Thursday, April 20, 2023

Classical Music Is NOT Boring | Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Mozart...


Hi, here there is the very best of classical music era in a playlist with the greatest composers of all time such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Vivaldi, Wagner, Grieg and many more. Top beautiful piano, violin, orchestral, symphonic and choral masterpieces all in one mix. Enjoy it!!! ------------------- Welcome to The Classical Music We love classical music as well as relaxing instrumental music so some years ago we decided to create this channel where you can find the best videos of well-known pieces of classical piano, violin and orchestral music combined with nature sounds and visuals in a unique way. We made original and educative videos from musical compositions performed by our musician partners which we transform to make them more suitable and attractive to the average viewer. This results in videos that are perfectly suitable to focus on studying, reading, working and improving your concentration and memorization while listening to the greatest composers of all times such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin and many more. We hope you enjoy them! Classical Music Is NOT Boring | Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Mozart...

Andrew Lloyd Webber dedicates final ‘Phantom of the Opera’ on Broadway to his late son

Andrew Lloyd Webber dedicates final 'Phantom of the Opera' performance on Broadway to his late son, Nicholas

Andrew Lloyd Webber dedicates final 'Phantom of the Opera' performance on Broadway to his late son, Nicholas. Picture: Alamy

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

The musical theatre composer bid farewell to Broadway’s longest-running show after 35 years and 13,981 performances.

Andrew Lloyd Webber dedicated the final Broadway performance of his musical The Phantom of the Opera to his son Nicholas, who died of cancer last month aged 43.

After 35 years and 13,981 shows that made it the longest-running show in Broadway history, Phantom took its final bow on Sunday evening at the Majestic Theatre in New York City.

“I hope you won’t mind if I dedicate this performance to my son, Nick,” Lloyd Webber told theatregoers.

Turning to soprano Sarah Brightman, who was formerly married to Lloyd Webber, he recalled: “When Nick was a little boy, he heard some of this music and he loved it.”

“Yes, he did,” Brightman responded. “When Andrew was writing it, he was right there. So his soul is with us. Nick, we love you very much.”

Lloyd Webber announced his son’s death on 25 March. In his statement, he said he was “shattered” by the news.

'Phantom' takes its final bow on Broadway on 16 April
'Phantom' takes its final bow on Broadway on 16 April. Picture: Alamy

In September 2022, it was announced that Phantom would have its final curtain call in 2023. By November, it had been given a two-month extension after an encouraging spike in ticket sales.

Eventually on Sunday 16 April, the cast took their final bow in an emotional last performance. Emilie Kouatchou, the first Black actress to play Christine full time on Broadway, received a mid-show standing ovation for her sublime rendition of ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’.  

Throughout the performance, iconic pieces of décor including the Phantom’s boat, entered the stage to the sound of cheers and whistles from the audience. Watch below as the chandelier rose for the final time...


To date, the show has won seven Tony Awards, including best musical.

Throughout its 35-year run, the production has employed a total of around 6,500 people, including 400 actors.

Brightman added on the night that she doesn’t “feel it’s the end” for the popular musical, hinting at its return to Broadway in the future.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Freddie Aguilar — Anak [Official Lyric Video with Chords]



Stardust



Stardust · The Bay Big Band · Hoagy Carmichael · Mitchell Parish Swing Low Great Clarinet ℗ 1958 © Omega Records™ a division of 43 North Broadway, LLC. WARNING: All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

What is the difference between the Philippine opera and the Philippine ballet?


I found this interesting article by Steven Sharp, Quora.

The Philippine opera and Philippine ballet are two distinct forms of performing arts in the Philippines, each with their own unique characteristics and history.

Philippine opera, also known as "Kundiman opera," is a form of musical theater that combines elements of Western operatic singing and storytelling with traditional Philippine music and dance. It emerged in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period and was heavily influenced by the zarzuela, a form of Spanish musical theater.

In Philippine opera, the performers sing in a blend of Western and Philippine languages, often with dramatic and emotional intensity. The stories told in Philippine opera often revolve around themes of love, heroism, and social justice. The musical accompaniment is typically provided by a small ensemble of Philippine instruments such as the guitar, bandurria, and kulintang.

On the other hand, Philippine ballet is a form of classical dance that originated in Europe but has been adapted and developed in the Philippines. It typically features dancers performing intricate and graceful movements to classical music, often telling a story or conveying a particular emotion through their movements.

In Philippine ballet, dancers usually wear pointe shoes and tutus, and perform choreography that requires a high degree of technical skill and athleticism. Philippine ballet companies often perform works by famous European choreographers, as well as pieces created by Filipino choreographers that incorporate Philippine cultural elements.

Overall, while both Philippine opera and Philippine ballet involve storytelling and performance, they differ in their specific forms, techniques, and cultural influences.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Monday, April 17, 2023

Ladyva's Epic Boogie Woogie Piano Performance


Ladyva's Website: https://ladyva.com/ This is Ladyva's live performance at the Boogie-Woogie festival "International Boogie Nights Uster" last November 2022. This festival is organised by the renowned Swiss Boogie-Woogie Pianist, Chris Conz, and brings together some of the best boogie-woogie musicians from around the world. ► Get Ladyva's music & everything: https://linktr.ee/Ladyva ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyvaoffic... ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ladyva01/ ► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyvaofficial ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/LadyvaOfficial

This concert features OPM Icons and Pops Fernandez

"The Four Kings and a Queen" concert is all set to wow the audience with a repertoire of OPM classics from the quartet of certified hitmakers.


Enchanted Kingdom is proud to present a concert that will bring back the golden era of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) “The Four Kings and Queen” on May 7, 2023, at the Enchanting Events Place at 7 p.m.

Under the musical direction of Gerry Matias, "The Four Kings and a Queen" concert is all set to wow the audience with a repertoire of OPM classics from the quartet of certified Hitmakers, plus a good dose of captivating performances from the undisputed Concert Queen Pops Fernandez with her renditions of top favorites and modern pop hits. Gerry Matias is a highly respected musician, composer, and arranger known for his exceptional talent in the music industry.

The concert promises to be a winning live entertainment phenomenon as the artists will perform their classic hits that have become part of the Filipino music culture. Fans can expect to hear Nonoy Zuñiga's "Kumusta Ka," Hajji Alejandro's "Nakapagtataka," Rey Valera's "Maging Sino Ka Man," Marco Sison's "Si Aida, Si Lorna, o Si Fe," and Pops Fernandez's "Don't Say Goodbye" and many more.

Ticket prices are VVIP at P5,000, VIP at P3,750, and General Admission at P2,000. For Concert & Admission to the park, ticket prices are VVIP at P5,700, VIP at P4,450, and General Admission at P2,700. Tickets are now available at Enchanted Kingdom Makati Sales Office, Front Gate ticket booths and online soon https://bit.ly/4Kings1QueenatEK. Fans can also check www.enchantedkingdom.ph and Facebook: enchantedkingdom.ph for more details.

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This May 7, 2023, Enchanted Kingdom and the Four Kings and Queen of OPM invite everyone to join them as they celebrate the beauty and richness of Filipino music. It's a night not to be missed, so grab your tickets now!

For more information, feel free to get in touch with our Magical Guest Relations Office at 09088861271 (+632) 85843535 or (+632) 85844326 to 29 or email at mgrd@enchantedkingdom.ph

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ ends Broadway run after 35 years

By Alicia Powell via Reuters 



Laird Mackintosh, who substituted for Ben Crawford as the Phantom takes a bow after his final performance of the Phantom of the Opera, which closes after 35 years on Broadway, in New York City, U.S., April 16, 2023. (Reuters/Caitlin Ochs)

NEW YORK— Musical “The Phantom of the Opera” ended a record-breaking 35-year Broadway run on Sunday when, amid predictions that the show would one day return, teary-eyed cast members took a final bow alongside its original stars.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber dedicated the final Broadway performance to his son Nicholas, who died of gastric cancer last month.

“In the last few months I don’t think… any of us thought that ‘The Phantom’ would go out quite with the bang it has. And so maybe it may come back, you never know…,” Lloyd Webber told a packed audience from the stage after the show.

“It couldn’t have gone out with a better performance.”

His production, whose closure date was set last year following a sharp drop in ticket sales, is based on a novel by Gaston Leroux.

It was originally directed by Harold Prince and Broadway legends including Michael Crawford, who was the first to play the Phantom, Sarah Brightman and Judy Kaye have taken lead roles.

Set in the 19th century, it tells the story of aspiring opera singer Christine Daae who is taught by the mysterious Phantom to hone her vocal skills. However, things take a dark turn when the Phantom chooses Christine as his muse, and she falls in love with arts benefactor Raoul.

A staple of the Broadway world with nearly 14,000 performances since it debuted there in 1988, the show has won over 70 major awards.

Brightman, who joined cast members on stage on Sunday, described the production as “a very special piece”.

“Being there at its inception, it was written with a huge amount of love and passion and understanding of the human soul, actually. So, I think this is why people are so connected to it,” she told Reuters on the red carpet.

“I think that people will miss it so much that… it will reopen at some point. That’s my instinct about it.”


—Reporting by Alicia Powell; editing by John Stonestreet

Lea Salonga named top Filipino singer of 2023

BY NEIL RAMOS


Internationally-acclaimed singer-actress Lea Salonga topped Singersroom.com’s Top 20 Filipino singers list this year.

The award-winning R&B and urban-pop site praised Lea for her  staying power.

"Salonga's music career spans over three decades, during which she has released several successful albums, including the
chart-topping 'Lea Salonga' and 'By Heart.'

They also cited her “ability to sing in multiple languages, including English, Tagalog, and Japanese.”

"She is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and children's rights,” it added.

“Salonga's talent and impact on the entertainment industry continue to be felt, and she remains a beloved and influential artist around the world."

Second in the list is Regine Velasquez.

regine velasquez.jpg

Said singersroom.com, "She is known for her vocal range, which spans four octaves, and her ability to sing in various genres, including pop, R&B, and rock."

Making it to the number three spot in the list is Gary V.

"He is known for his energetic performances and powerful vocals, which have earned him numerous awards and accolades,” it stated.

gary v.jpg

"In addition to his music career, Valenciano is also a successful actor, television host, and motivational speaker. He is known for his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of health and education.”

Others who made it to the list:

Jed Madela, Apl.de.ap, Sarah Geronimo, Arnel Pineda, Aiza Seguerra, KZ Tandingan and Moira dela Torre.

Also in the Top 20 are Kyla, Kuh Ledesma, Jona Viray, Bella Poarch, Freddie Aguilar, Rachell Anne Go, Sharon Cuneta, Francis Magalona, Bamboo Manalac, and Angeline Quinto.

Sunday, April 16, 2023

The Hollies: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother (2019 Remaster Video)


Recorded on 25 June and 7 August and released on 26 September 1969. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and number 7 on the US Billboard. Song written by Bob Russell and Bobby Scott. Song features Elton John on piano. Be sure to wear headphones or earbuds to fully hear the remastered quality. Allan Clarke (vocals/harmonica) Tony Hicks (vocals/guitar/bass guitar) Terry Sylvester (vocals/guitar) Bernie Calvert (piano/bass guitar) Bobby Elliott (drums/percussion) Elton John (piano) Unknown (orchestral arrangments) Ron Richards (producer)


TREVOR JONES conducts Last of the Mohicans


Composer Trevor Jones conducts his themes from movie  "Last of the Mohicans" (1992), with RTVE Symphony Orchestra - Spain (2006).
This clip remain copyright of their respective owners/publishers and is here for promotional purposes and non profit only.

1959 Ben-Hur theme performed live by the John Wilson Orchestra


The impressive 'prelude' and 'parade of the charioteers' by composer Miklós Rózsa from the 1959 movie Ben-Hur. Wonderfully performed live by the John Wilson Orchestra at the 2013 BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall in London. No better orchestra in the world to do this!

American jazz piano great Ahmad Jamal dead at 92


By Agence France-Presse

Washington: Ahmad Jamal, a towering and influential US jazz pianist, composer and band leader whose career spanned more than seven decades, died at age 92 on Sunday, according to news reports.

Jamal's widow Laura Hess-Hey confirmed his death, The Washington Post reported, while his daughter Sumayah Jamal told The New York Times the cause was prostate cancer. Music news outlets in France and Britain also reported his death.

Jamal was friends with music greats such as Miles Davis, and influenced his work and that of other musicians, including the pianist McCoy Tyner.

Born Frederick Russell Jones in Pittsburgh, Jamal converted to Islam in 1950. He won myriad awards over the course of his career, including France's prestigious Ordre des Arts and des Lettres in 2007 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Jamal was credited with luring a larger pop audience to enjoy jazz.

He was described as lean, with The Post citing his "less-is-more dynamics." One technique he used to great effect was placing silence between notes.

The New Yorker, writing last year to mark the release of some unissued recordings, said that in the 1950s "his musical concept was one of the great innovations of the time, even if its spare, audacious originality was lost on many listeners."

Jamal's commercial breakthrough was a 1958 album entitled "Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing: But Not for Me." It stayed on the Billboard magazine charts for more than 100 weeks. The New York Times said it became one of the best-selling instrumental records of its time.

Dozens more followed in what The Times called "a catalog sprinkled with gems."

In his autobiography, Davis the trumpeter wrote of Jamal: "He knocked me out with his concept of space, his lightness of touch, his understatement, and the way he phrased notes and chords and passages."

In an interview late last year with The Times, Jamal said: "I'm still evolving, whenever I sit down at the piano."

"I still come up with some fresh ideas," he added.