THE MAGAZINE
Chineke! Orchestra’s Betania Johnny (19, violinist): Expand the Picture!
Betania Johnny is a young violinist, a student at London’s prestigious Royal College of Music and a member of Chineke!, Europe’s first orchestra for black and ethnically diverse classical musicians. TWoA talked to Betania about her musical journey and about Chineke!’s ground-breaking achievements in its seven years of existence.
Betania Recommends: Composers
In recent years, there has been a gradual widening of the classical music repertoire to include works by composers previously overlooked because of their race or gender. Curious to expand your own musical horizon? Here are some composers whom you might not have heard of before.
BBC Young Musician 2022: Percussionist Jordan Ashman
TWoA talked to 18-year-old percussionist Jordan Ashman, winner of the prestigious BBC Young Musician (2022) competition.
Water Percussion
Water is not what comes to your mind when you think of percussion? Think again – anything, really anything can be used for percussion. Still need convincing? Listen to a short excerpt from Tan Dun’s “Water Concerto for Water Percussion and Orchestra.”
October: Piece of the Month
Music is life in tunes and rhythms. Music captures life, seasons and feelings. And October has a piece of its own: “Autumn” by Antonio Vivaldi, a part of the Four Seasons violin concerti. There is one surprising fact about the piece that you might not know.
Shervin Hajipour: Anthem of Protest
On 28 September, the Iranian singer Shervin Hajipour posted a song on his Instagram account: “You wrote this poem. May it ease all your pain.” Hajipour had composed a musical response to an outpour of protest following the death of 22-year-old Masha (Jina) Amini, who had been arrested by the Iranian morality police. The video went viral. Next, Hajipour himself was arrested.
In Memory of Queen Elizabeth II
On 8 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Queen Elizabeth performed the role destiny had given her with unwavering dedication, determined to take her final bow only with the final curtain. The Queen loved Scotland - and Scottish music. She even had her own piper, the Queen’s Piper, who played the bagpipes for her every morning.
Promming in London
Fancy some classical music in the ultimate relaxed setting? Excited about the idea of bringing a picknick blanket, a pillow, maybe even a book and to listen to some of the world’s most exciting classical musicians in one of the world’s most famous concert halls? Then try to go promming at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Piece of the Month: Jules Massenet, Méditation from Thaïs
For this month, I have chosen a really great, strong and powerful piece! I’m sure you’re wondering what it is, sooooooo. . . . . . (I really need drums right now): Méditation from the opera Thaïs by the amazing composer Jules Massenet.
Antonio Vivaldi: Il Prete Rosso ‘The Red Priest’
Venice is not just famous for its canals, architecture and artists. The floating city also played a crucial role in the development of classical music. It was once even called the “Republic of Music.” Its most famous composer was arguably Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741).