Tiffany Poon - Beethoven "Waldstein" 1st movement






Tiffany Poon, age 14, displayed a remarkable ability for the piano early in her life. Her performance repertoire includes major works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, Chopin, Debussy, Schubert, Schumann, and Ravel, and she is capable of performing solo recitals and full orchestral piano concertos.

Born in Hong Kong and currently residing in the United States, Tiffany is maturing into an emerging artist of the future.http://tiffpoon.com/wordpress/

photo: Beth Krieger

Brief Applause: From the Top




Music is powerful stuff! That's the belief of thousands of talented teens from across the country, who prove the power of classical music, each week on the NPR program From the Top. From the Top travels the 50 states to discover and spotlight some of our nation's best and brightest teenage musicians. Recently, host Christopher O'Riley and the rest of the show's crew came to Northeast Ohio, to record their classical variety program, inside the Cleveland Institute of Music's new Mixon Hall. We sent our ideastream cameras out to capture what it's like to get From the Top... to the stage!



About From the Top

From the Top is the preeminent showcase for America's best young musicians. Through award-winning NPR and PBS programs, online media, a national tour of live events, and education programs, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians with millions each week. Each program provides a compelling and entertaining window into the world of a diverse group of young people, who pursue life with passion, determination, and joy.

Learn more at http://www.fromthetop.org

The composer of the famous Moonlight Sonata is...

Beethoven! Beethoven composed the famous Moonlight Sonata in 1801, and dedicated it to Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, one of his pupils. Shortly after their first few lessons, the two fell in love. After dedicating the "Moonlight" Sonata, it is believed that Beethoven proposed to her. Although she was willing to accept Beethoven’s proposal, forbiddance by one of her parents prevented her from marrying him. Learn more about the Moonlight Sonata.

Who composed the famous Moonlight Sonata?

The original title of the sonata is “Quasi una fantasia” (Italian, meaning "almost a fantasy"). The popular title of the "Moonlight" Sonata actually didn’t come about until several years after the composer's death.

Check tomorrow's post for the answer.



by , About.com Guide

Vote for the Gramophone Artist of the Year 2011!

Who would you like to see win?

Gramophone’s critics have already been engaged for some months in the rigorous judging process by which these prestigious classical prizes are allotted – and which this year are being presented in association with Steinway & Sons. But, as tradition dictates, one of the highest-profile awards – Artist of the Year – is decided not by our reviewers but by you. Previous winners have included violinist Julia Fischer, The Sixteen and, last year's winner, mezzo Joyce DiDonato – each one rewarded for recording excellence and for a tireless commitment to enthusing audiences about classical music.

So who in 2011 do you think should be honoured for a year of musical excellence? Our shortlist for 2011 is: conductors Andris Nelsons, Gustavo Dudamel and Iván Fischer, conductor and viol player Jordi Savall, pianists Mitsuko Uchida and Lang Lang, trumpeter Alison Balsom, violinist Alina Ibragimova, tenor Jonas Kaufmann and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Visit the voting page. The deadline is August 31. (Please note, you need to be registered to vote – if you are already registered, this link won't work.)



http://gramophone.co.uk/features/gallery/vote-for-the-gramophone-artist-of-the-year-2011

How Much Do You Know About Ravel?




http://www.classical.com/quiz

Nova Era - Classical Music with a Twist




This exhilarating ensemble is the embodiment of classical music for the new millennium. Nova Era features enchanting original and well-known
melodies in the styles of Bach, Vivaldi, and other great composers.

Each timeless piece is custom arranged and supported by a driving modern day
New Age, World or Dance groove. This unique element sets Nova Era's distinctive sound apart and in a category all its own.

Individually, the members of Nova Era have delighted audiences of all ages and nations. Past engagements have included international performances that span two continents. All have been featured with major symphony orchestras both in Europe and the United States, and on numerous
recordings.

How Much Do You Know About Bach?





http://www.classical.com/

Seraphic Fire Random Act of Culture




On Sunday, Jan 10, 2011, 29 performers from Seraphic Fire surprised people at Aventura Mall in Miami.

Knight Foundation, like its founders Jack and Jim Knight, focuses on promoting informed and engaged communities. To that end, we strongly believe in the potential of the arts to engage residents, and bring a community together. More…

The Nickname Given to Haydn's Symphony No. 94 is...

The "Surprise" Symphony. It comes from the original German nickname "Paukenschlag," meaning bass base drum impact. Haydn was well aware that more often than not, members of the audience would fall asleep during his performances. Probably out of a "I'll show you!," kind of place, Haydn created this symphony. After a lovely first movement, he created a simple innocuous melody in the second movement followed by a large "impact" to wake those who fell asleep.



by , About.com Guide

What was the nickname given to Haydn's Symphony No. 94?


Composed in London in 1791, this is one of Haydn's most famous symphonies.

Check tomorrows post for the answer.





by , About.com Guide

How Much Do You Know About Beethoven?




http://www.classical.com

Academy of st martin in the fields announces joshua bell as music director

London -- Joshua Bell was today announced as Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the first person to hold the title since Sir Neville Marriner who founded the Orchestra in 1958. With three weeks already in the diary for the 2011-12 season including an extensive US tour, Joshua Bell will double his time with the Orchestra over the course of his initial three year contract, as well as taking responsibility for the artistic direction of the Orchestra.

The recipient of the Avery Fisher Prize and named 2010 Instrumentalist of the Year by Musical America, Joshua Bell has recorded more than 36 CDs and garnered numerous awards including the Mercury, Grammy, Gramophone and Echo Klassik Awards. Joshua came to international prominence at the age of 14 when he made his orchestral debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Riccardo Muti. His breathtaking virtuosity and tone of rare beauty has continued to enchant audiences worldwide for more than two decades. He records exclusively for Sony Classical.

Read More




http://www.joshuabell.com

The Singer People Loved to Hate: 'Callas Forever'


November 4, 2004 - Opera singer Maria Callas may be gone, but she is not forgotten. Callas died 27 years ago. When she was alive and singing, she was the opera diva many people loved to hate. The diva's life has since become a small industry, demonstrated most recently with the new movie, Callas Forever. NPR's Tom Huizenga reports.