Not So Abstract

I can’t wait to listen to the new Norah Jones album, “The Fall,” set to be released on November 17. I’ve heard the Chasing Pirates track so far, and I loved it!
With her previous CDs, Jones seems to dabble in different music genres, such as jazz, folk-rock, old country and contemporary. Although piano is her […]

I was thinking the other day of music biopics that have been made so far, and the ones that stand out from the rest.
I think what makes a good music biopic is not whether an actor can impersonate the musician perfectly, from the sound to the look, but rather how he or she brings the […]

Music legends or geniuses always seem to lead tumultuous lives or have tragic deaths. But, they are long remembered after they are gone. Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Mozart, and let’s not forget Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and Selena. And now, Michael Jackson, dead at 50. While he may no longer be with us, his legacy […]

I am thinking of taking some Italian language classes — maybe it’s because I went to Rome in May and still feeling my lingering admiration of the culture, or maybe I just like the way the language sounds. I also think I may finally be able to translate those Italian opera arias I love so […]

There are endless books and articles on the Web on the history of music. Even a trip to either the University of Toronto music library and the Toronto Public Library, can lead to an endless discovery.
Since it’s the end of the week, I figured I would jot down poignant music moments that I came across […]

Designer fabric, intricate lighting, upscale furniture, ornate trimmings … while interior design may not bring to mind arts and culture, the elements of décor are inspired by arts and culture. Designers, interior decorators and furniture makers are often inspired by the artistic scene and draw upon such influences in their work. Often times, the fabric, […]

The second annual Artist Project Toronto wrapped up on Sunday, March 8, and it was a success once again! The event, which was held at the Liberty Grand, Exhibition Place, featured 150 of the best contemporary artists all under one roof. It’s a rare chance for artists to mingle with the public and other artists — artists […]

I discovered an amazing new artist a while back that I thought I should share. Well, I am sure she existed before, but I just happened to come across of her work recently. Regina Carter is her name. She’s this out-of-this-world American jazz violinist, who also dabbles in classical music.
There are quite a few jazz violinists […]

Classical-crossover soprano, Sarah Brightman, not only soars several octaves with ease, offering a kindling and non-conformist take on opera and classical music, but she also offers her theatrical and pop-affinity to modern as well as classical music. While her musical style has brought in adorers from other genres — some who never thought they would […]

I have a date with Mozart in a few days. He’ll be taking me to a Kaffeehaus — a cafe — where we’ll talk about classical music and opera over a couple of Mokka gespritzts (coffee with brandy, yum). He’ll then play his latest symphony in the town square and then take me to hear […]