Artists

Artists

‘Winning an orchestral role is like winning an Olympic medal': Canada's elite training scheme for orchestral musicians

Canada’s National Arts Centre is serious about education – and its flagship Orchestra is training the next crop of top musicians, writes Charlotte Smith
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'I lost my voice live on stage' – countertenor Iestyn Davies on his best and worst concert performances

Leading British countertenor Iestyn Davies remembers the best and worst performances of his career... including losing his voice live on stage!
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Maria Callas: genius, glory, and the loneliness of a legend

Her voice may have divided audiences, but the Greek soprano Maria Callas never failed to compel with powerfully vivid performances. Michael Tanner explores the life and career of arguably the greatest opera singer ever
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'He was childlike, wanting his own way, but lovable too': Benjamin Appl on studying with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

Baritone Benjamin Appl remembers what it was like to study with his important mentor, the legendary Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
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Which classical musicians should be the stars of Hollywood blockbusters? 

Hollywood has taken an unexpected interest in classical music of late, says Tom Service – so here are some suggestions for their next blockbusting successes
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Patricia Routledge: Hyacinth Bucket with the voice of an angel

Though known chiefly for her brilliant portrayal of a social climber on TV’s Keeping Up Appearances, Patricia Routledge was once also a successful mezzo, as the actress recalls with Michael White
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From jazz piano in cocktail bars to starring in Wicked: Jeff Goldblum's musical memories

How to supercharge your memory - four musical experts share their top tips

When performing by heart, how do musicians remember all those notes? Four top artists explain their recommended methods
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'Miraculous'. 'Evil'. People had a *lot* to say about this legendary conductor

Many revered him, others were perplexed by or even envious of his success. Here's the controversy of Herbert von Karajan in ten quotes
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Death at the keyboard: a pianist's final, fatal performance at Carnegie Hall 

'It's simply untrue to say that women lack the stamina to play brass instruments' – trumpeter Imogen Whitehead

Britten Sinfonia principal trumpet player Imogen Whitehead on why we should challenge anti-female stereotypes in brass playing
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‘My fingers were slipping all over the keys’: clarinettist Julian Bliss on his nightmare concert in the rain

Curtis Institute: inside the American school bringing on tomorrow's greatest musicians

As the Curtis Institute marks its centenary, Charlotte Smith visits the elite Philadelphian music school to discover the secrets of its success
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