THE MAGAZINE
Ask Elaina: Efficient Music Practice and Tips on Concert Wear
How do young musicians practice smarter — and dress for the stage without distraction? In this practical Q&A, Boston Conservatory cellist Elaina Spiro shares her method for turning lessons into focused, efficient practice. From recording strategies to cultivating positive self-talk, her approach puts the mind at the centre of musical growth. She also breaks down the often-overlooked art of concert wear — thoughtfully, honestly, and with performer-tested insight, exclusively for TWoA.
Happy Birthday, Sergei Rachmaninov!
On the 175th anniversary of his birth, we celebrate Sergei Rachmaninov, one of classical music’s greatest pianists and late-Romantic composers. From early brilliance and personal tragedy to exile and timeless melodies, his life shaped some of the most emotionally powerful music ever written.
‘What is Naatu?’ Indian Film Song Hit Wins an Oscar
When Naatu Naatu from RRR won the Oscar, it marked a first for Indian cinema. TWoA explores the song’s cultural power, political echoes, and global appeal.
John Williams: May the Force be With You!
From Star Wars to Schindler’s List, John Williams has shaped how cinema sounds and feels. This TWoA article reveals how just two notes, operatic thinking, and emotional restraint turned his scores into modern classics.
Hearing Climate Change: The Sound of Disappearing Notes
What does biodiversity loss sound like? By altering Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture note by note, a composer and an economist turn climate data into music—revealing how the silencing of nature can finally be heard.
Violinist Amelia Febles Díaz: Classical Music in Cuba
Cuba is world-famous for its rhythms, but its classical music tradition is just as rich. Cuban violinist Amelia Febles Díaz reflects on growing up in Cuba’s rigorous music schools, blending Mozart with mambo, and why reconnecting with her own musical roots ultimately made her a stronger artist.
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
From Balmoral Castle to the sound of bagpipes at dawn, Queen Elizabeth II’s love of Scotland was deeply felt. This piece reflects on duty, tradition, and music as part of her everyday life.
Promming in London
Fancy classical music in the most relaxed setting imaginable? Our TWoA guide explores promming at the BBC Proms—from standing tickets to blankets, books, and unforgettable performances.
Piece of the Month: Jules Massenet, Méditation from Thaïs
Composed in 1894, Massenet’s Méditation from Thaïs is a slow, spiritual violin solo. In this piece for TWoA, Lina Ezrahi explores why it continues to soothe and inspire. Read on for more.
Antonio Vivaldi: Il Prete Rosso ‘The Red Priest’
Venice was once known as the “Republic of Music.” In this article, TWoA explores how Antonio Vivaldi, orphaned girls, and superstar singers shaped the city’s musical legacy. Read on to learn more.