YouTube views. Picture: YouTube: Brendan Kavanagh

The talented teen, who is currently studying her A-Levels at Franklin College, Grimsby, is classically trained and chose to sing a moving rendition of ‘Edelweiss’, a film classic from The Sound of Music.

And ever since Kavanagh uploaded the recording of their performance, the video has been viewed more than 364,000 times.

Speaking about the experience, Elicia said: “It was very strange. I was just going to the shops with my friend and then we passed this guy playing the piano.

“We thought because we’re musicians we’d listen to him and spend a bit of time there in the Tube station.

“Then this guy came up to me, asked if we were musicians, and I said I was a cellist. My friend told him I’m a singer as well so he asked me to join him. She pushed me into it a bit!

She continued: “It was crazy because I didn’t know who he was at first, I didn’t realise he was famous. Everyone had their cameras out. They must’ve known who he was but I didn’t.

“It’s crazy. I’ve had a lot of messages from around the world which has been really nice. People have been saying that I need to do more and they want me and Brendan to collaborate together.”

Well, Elicia, Brendan – we’re certainly keen to hear your next duet!

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Les Miserable - 35 years on in London

23 August 2019, 17:12

Michael Ball returns as Javert in Les Misérables 35 years on

Credit: Paul Phear

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

Michael Ball impressed West End crowds last night when he returned to the show that catapulted him into musical theatre stardom 35 years ago.

Ball and Boe – the legendary musical duo of Michael Ball and Alfie Boe – have returned to Les Misérables for a limited 16-week run which opened last night (21 August) at the Gielgud Theatre, London.

Michael Ball returns in the darker role of Javert, after originally starring as Marius Pontmercy opposite Patti LuPone as Fantine, in the 1985 world premiere of Les Misérables at the Barbican.

Composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, who made an appearance on stage after the show, mused whether Michael could still reach Marius’ high notes.

Les Misérables: The Staged Concert. Picture: Michael Le Poer Trench

Meanwhile, Boe reprises his role as Jean Valjean, after the rapturous reception he received when he performed ‘Bring Him Home’ at the Les Mis 25th anniversary concert at the O2 Arena in 2010.

Carrie Hope Fletcher (who previously played Veronica Sawyer in Heathers the Musical) stars as Fantine, having previously played Éponine in the 2014 stage version of Les Mis.

Matt Lucas reprises his role as Thénardier, from the musical’s 2011 season.

Now the West End’s longest running musical, Les Misérableswill play for a limited 16-week run from 10 August to 30 November.

A new version of the show opens at the Sondheim Theatre (formerly Queen’s) in December, following a refurbishment project.

Michael Ball reveals he is returning to Les Miserables

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Some Japanese Roads literally play you music ...

... as you drive over them

By Helena Asprou, ClassicFM

Known to Japanese locals as ‘Melody Roads’, these harmonious highways play music to drivers as they travel around the country. But it’s not just for entertainment...

If you ever find yourself taking a scenic trip around Japan, keep an eye (and ear) out for these music-playing roads.

Yep, quite literally, the roads will ring out loud and clear with the sound of popular Japanese songs.

Designed by locals and known as ‘Melody Roads’, they work by using special grooves that have been cut into the road’s surface, which respond to friction from car tires. The depth and spacing of the grooves control volume and sound (see them in action in the video above).

But of course, there’s more to this novel idea than you would first think.

The melody will only play at the perfect tempo if people are driving at the set speed limit, encouraging them to travel safely and at a steady pace.

Japan’s musical road entertains drivers

Credit: Instagram / kennigrace.tan

The music is also intended to alert tired drivers, stopping them from falling asleep at the wheel and decreasing the number of car accidents in the area.

Plus, since there are grooves in the road, any rain water can drain much faster, which prevents hydroplaning.

There are several hit songs for you to enjoy – from ‘Shiretoko Ryojo’, found on a regional road in Shibetsu, and ‘Country Road (Studio Ghibli’s Whispers of the Heart)’ on Kaneyama’s National Route 252, to ‘Fuji no Yama’ on the Ashinoko Skyline.

And it seems tourists are already impressed with the concept, sharing their videos on social media:

𝓢𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪-𝓢𝓾𝓵𝓮𝓲𝓴𝓪 Bonten in Japan@DokuganBAKA

In Japan you can find melody roads.
There are grooves, which are cut at specific intervals in the surface. When you drive over those small markings, you can emit a rumbling tone throughout a vehicle.
The melody road uses the spaces between to create different notes.

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