THE MAGAZINE
Elaina Spiro, Cello Student at Boston Conservatory: Everyone Has a Different Path!
Elaina Spiro is a young cellist studying with Professor Rhonda Rider at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She is in her third year of her undergraduate studies. TWoA talked to Elaina about her life in music and her unconventional path to Boston Conservatory.
Springtime in Art
It’s spring! We have three beautiful paintings to visualize one of the most important parts of spring: new life! You will also find out some interesting facts about the painter Rosa Bonheur, France’s most successful 19th century female artist, a great animal painter who defied the gender norms of her times.
Ask Elaina: Efficient Music Practice and Tips on Concert Wear
Elaina Spiro is a third-year cello student at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She has some great advice on efficient music practice and concert wear.
Wayne McGregor: Woolf Works
The Royal Ballet’s ballet triptych Woolf Works is nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece: based on several novels by Virginia Woolf, and with choreography by Wayne McGregor and music by Max Richter, the programme is destined to be exceptional.
In Honour of April Fools’ Day: The Ultimate Art Prank
It’s April Fools’ Day! But there are prankster who don’t need any excuses to pull practical jokes. The street artist Banksy certainly doesn’t. In October 2018, he masterminded one of the most notorious art pranks in recent history. Read on if you are ready for a surprise!
Happy Birthday, Sergei Rachmaninov!
175 years ago, on 1 April 1873, Russian composer and piano virtuoso Sergei Rachmaninov was born on an estate in the Russian countryside. Rachmaninov was one of the first international classical music stars. Read on to find out about his love for figure skating, vacuum cleaners, and his bouts of depression.
Ballet with Isabella: ‘I Really Fell in Love with Helping People!’
Isabella McGuire Mayes runs “Ballet with Isabella,” a brilliant ballet coaching website, and also hosts the podcast “A Dancer’s Mindset.” Isabella shares her thoughts about current practices in ballet training and her vision for the future with TWoA.
Isabella McGuire Mayes: Life Lessons from Great Teachers
Isabella McGuire Mayes is a woman with a vision: she wants to help people reach their potential by coaching their bodies and minds. Isabella runs “Ballet with Isabella,” a brilliant ballet coaching website, and also hosts “A Dancer’s Mindset,” an inspiring mindset podcast for dancers and anyone in the arts. TWoA talked to Isabella about her switch from dancing to teaching, and about the great life lessons she learned from her favourite teachers.
He’s a Scream! The Night the Art World Met Edvard Munch
Ever been told by the art scene that you have destroyed art forever? This was the experience of Edvard Munch, the late-19th century Norwegian Expressionist artist, and the exhibition that made him famous.
‘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.