THE MAGAZINE
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.
Five Facts about Alexei Ratmansky’s New Ballet ‘Tchaikovsky Overtures’
Why does Alexei Ratmansky’s new ballet feel like three full productions in one night? Drawing on Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Shakespearean overtures, Tchaikovsky Overtures transforms Hamlet, The Tempest, and Romeo and Juliet into a richly layered choreographic meditation on emotion, memory, and movement.
A Cosy Christmas Day
Baking, Christmas music, favourite films, and quiet winter rituals—this cosy guide is all about slowing down and enjoying the small joys that make Christmas feel truly magical. Read on for more.
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.
Mayerling: The Tragedy of Crown Prince Rudolf
Dark, obsessive, and psychologically intense, Mayerling remains one of the most disturbing ballets in the repertory. This article explores how Kenneth MacMillan transformed a real imperial tragedy into a gripping modern classic—and why it still shocks audiences today.
Interview: Principal Dancer Julian MacKay, Bayerisches Staatsballett
From Montana to Moscow and now Munich, Julian MacKay speaks candidly about training at the Bolshoi, performing with the Mikhailovsky Theatre, navigating global ballet politics, and finding his artistic home at the Bayerisches Staatsballett.
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.
Gift Guide for Artsy Teens
Looking for thoughtful gifts for creative teens? From music and ballet essentials to art supplies with personality, this gift guide rounds up inspiring ideas for artsy minds — perfect for wish lists, stocking fillers, and last-minute finds.
Magdalena Abakanowicz: Every Tangle of Thread and Rope
At Tate Modern, the monumental woven worlds of Magdalena Abakanowicz unfold as environments rather than objects. From towering Abakans to organic, breathing forms, this exhibition invites us to reflect on humanity’s fragile relationship with nature, history, and the collective body.
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.
The Five Moons: Legendary Native American Ballerinas
In celebration of Native American Heritage Day, TWoA pays tribute to five Native American ballerinas who shaped American and French ballet: Maria Tallchief, Marjorie Tallchief, Rosella Hightower, Yvonne Chouteau, and Moscelyne Larkin—the legendary Five Moons whose legacy still shapes ballet today.
Anonymous Artist on Secret Mission: Banksy in Ukraine
Mysterious graffiti surfaced in bombed-out Ukrainian towns—and speculation quickly followed. When Banksy confirmed the works, the murals became powerful symbols of resistance, humour, and hope rising from the ruins.
Winter Fashion
Oversized coats, cosy layers, and festive party looks—winter fashion is all about comfort with a touch of magic. From everyday staples to holiday outfits, discover how to dress for the season the TWoA way.
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.
World Ballet Day 2022 Highlight: Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
From ballet to Tai Chi and Qi Gong, World Ballet Day 2022 offered a rare glimpse into how Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan trains body, breath, and mind—revealing why global dance looks far beyond the classical canon.
Goodbye October – Hello November!
From ballerina flats to oversized coats, November fashion is all about comfort, nostalgia, and layering done right. Discover the fall trends worth wearing—and why they fit perfectly into the TWoA world. 🍂