Thursday, May 18, 2023

Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin


Catherine, Princess of Wales plays piano in incredible surprise cameo at Eurovision


Catherine, Princess of Wales plays piano in the Crimson Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, for the opening sequence of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final.
Catherine, Princess of Wales plays piano in the Crimson Drawing Room of Windsor Castle, for the opening sequence of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final. Picture: Alex Bramall
Classic FM

By Classic FM

Catherine, Princess of Wales, stunned Eurovision viewers with a surprise cameo appearance playing piano as the song competition finale began.

As is tradition, the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 opened with a ‘flag parade’, as performers from the 26 competing countries assembled in the UK’s Liverpool Arena, to a soundtrack of musical performances.

Amongst them: a surprise piano performance from Catherine, Princess of Wales.

This year’s theme was a celebration of Ukraine, as Liverpool hosted the event on behalf of the country since the ongoing Russian invasion made it impossible for last year’s Eurovision winners to do so.

Read more: Catherine, Princess of Wales is a former pianist with a solid grade 5 music theory

Kalush Orchestra - Voices of a New Generation | Grand Final | Eurovision 2023 #UnitedByMusic 🇺🇦🇬🇧

The performance kicked off with 2022 Eurovision winners, Kalush Orchestra, performing ‘Voices of a New Generation’.

The performance blended their winning song ‘Stefania’ with string quartet, a guitar-shredding solo by 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder atop the city’s Royal Liver Building, a ballet performance, and piano cameos from the Princess of Wales and Andrew Lloyd Webber.


Wearing a royal blue dress in a subtle nod to the Ukrainian flag, the Princess of Wales played a short segment on the piano against the rich, red backdrop of Windsor Castle’s Crimson Drawing Room. 

The opening segment also featured a piano performance by the great British composer and musical theatre legend, Andrew Lloyd Webber.


Following the broadcast on Saturday 13 May, the Kalush Orchestra released a statement thanking the Princess of Wales for joining their performance.

They also extended an invitation for her to join them on a future tour: “We would definitely like to invite her to tour with us if she would like to pursue a new career in a hip-hop folk band?!”  he Princess of Wales’ first public piano appearance was on Christmas Eve in 2021, when she accompanied singer-songwriter Tom Walker in ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’ at Westminster Abbey, dedicating the performance to the ‘unsung heroes’ of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Princess learned piano as a young girl, taking lessons with Daniel Nicholls between the ages of 10 and 13. She is also known to have achieved Grade 5 in singing and music theory, having reportedly been deputy head chorister in her chapel choir, as well as having played flute in a chamber orchestra and flute choir, alongside her sister Pippa.

An epic ‘Nessun Dorma’ that leaves a Royal Albert Hall audience in awe

By Kyle Macdonald

One of the great singers of our time, brings Puccini’s timeless opera masterpiece to an iconic concert hall. It’s a performance not many will ever forget.

“Vincerò!” or “I will win!” – it’s the famous and always moving climax to the aria from Puccini’s opera Turandot.

The aria is one of those very special moments of music that has gripped and enchanted millions over the years. It found truly global fame in the 1990s thanks to Luciano Pavarotti, Italia 90, and Three Tenors CDs that were on virtually everyone’s shelf.

Its drama and power, combined with that enduring public appeal makes it a natural show-stopper in live performances.

And so it was on this night, before 5,000 people at London’s Royal Albert Hall, during an opera-themed Classic FM Live with Viking.

But there’s always more than just those high notes at the very end of the aria. And on that night, there was a singer perfectly matched to reveal every glorious, moving moment of ‘Nessun Dorma’. Watch above.


Michael Spyres at Classic FM Live
Michael Spyres at Classic FM Live. Picture: Classic FM

Michael Spyres is an American opera singer. He’s rare for the fact that he can sing in both baritone and tenor voice types. His range spans from the rich and resonant baritone register, up to the highest notes of most agile Bel Canto tenor. Alongside the Puccini, he also gave us a Rossini baritone aria that night.

It’s one of the reasons why this performance was so special. 

Michael Spyres and conductor Paul Daniel at Classic FM Live with Viking
Michael Spyres and conductor Paul Daniel at Classic FM Live with Viking. Picture: Matt Crossick

Puccini sets the scene with hushed orchestra, on this occasion it played by English National Opera and conductor Paul Daniel. The singer then enters, pleading ‘Nessun dorma’ – first in the middle of his register, and then low. Then that powerful lyricism starts. This is all perfect territory for Spyres to show off that sonority and voice.

From these opening cries, to the final ‘Vincerò!’ on that winning high B, it’s a journey like few others in music. Spyres held that hall in rapt silence, before everyone erupted. ‘Nessun dorma’ does it every time.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond 1990 Live Video


Heart - Stairway to Heaven (Live at Kennedy Center Honors) [FULL VERSION]


Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Philippine historical musical 'Klasical' to happen in Makati this June

Klasical is a musical of Philippine history featuring “Tribu” and is produced to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.


Ephesus Teatron Group Inc., after a three-year hiatus, will return to the stage with their first major live musical concert, “Klasical.” The concert will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at the OnStage Theatre in Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

Klasical is a musical of Philippine history featuring “Tribu” and is produced to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Featured artists are Sweet Samaniego (also the director of show), Marga Roco, Terence Guillermo, Onyl Torres and Nazer Salcedo.

Marga Roco.jpg
Magro Roco

Special guests are Pinky Marquez, Miguel Braganza and Gala Dance Company.

KLASICAL is a repertoire of traditional classical Filipino music with improvements on instruments, symphony, melody, harmony, orchestra, and vocal that make up a combination of traditional local and Western music. The inspiration of this collection is to preserve national culture in these traditional Filipino songs and to achieve renewed vigor by means of upgrading sound to be appreciated across generations.

Nazer Salcedo.jpg
Nazer Salcedo

Filipino music has grown from its grassroots origin of a highly emotional and romantic love song into a highly developed piece of art with a universal appeal. Even if you don't understand a single word, you'll likely find classical Philippine music to be a great way to relax and enjoy this unique style of Filipino culture.

“Klasical” is a repertoire of unforgettable kundiman songs such as Ako’y Kampupot, Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog, Bituing Marikit, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Folksong Medley, Kalesa , Ay, Ay, Ay, O Pag ibig, Katakataka.

Onyl Torres.jpg
Onyl Torres

It is a musical show about love, heartbreak, Filipino culture of courtship and serenade, passion, and poetic expression of love for country and history. Included in this rich collection are a few arias and opera pieces like O Mio Babbino Caro, Canto Patriotico De Maria Clara, and others.

Terence Guillermo.jpg
Terrence Guillermo

All these songs and themes that transcend time and place will be carried out by Tribu’s immense talent and their unwavering commitment to musical excellence. Listeners can expect an updated and well-arranged musical score by one of the most sought-after musical directors, Pifo Cifra.

FB_IMG_1684076485119.jpg

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.

Sunday, May 14, 2023