THE MAGAZINE
Interview: Mezzo-Soprano Nina Vinther on Female Power, Sustainability and the Magic of Stories
Nina Vinther is a mezzo-soprano pursuing a Master of Music in vocal performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. While still a student at Cambridge, Nina became the first female choral scholar with St. John’s College Choir. TWoA talked to Nina about music at Cambridge, feminism, sustainability and the power of art to translate facts into stories.
In Conversation with Julian MacKay: Social Media and the Arts
The use of social media in the arts can be a blessing, but there are many things to avoid to make sure that it doesn’t turn into a curse. TWoA talked to principal dancer Julian MacKay about social media and the arts: Julian and his brother Nicholas run MacKay Productions, a production company that, among other projects, supports dancers and institutions with their social media presence.
Mayerling: The Tragedy of Crown Prince Rudolf
This year, the Royal Ballet performed Mayerling to open its 2022/23 season to honour Kenneth MacMillan, one of its formative choreographers who died thirty years ago. Set in 19th century Austria, the ballet depicts the tragic fate of Crown Prince Rudolf. The role of Prince Rudolf poses a unique challenge for the male dancer, comparable to the role of ‘Hamlet’ for actors.
Interview: Principal Dancer Julian MacKay, Bayerisches Staatsballett
Julian MacKay is a fountain of energy and ideas. The young principal dancer is still in his early twenties, but while building an international career, he already finished a bachelor’s degree and founded a production company together with his brother Nicholas. TWoA talked to Julian about his artistic journey from Montana to Moscow, London, St. Petersburg, San Francisco and Munich.
Soprano Chen Reiss’s Top 5 Seasonal Music Pieces
Soprano Chen Reiss is at home on the big stages of this world. She has performed leading parts at the Vienna State Opera, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Teatro alla Scala, Deutsche Oper Berlin and many others. Born in Israel, she has been based in Europe for many years. TWoA asked her for her top five seasonal pieces.
Julian MacKay: Advice for Young Dancers and Musicians - “Embrace Uncertainty!”
Julian MacKay is a principal ballet dancer, but the worlds of classical dance and classical music have a lot in common. Based on his own experience, Julian shares his tips on how to navigate your way to the top.
Gift Guide for Artsy Teens
It’s time to do some holiday shopping! Here are some ideas for friends, family or your wish list. And remember, don’t feel restricted by categories!
Magdalena Abakanowicz: Every Tangle of Thread and Rope
London’s Tate Modern hosts a beautiful vision of harmony wrapped in ropes and threads, as Magdalena Abakanowicz’s exhibition provides an overview of her amazing career. Born in Poland in 1930, Abakanowicz’s work invites the viewer to consider humanity and its harmony with earth.
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.
The Five Moons: Legendary Native American Ballerinas
In celebration of Native American Heritage Day, TWoA is paying tribute to five Native American ballerinas who shaped the history of American and French ballet: Maria Tallchief, her sister Marjorie Tallchief, Rosella Hightower, Yvonne Chouteau and Moscelyne Larkin.
Anonymous Artist on Secret Mission: Banksy in Ukraine
First, there was a discovery: several graffiti appeared seemingly out of nowhere in a bombed-out small town outside of Kyiv (Ukraine). Then, there was speculation: could the graffiti be the work of Banksy, the celebrated, but secretive graffiti artist whose identity remains unconfirmed?
Winter Fashion
It’s almost December! It’s almost the most magical time of the year! And so, we need to match ourselves to this season, with winter fashion! We will not just talk about daily fashion, but also about holiday fashion and fancy outfits for parties, concerts and performances!
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.”
World Ballet Day 2022 Highlight: Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
On 2 November 2022, dance lovers could once again look forward to free live streams from over fifty ballet companies across six continents. TWoA’s highlight: Taiwan’s Cloud Gate Dance Theatre in a company class combining Tai Chi Daoyin and internal martial arts.
Goodbye October – Hello November!
Dear readers, it’s already November, but we’re still holding on to fall. To those fashion admirers out there, here are some fall fashion trends for this year.
Halloween: New York’s School of American Ballet votes for the Spookiest Ballet
While kids all over the world were planning their costumes for trick-or-treating, students at the School of American Ballet (SAB) were planning their costumes for the annual Halloween Open House. SAB also asked its staff: what is the spookiest ballet? The clear winner: George Balanchine’s one-act ballet La Valse.
“What Is Worth More: Art or Life?”
London’s National Gallery houses one of the most important art collections in the world. But on 14 October, visitors to room 43 got more than they bargained for: two climate activists threw tomato soup at Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting “Sunflowers.”
Sweet Teeth for Halloween
Halloween is around the corner and it’s time to start the baking. Baking, you ask? What for? Well, for a party maybe, or just to enjoy some holiday food! I have an idea for you: make some teeth! While you bake, you can listen to Louis Armstrong’s “The Skeleton in the Closet” to get you in the mood!