THE MAGAZINE
Interview: Mezzo-Soprano Nina Vinther on Female Power, Sustainability and the Magic of Stories
How can music help change the world? In a conversation with TWoA, Nina Vinther reflects on female representation, sustainable artistry, and the magic of storytelling—revealing how culture can turn facts into action.
In Conversation with Julian MacKay: Social Media and the Arts
Is social media helping or harming young artists? In this conversation, Julian MacKay reflects on branding, visibility, and responsibility in the digital age—revealing why respect, quality, and restraint matter as much online as they do on stage.
Soprano Chen Reiss’s Top 5 Seasonal Music Pieces
From Bach’s radiant Christmas Oratorio to Handel, Tchaikovsky, and even Bing Crosby, international soprano Chen Reiss reveals her five favourite seasonal pieces—music that captures the joy, reflection, and warmth of the festive season.
Julian MacKay: Advice for Young Dancers and Musicians - “Embrace Uncertainty!”
Training for a career in dance or music means living with doubt, competition, and constant change. Principal dancer Julian MacKay reflects on finding the right environment, building resilience, and why uncertainty isn’t a weakness—but a vital part of becoming an artist.
Chineke! Orchestra’s Betania Johnny (19, violinist): Expand the Picture!
Violinist Betania Johnny has grown up alongside the groundbreaking Chineke! Foundation, helping to redefine who classical music is for. In this TWoA interview, she reflects on practice, purpose, and why expanding the repertoire—and the picture—matters more than ever.
Betania Recommends: Composers
Looking to expand your classical music repertoire? In this TWoA guide, violinist Betania Johnny highlights powerful works by George Walker, William Dawson, Florence Price, and Jessie Montgomery—four composers reshaping how we listen today. Discover why their music deserves a place on your playlist.
BBC Young Musician 2022: Percussionist Jordan Ashman
At just 18, Jordan Ashman became only the third percussionist to win BBC Young Musician. From DIY instruments to redefining what percussion can be, this interview reveals what it really takes to stand out—and why percussion is anything but background noise.
Water Percussion
What if water could sing? In Water Concerto for Water Percussion and Orchestra, Tan Dun pushes percussion beyond drums and skins—revealing how even the most unlikely material can become music.
October: Piece of the Month
October has a soundtrack of its own. In Autumn from The Four Seasons, Antonio Vivaldi captures harvest celebrations, dancing peasants, and the rhythms of the season. Discover the story—and the poem—behind the music.
Shervin Hajipour: Anthem of Protest
In the wake of Iran’s protests, a song became a rallying cry. Iranian musician Shervin Hajipour transformed thousands of voices into Baraye—a haunting anthem of resistance, hope, and the cost of speaking out.
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).