Get Smarter on Arts
& Culture

Q&A | 6 Questions for Alexander Shelley

By Lev Bratishenko on February 23, 2015

Interview with Alexander Shelley, announced as NAC Orchestra Music Designate in October 2013.

COFFEE BREAK | Lady Gaga Sings Sound of Music and Nails It.

By Michael Vincent on February 23, 2015

Since Sunday night’s 87th Academy Awards, many have been critical of the nights many snubs, and lack-thereofs. But one thing stuck out – and her name was Lady Gaga...

THE SCOOP | Massey Hall Launches Phase 1 of Revitalisation Project

By Michael Vincent on February 23, 2015

Today the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall announced the launch of Phase 1 of its seven-year Massey Hall Revitalization project. The rebirth of one of Canada's flagship arts venues will be completed in two phases, and will cost a total of $135M...

THE CLASSICAL TRAVELER | Van Zweden Conducts Spectacular Ein Heldenleben

By Paul E. Robinson on February 22, 2015

The most memorable performance of Ein Heldenleben I ever heard was in Washington, D.C. January 24, 1965 with Herbert von Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic in a glorious performance. There was an extra-musical dimension to this performance which made it that much more special; Winston Churchill had passed away that morning and Karajan dedicated the performance to his memory. If ever a man had lived a hero’s life, Winston Churchill was surely that man, and watching a German conductor like Karajan, a one-time member of the Nazi party pay tribute to him with this piece engendered in me thoughts and emotions that would last a lifetime...

COFFEE BREAK | Fruit or Composer - the Quiz

By Michael Vincent on February 20, 2015

Do you know your Zucchini from your Zorn? Find out with our fun new quiz and test your knowledge.

CONCERT REVIEW | Three Out of Five Ain't Bad

By Arthur Kaptainis on February 19, 2015

New Works from East and West was the well-travelled theme of the New Music Concert Saturday at the Betty Oliphant Theatre. You could certainly tell them apart without a program, even if there were some instances of what sounded like cross-hemispheric dialogue...

ULTIMATE MAVERICK | Interview with Composer John Luther Adams: Video

By Ludwig Van on February 19, 2015

CLASSICAL LEXICON | Register

By Ludwig Van on February 19, 2015

Register | Noun | \ˈre-jə-stər\ | The range of a human voice or a musical instrument. A higher register indicates a higher pitch. For example: a soprano sings in a higher register than a tenor...

CRITIC’S PICKS | Seven Musical Outings You Absolutely Must Do This Week

By Michael Vincent on February 18, 2015

FEATURE | David Lang: Whispering Secrets of the Internet Age

By Tyler Versluis on February 18, 2015

From his irreverent early work with Bang on a Can in the late 1980’s, to his more recent appointment as professor of composition at Yale University, David Lang juggles a dual role as an iconoclast and respected new music figure...