Results for: Classical Music

The BBC Proms, a renowned classical music festival, returns for its 2024 season with a diverse lineup that includes indie-rock star Florence Welch and Grammy-winning singer Sam Smith. Running from July 19 to September 14, the festival will feature over 3,000 musicians in 90 concerts across London’s Royal Albert Hall and various venues throughout the UK. The highlight of the season is the debut performances by Welch and Smith. Welch will perform her Brit Award-winning album ‘Lungs’ with the BBC Concert Orchestra, while Smith will sing their Grammy-winning debut album ‘In The Lonely Hour’ with the BBC Concert Orchestra, marking the record’s 10th anniversary. The BBC Proms 2024 also features a strong emphasis on diversity, with nearly a third of the Proms featuring ethnically diverse soloists or conductors. Female conductors will also take the stage, representing a growing trend in the classical music industry.

Florence + The Machine will make their BBC Proms debut with a special orchestral performance of their debut album ‘Lungs’ at the Royal Albert Hall on September 11, 2024. The concert will mark their only UK date of the year and will feature a celebration of the album’s compelling poetry and music. Tickets go on sale on May 18, ranging from £26 to £80.

Cristian Măcelaru will become the music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, starting in the 2025-26 season. He will succeed Louis Langrée, who will step down at the end of this season after nine years in the role. Măcelaru is currently the music director of the Orchestre National de France and the chief conductor of the WDR Sinfonieorchester in Cologne. He will serve as the music director designate of the Cincinnati Symphony in the 2024-25 season before assuming the full role.

Andrea Bocelli commemorates three decades in the music industry with a grand three-day celebration in his hometown of Lajatico, Italy. The event, named ‘Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration,’ will take place at Tuscany’s Teatro del Silenzio from July 15th to 19th and feature a star-studded lineup of performances. Joining Bocelli on stage will be Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain, Jon Batiste, Russell Crowe, Sofia Vergara, and many more, including classical stars like Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, and Lang Lang.

The Singers of Summerville, a beloved community choral group, are celebrating their 20th anniversary with the appointment of their new artistic director, Ryan Pagels. Pagels, a highly acclaimed conductor, composer, and pianist, brings a wealth of experience to the ensemble. The anniversary concert, titled “Sentimental Journey,” will feature selections from the group’s past 20 years of performances, with former directors Paul Fletcher, Dr. Valerie Bullock, and David Richardson sharing the podium. Pagels plans to introduce new and undiscovered music to the group’s repertoire while maintaining a balance with familiar favorites. The concert will also include a special collaboration with the Palmetto Peace Choir for “Classical Pride Charleston” during Piccolo Spoleto. Founding member Betsy McAmis reflects on the group’s journey and the joy of performing with such a talented ensemble.

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Talcott Mountain Music Festival returns for its five-concert series this summer, featuring tributes to legendary artists, popular music genres, and a patriotic celebration. Held on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. from June 28 through July 26, the festival takes place at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. This year’s lineup includes “Aretha: A Tribute” with Carpathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, the annual “Celebrate America!” concert conducted by Carolyn Kuan, “The Music of the Rolling Stones” featuring Mick Adams, “Landslide: A Tribute to the Music of Fleetwood Mac,” and “Country Hits: Songs From Nashville.” Tickets for the festival go on sale April 29th.

Myleene Klass made a stunning appearance at the Royal Albert Hall for Classic FM Live, presenting a night of iconic classical music. The radio host and presenter wore a figure-hugging silver sequinned gown, slicked-back hair, and peep-toe platform heels. She introduced performances by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Chorus, including pieces like ‘Zadok the Priest’ and ‘By the Beautiful Blue Danube.’ Klass’s career has evolved from her days in the pop band Hear’Say to her current role as a classical music presenter. She recently took her three children to Disneyland Paris.

The Belgian ensemble, Laterna Magica, led by Nathalie Houtman and Laura Pok, performed a vibrant mix of Western classical music spanning multiple centuries and styles at the Alliance Francaise in collaboration with Pondicherry Flute Ensemble. The woodwind arrangement captured the nuances and diversity of the orchestra, recreating movements from Thoinot Arbeau to Astor Pantaleón Piazzolla. The ensemble’s repertoire included Renaissance dances, Baroque chaconnes, and 20th-century Hungarian and Argentinian compositions.