Society

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Notre Dame de Paris
The Birthplace of Modern Music
By now we have all seen the shocking images of the horrific fire engulfing Notre-Dame de Paris, the most famous Gothic Cathedral of the Middle Ages. For over 800 years, it has stood as an icon and symbol of Western
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“Heaven on Earth for Pianists”
Summer Piano Courses in France with James Lisney
The piano summer school is now an established part of the year for many adult amateur pianists, eagerly anticipated and prepared for with great care. Much more than a “piano holiday”, the piano summer school is an opportunity to study
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The Sonic Splendor of Pera (Istanbul)
Situated on a hill across the Gold Horn from the old city of Istanbul, the Levantine neighborhood of Pera—today known as Beyoğlu/Taksim —transformed into a remarkable cultural district in the second half of the 19th century. Called the crossroads of
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Song as the Great Leveler
An Interview With Sam of Choir With No Name
We often talk of charities that speak for those who have no voice. In this case, we have a charity that gives the homeless a voice – an organized voice in a choir. Founded in 2008 with a mere 4
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Violins of Hope
Music has long stirred the spirit. Since time immemorial it has allowed us to soar to other realms mitigating heartbreak, offering solace, and encouraging optimism. But can the musical instruments themselves bear witness? Imbue future generations with sentiments from a
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Saving Polyphonic Church Music
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525/26-1594) may have been born in the city of Palestrina, as indicated by his name, or may have been born in Rome, where his father may be the ‘Santo de Prenestino’ on the 1525 census. In
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When Western Choirs Sing Indian Music – Part III
The most common form of popular music in India is film music – songs from the movies, and Sperry has not shied away from adapting this form for choirs. Popular Music in Choral Format As mentioned in Part I of
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When Western Choirs Sing Indian Music – Part II
“One reason I love performing non-Western music is because I don’t find non-Western ideas in the music. I find basic human emotions and experiences that I have, I share, and I understand.” That outlook helps Ethan Sperry take on the
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