THE MAGAZINE
‘What is Naatu?’ Indian Film Song Hit Wins an Oscar
On 12 March 2023, the song “Naatu Naatu” from the Indian action drama RRR became the first song from an Indian film to win an Oscar. Read on to find out more about the global dance hit that has gone viral on social media.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Are you curious about experiencing David Hockney’s art in a totally new way? Hockney just collaborated with Lightroom on a new show, “David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away).” Lightroom is a vast, innovative show space that just opened in London. The show will be on until 4th June 2023.
Nick Cave: Forothermore (Guggenheim Museum, New York, until 10 April 2023)
Nick Cave is a Chicago-based American artist and educator who works between the visual and performing arts and fashion. Much of his art is about being Black in America. Nick Cave: Forothermore is a survey exhibition covering the artist’s entire career. The exhibition includes his magical Soundsuits.
The Power of Dance: P. Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. One year later, there is no end to the fighting in sight. There are moments when music and dance can express more than words. To get a sense of the Ukrainian spirit, watch this rare rehearsal video of the P. Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble. The ensemble continues to perform in Ukraine: it is now preparing for its big spring concert performance in Kyiv on 24 March 2023.
Luca Branca’s Prix de Lausanne Diary: Part II
One year ago, young dancer and choreographer Luca Branca won the Young Creation Award at the Prix de Lausanne. This year, Luca went back to Lausanne to coach his work to young competitors from all over the world. Read part II of his Prix de Lausanne diary to find out more!
John Williams: May the Force be With You!
What do Star Wars, E. T., Indiana Jones, Home Alone, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List and Harry Potter have in common? American composer John Williams composed their iconic film scores! On 8 February 2023, one of the greatest composers in the history of cinema turned ninety-one. Read on to learn some curious facts about some of his best loved film scores.
Escape the February Blues!
Are you feeling the February blues? If you are looking for a quick mental escape: how about diving into the paintings below and imagining that you are a part of the scene?
Luca Branca’s Prix de Lausanne Diary: Part I
One year ago, young dancer and choreographer Luca Branca won the Young Creation Award at the Prix de Lausanne. Luca is now back in Lausanne to coach his work to young competitors from all over the world. TWoA asked Luca to keep a voice diary as the competition unfolds, sharing his excitement about being back at Lausanne.
Milan’s List: Graphic Novels
Looking for a good graphic novel to immerse yourself in? TWoA asked graphic artist Milan Hulsing for a few recommendations.
Hearing Climate Change: The Sound of Disappearing Notes
Climate change is one of the main issues facing humanity, but it can be difficult to fully grasp what scientific terms such as “biodiversity loss” really mean. Art can play an important role in translating scientific facts into stories that touch peoples’ hearts. A powerful example: “Hebrides Redacted,” a collaboration between Cambridge economist Dr. Matthew Agarwala and composer and conductor Ewan Campbell.
The Batsheva Dance Company: “MOMO has Two Souls”
The Batsheva Dance Company is currently presenting its new work MOMO in Tel Aviv and on other Israeli stages. In March and April, the company will take the piece on tour to France and Switzerland. Collaborating with the company’s dancers and Ariel Cohen, Batsheva’s house choreographer Ohad Naharin has created another masterpiece. Read on for more.
Making Modernism: Trailblazing Female Artists at London’s Royal Academy of Arts
Paula Modersohn-Becker, Käthe Kollwitz, Gabriele Münter und Marianne Werefkin were instrumental in shaping modernism, but outside of Germany, they are still less known than their male colleagues. London’s Royal Academy of Arts is now devoting an exhibition to these four exceptional women. The exhibition is on until 12 February 2023. Read on for some key facts about these four women.
5 Things to Know about Bronislava Nijinska
On 8 January 1891, Bronislava Nijinska was born in Minsk, then part of the Russian Empire. A ballet dancer for the Ballets Russes, she was one of the most illustrious ballet choreographers in the twentieth century. Best known for her ballets Les Biches and Les Noces, here are some interesting facts about Nijinska.
Pigs for the New Year
Wishing you pigs for the New Year! Read on to find out why.
Violinist Amelia Febles Díaz: Classical Music in Cuba
Amelia Febles Díaz is a young Cuban violinist. TWoA talked to Amelia about her classical music training in Cuba and about “Mozart y Mambo,” an inspiring project created by French horn player Sarah Willis of the Berlin Philharmonic that brings together Mozart and Cuban dances.
Five Facts about Alexei Ratmansky’s New Ballet ‘Tchaikovsky Overtures’
On 23 December 2022, Alexei Ratmansky’s latest ballet Tchaikovsky Overtures premiered at the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. Read on to find out more!
A Cosy Christmas Day
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” and that is exactly what we are going to discuss today! This article is going to be all about enjoying the simple joys of life and living it at your best! I will share with you my favourite Christmas music, movies and activities, so let’s dive in!
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.