Just spent 25 hours in Kesälahti at the music festival Latosoitot! The 25 hours included three concerts (one this morning at 7AM!), swimming in a lake (three times!), sauna (two different kinds!) and the world premiere of Cura by the one and only Pekka Kuusisto and Tiina Karakorpi! Thank you to Anna-Liina Lindeberg for an amazing festival and to all her family for superb food, historical tours and heartwarming hospitality! These are moments when you know you are alive!
Happy composer after the premiere of Cura at Latosoitot 2022!
peter vaskThe piano from 1910 which works with a piano roll. Almost like a “disc clavier” but completely without electricity, but with the power of feet.
A still of the piano on which Cura was premiered.
One of the first bibles in Finland!
With two of my favourite musicians.
Selling amazing porridge and coffee at 7AM at Latosoitot. (The porridge was included in the ticket price! And it was one of the best porridges I have ever eaten!)
All the musicians who performed at 7:00 AM at Latosoitot.
Pekka and Tiina performing Clara Schumann at Latosoitot.
Markus Hohti performing at 7:00 AM some Peteris Vasks and Anna Meredith at the barn of Latosoitot on the 10th of July 2022
With Leena and Antti Ihamuotila after the premiere of Cura 9.7.2022.
Pekka and Tiina giving the world premiere of Cura at Mäntyniemen kartano 9.7.2022
Pekka and Tiina giving the world premiere of Cura 9 July 2022
Talking about Cura to a sold out audience before the premiere 9 July 2022.
The follow-up to his 2021 collaborative project with Apollo Brown, Blacklight, Stalley will release his next project Somebody Up There Loves Me on December 6.
“My new album is inspired by the 1956 film Somebody Up There Likes Me,” Stalley says about the album. “The music follows similar themes that are in the movie and me knowing throughout my life and career, I am loved and protected.”
Stalley has also shared the project’s first focus track, “Red Light,” produced by B.A.M.
Stalley Returns With “Red Light” Single was last modified: October 25th, 2022 by Meka
VICTORIA chooses ‘growing up is getting old’ for Eurovision 2021 If it wasn’t for the coronavirus, VICTORIA would have represented her home country Bulgaria at the Eurovision Song Contest last year. Her song ‘Tears Getting Sober’ was one of the favorites for the win (and this blogs number 1) and although she sadly isn’t allowed to use this song again this year, the Bulgarian broadcaster decided to ask her back for 2021. She continued to put out excellent pop music and used her debut EP a little dramatic to select her entry for this year’s Eurovision. She asked experts and fans alike for feedback on the tracks on the EP and ended up choosing the song ‘growing up is getting old’ to represent Bulgaria.
To be fair, basically any of the songs on a little dramatic would have done at least a decent job of representing Bulgaria at Eurovision. VICTORIA delivered a beautiful EP with personal stories and beautifully orchestrated tunes. Now if we honestly look at streaming numbers and feedback on the songs, she should have probably gone with ‘imaginary friend’, but as she explained herself, out of the top 2 songs she wanted to choose the one she can perform with all her heart. That is always the right choice, isn’t it?
‘growing up is getting old’, was co-written by VICTORIA with Maya Nalani, Helena Larsson and Oliver Björkvall (he also produced). We already heard last year that VICTORIA masters the art of creating a beautifully orchestrated ballad with lush strings and a magical feeling and she does so once more. She again opens up about her struggles with mental health and anxiety that will be relatable to millennials as well as other generations. The track serves a beautiful full circle moment in the outro where she encourages the listener to try and get back up, because they are worth it. The big swaying chorus is memorable on first listen and would definitely have been a cute singalong moment if she could have performed it to a big crowd in Rotterdam in May.
‘growing up is getting old’ seems to be a composition that could definitely lure in the judges, but also has potential to be a hit with televoters. VICTORIA sounds both nostalgic and on trend in 2021 and the lyrical content must hit home for quite some viewers. She has already shown in the past year that she is an endearing performer with excellent vocals. She is currently within the top 5 of the bookmakers (just like she was last year) and I think she has a real chance to give Bulgaria its fourth top 5 result ever!
Darkjazz goes film noir. E.E. Engström & The Twin Street Tree Trunk Love Ensemble provide a gorgeous soundtrack to enjoy a dry martini with. Imagine the aforementioned Darkjazz mixed with something that would make Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (gone instrumental) proud, not to mention having a twang of creepy country. The vibe is dark, unsettling, and hopefully just a taste of what should be an amazing 2019 for the group.
Should you have a Spotify account, I suggest adding the group here.
Released on Sony’s Orchard label, the album comprises six movements of a work by Xifarias about children impacted by conflicts around the world
Peter Xifaras is a New York-based composer, guitarist, orchestrator, and producer, whose music has topped Billboard’s Classical and Crossover charts.
His latest release on Sony’s subsidiary label, The Orchard, is a collection of six short contemporary classical movements under the overarching title: “Children Of Conflict.”
Performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) and conductor Marek Štilec, the piece aims to raise awareness about the plight of children around the globe due to conflicts.
As the press release explains, “Children Of Conflict” is the message of countless innocent children and young people across the world, who suffer each day and are at the mercy of corrupt dictators and governments.
Driving Xifaras’ writing and recording of this work were the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the country in August 2021 and heightened human rights crises, as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on families and livelihoods.
The six movements of “Children Of Conflict” are Prologue, Fathers Lament, Lost Innocence, Desolation, Mothers Lament, and Epilogue.
Each movement also has a corresponding video that reinforces the message of the music. The videos can be watched on YouTube here.
“In the world tonight, millions of children are begging for help,” Xifaras recently posted to Facebook. Each year 10.6 million will die before reaching their 5th birthday.”
“I hope someday the human condition will be focused on providing equal economic access to all humans so that we can enjoy and revel in our achievements as a race in science, engineering, the arts and music, where poverty and destruction were only memories of a past world,” Xifarastold FnB World News in an interview. “Hopefully a dream to aspire to.”
“Children Of Conflict” has also received a nomination from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in the classical category. To purchase and listen to the album, click here.
Happy Tuesday, Yellowstone fans, and welcome to another busy day in the Taylor Sheridan realm. With the premiere of season five inching closer each day, fans have the Duttons on the brain — and we aren’t the only ones. The cast and crew can’t stop thinking about the future, sharing insight to the best of their ability. They can’t give it all away now; what would we have to look forward to? Jefferson White and Luke Grimes are both talking about where their characters might end up in season five and beyond, and Grimes is also opening up about his jump into country music. Yep, soon we’ll be hearing the sweet stylings of our favorite cowboy as he sings about love, heartache, and all things western. Fans were also treated to a new teaser trailer from the powers that be, and it’s everything we could have hoped for. You know the drill from here, grab your favorite drink and your Yellowstone-loving bestie, because we’re riding in.
Jefferson White is sharing his season five hopes for Jimmy
Jefferson White breathes life into the loveable ranchhand, Jimmy, at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. However, his character was spending a lot of time in Texas during the last season of our favorite cowboy drama.
In a chat with TVLine, White talked about what he hopes the future holds for Jimmy and his fiance, Emily.
“He chose Emily, and he chose this new life in Texas. I cross my fingers that it’s smooth sailing for him because it’s a beautiful thing. It’s the first time in his life he has a little bit of agency.”
Smooth sailing is certainly a new term for our beloved ranch hand, who has had a difficult road to redemption. Jimmy hadn’t known an easy life on or off the ranch, from leading with his heart (even when it led him to trouble) to dealing with a past that caused him more grief than happiness.
Of course, being part of the Yellowstone certainly worked to give him purpose, but he still wasn’t where he needed to be as a ranch hand or a cowboy, so John Dutton sent him off to the 6666 Ranch in Texas to learn how to be both. So what does that mean for season five? Will we get flashes of him in Texas, or will the time jump mean he was called back to Montana for something bigger than his plans? We’ll just have to wait and see.
“There’s certainly more Jimmy in store. Whether it’s Montana or Texas, you’ll have to wait and find out.”
Wait and find out we will; luckily, the countdown draws shorter each day!
Luke Grimes is opening up about the future of Yellowstone and country music
Luke Grimes spoke with Cowboys and Indians about the future of Yellowstone, his grand entrance to country music, and his new campaign with Stetson. The western brand notes that Grimes was the sure fit to headline their fragrance and grooming collection as he portrays the lifestyle with authenticity and valor.
Grimes felt humbled by the experience, especially as he’s been leaning into the country experience.
Speaking of country, Grimes has music on the bran, and rightfully so: he’s in Nashville working on his new album as we speak…er, write.
“Love. You got to start there, I think, because it is the glue of the human experience, and everyone can relate. And what else is higher? What else has the stakes high enough that you want to actually sing about it?”
He also nods to inspiration from his new surroundings but says it all goes back to one central idea.
“If I have written any, they’re all still just a metaphor for love.”
Here’s to love and Luke Grimes.
Yellowstone rewind: season 3, episode 1
One of the most prominent evils in Yellowstone history shows up in season three of the series, and with the problems they’ve dealt with so far — that’s saying a lot.
Market Equities is first mentioned in this episode, and we won’t know the total weight of their impact on the show until later, but it’s a big one. In fact, we’re still dealing with them in season five — as the exciting trailer highlights. The company has big plans for John Dutton’s land and everything surrounding it, but they’re not sure just who they’re dealing with at first.
They’re also not aware that Dutton has more friends than enemies as far as they’re concerned. Rainwater and his tribe have no desire to give up any of their land either; anything that Market Equities dreams of building on it might go against their way of life.
Of course, all of this unfolds later. For now, we’re getting to know a new villain, and that’s an integral part of the continuing story.
Season three also opens up with Beth still dealing with her injuries from the attack in season two, and she’s not the only one. Tate Dutton is still working through his own fear, turmoil, and heartache — and it’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch. He’s only a child and has already experienced more than anyone should.
If we’re talking about scars, everyone’s got them, and John, Kayce, and Monica are also shouldering Tate’s pain. They all love him too much to let him walk through it alone, but it’s a walk that’s hard to watch.
Roarke Carter is also introduced in this episode, and it’s one of our favorite Beth scenes. She sees him in a stream fishing as she’s driving and gets out to greet him unkindly. He can’t get into or out of the water without stepping on her property, and she lets him know it. He assures her he can walk downstream until he’s no longer on their land, but she’s not hearing it. She has no time for this city-slicker turned wanna-be country boy to charm her, and she storms away, leaving him experiencing his first “Dutton” encounter.
We also see Jamie and John experience several tense moments together, including one where the patriarch demands that his son never disrespect him again. Fans know that this won’t happen, but the sentiment remains. John knows that Jamie is stepping out on the family, they’ve all figured it out by now, and he wants him to stop.
As long-time fans know, the future for Jamie isn’t all sunshine and roses even after this conversation, but we’ll see what season five holds. The two-hour television event takes place on Nov. 13, and you can rewatch all four seasons streaming on Peacock.
Bethel United Church of Christ is presenting “A Cole Porter Celebration” on Sunday, Nov. 20, as part of the Music@Bethel concert series.
Four outstanding vocalists will perform songs showcasing the music of the iconic American composer and songwriter Cole Porter, with selections including “Night and Day,” “You’re the Top,” “Wunderbar,” and “It’s De-Lovely.”
Artists include soprano Felicia Burkovskiy, mezzo-soprano Lara Filip, tenor Alex Newkirk, and baritone Nathan Rago.
Fall in love all over again with some of the cleverest, funniest and most romantic songs ever written in the 20th century. They will perform tunes from Broadway musicals such as “Kiss Me Kate,” “Anything Goes,” “The Gay Divorcee” and “Paris,” as well as well-known classics from Tin Pan Alley.
Felicia Burkovskiy and Lara Filip are both regular contributors to the concert series, but this will be a first time appearance for tenor Alex Newkirk. Nate Rago has served as the church worship leader since the start of the pandemic.
The concert will begin at at 3 p.m.at Bethel United Church of Christ, 315 E. St. Charles Road in Elmhurst.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com or at the door.
All tickets are $20 and students are free.
For more information call Bethel Church at (630) 279-4040 or visit www.musicatbethel.com.
The church is accessible and parking is free. Enter through Sandburg Middle School from St. Charles Road, or from Huntington off Poplar Street.
In the spring, Music@Bethel welocmes the return of Guitarra Azul, one of its most popular bands, performing live and in person from the sanctuary at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25. Enjoy an exciting mix of rumba, flamenco and Latin jazz with intoxicating percussion and fiery Spanish guitars. With breathtaking technique, unforgettable melodies and spirited dance, Guitarra Azul promises to transport you to the warmth of a fragrant summer evening. This will be Guitarra Azul’s sixth appearance in the concert series, which will feature songs from their newest CD “Café Bolero.”
New this season is the “Rising Star Series” showcasing up-and-coming musical talent.
On Sunday, April 30, at 3 p.m., pianist Zarin Mehta will bring his virtuosity and musical passion to the Music at Bethel audience in a program featuring music of Bach, Schubert, Lizst, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and his own prize-winning composition, “Glimpes.”
Mehta recently tied for second place at the International Young Artist Concerto Competition a Chicago-based competition in which 76 musicians from around the world age 18 and younger submitted video auditions of concerti. A student at Chicago’s Francis Parker School, he has been studying piano for 10 years and currently is coached by Winston Choi and Jeff Panko, and has previously worked with Mary Sauer. He also has appeared in performances with WFMT Classical Radio, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, and at Grant Park in Chicago. He also performs in a piano trio coached by Desiree Ruhstrat and David Cunliffe of the Lincoln Trio, and studies composition under Matthew Hagle of the Music Institute of Chicago. Zarin has performed with the Chicago Arts Orchestra twice under conductors Vladimir Kulenovic and Conner Gray Covington.
Is Taylor Swift ready to drop Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)? Based on the Easter eggs in her new “Bejeweled” video, fans picked up several references to her third studio album — including her pressing the purple third-floor button on an elevator, and wearing hair clips that read “S” and “N.” Laura Dern, who plays the wicked stepmom in the clip, also says “Speak Not” very clearly, which fans say is another clue.
Adele is finally releasing the music video for the fan-favorite song “I Drink Wine,” out Wednesday. The singer revealed on Twitter this video is “the first one I shot for this album [30]” and shared a sneak peek, which shows a man playing a piano over a tiny bridge over the narrowest stream, which looks to be made of wine.
Jennifer Hudson has been included on Glamour’s 2022 Women of the Year list for launching a successful daytime talk show in addition to being an EGOT winner, holding down a powerhouse music career and juggling family life. “Everything I’ve dreamt of I’ve been able to achieve. I want to be able to give others a platform and opportunity since I’ve been blessed to be able to do so much in my life,” she said of what motivates her.
Lady Gaga has teamed up with Crunchyroll for another Chromatica-inspired streetwear collaboration, which features her anime persona. This second venture offers fans the opportunity to take a free online mental health course to earn a Be There Certificate. Sales, which end November 8, will benefit Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.
“Ambient” and “chill-out” are genres in which I’ve always struggled to find music that’s listenable, let alone good, ever since I first heard Brian Eno’s sublime Ambient 1: Music For Airports and thought to myself “More of this, please.”
I guess a lot of electronic producers add an ambient side-project to their repertoire assuming it’s easy to make, which it decidedly isn’t. Does music always need to have a point? I guess not, however, what I can tell you is that most of the chill-out music I’ve heard feels especially pointless.
Enter Matthew Naquin, aka San Mateo. Michael Donaldson (perhaps better known to 5 Mag readers as Q-Burns Abstract Message) at 8D Industries has sent me a few promising promos by this guy over the last couple of years, but this six track offering reveals a whole new layer of creative brilliance.
Apparently made on small selection of hardware synths, Exspiravit Luminaria feels organic and human throughout, blurring boundaries between classical and electronic music with its palette of warm strings, subtle sound design and mournful drones. Calling to mind Max Richter’s starker works at times, San Mateo continually wrong-foots and comforts the listener, charting bold journeys with chords, melodies and timing, when it would be all too easy to simply head for home.
Don’t expect to just place Exspiravit Luminaria in the background while you tap out emails or eat dinner: this is an ambitious mini-album that demands and deserves your full attention, while at the same time allowing plenty of space for reverie. So dim the lights, turn on, and get carried far away.
San Mateo: Exspiravit Luminaria (8D Industries / Digital / June 2022) 1. San Mateo: if panic! then release (04:48) 2. San Mateo: guilt suit (06:45) 3. San Mateo: LGM1 [PSR B1919+21] (02:00) 4. San Mateo: interoception (05:42) 5. San Mateo: a slow wave (08:18) 6. San Mateo: mary celeste (04:57)
Disclosure Statement: This record was submitted as a promo.
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