Interview with Dr Sarah Price Now more than ever arts organisations are searching for ways and means to begin to re-engage their audiences they once had before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Dr Sarah Price is an academic researcher, currently at The University of Sheffield, who focuses her invaluable research on Read more…
Florence Price: Dances in the Canebrakes Context Born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1887, Florence Beatrice Smith Price received early musical training from her mother. Price went to study at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1906 with a Soloist’s Diploma in Organ Performance, and a Teacher’s Read more…
Albéric Magnard: Hymne à Vénus Context Although now relatively unknown in modern programming, Albéric Magnard’s collection of works reflects the impressionistic and highly romantic stylings of turn-of-the-century French classical music. His expansive orchestral works, rich with harmony and textures, highlights his time studying under Vincent d’Indy and Jules Massenet whilst Read more…
Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor Context Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor is a thrilling three-movement work that has become a staple piece for violinists all around the world. In the midst of the ‘changeover’ between classicism and romanticism, this work sees Mendelssohn at his best, writing with Read more…
Adolphus Hailstork: Three Spirituals for Orchestra Context Born in Rochester, New York in 1941, Adolphus Hailstork is one of the leading composers in the USA. He received his composition doctorate from Michigan State University, where he studied under Owen Reed. As well as studying at MSU, Hailstork also studied at the Read more…
John McCabe: Cloudcatcher Fells Context Commissioned by Boosey and Hawkes in 1985, John McCabe’s Cloudcatcher Fells was used as the test piece for the National Brass Band Championship in the same year. Set into four continuous movements, McCabe was inspired by David Wright’s 1977 poem Cockermouth, which the composer came Read more…
Arthur Bliss: A Colour Symphony Context Although thoroughly represented on records from the 20th Century, Arthur Bliss’ works are seldom performed outside of the United Kingdom in the 21st Century. As a composer who took influence from composers such as Elgar, Stravinksy, Ravel, and Vaughan Williams, Bliss’ compositional style is quintessentially Read more…
Florence Price: The Oak Context Born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1887, Florence Beatrice Smith Price received early musical training from her mother. Price went to study at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1906 with a Soloist’s Diploma in Organ Performance, and a Teacher’s Diploma in Read more…
Leonard Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Context Leonard Bernstein was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on August 25th, 1918. The son of Ukrainian Jewish parents, Bernstein’s interest in music education was initially opposed by his father, who was a businessman in the area. His father’s attitude began to change Read more…
How To Go About Learning An Instrument Are you wanting to learn a new life skill? Then picking up a musical instrument can be a very fulfilling way to do so. These 5 tips will help you get started and reach your goal! Source: https://www.pexels.com/ Learning an instrument Read more…