Inside the score
A Grand Voice, A Bold Life: 10 Jessye Norman Highlights
Opera superstar, political activist, and master storyteller—Jessye Norman’s life overflowed with surprises. This week marks her birthday, and we’re honoring her legacy with ten irresistible tidbits to remember her by.
Reading time estimated : 5min read
Inside the score
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A Grand Voice, A Bold Life: 10 Jessye Norman Highlights
Opera superstar, political activist, and master storyteller—Jessye Norman’s life overflowed with surprises. This week marks her birthday, and we’re honoring her legacy with ten irresistible tidbits to remember her by.
Reading time estimated : 5min read
Listen Closer: Dvořák’s “Songs my mother taught me”
Some pieces of music reveal new layers the closer you listen. As we celebrate Antonín Dvořák’s anniversary this week, his Songs my mother taught me reminds us how behind gentle…
Reading time estimated : 4min read
Leonard Bernstein, in 9 Unexpected Stories
As the world celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s birthday, we look back at the many sides of the charismatic maestro—composer, conductor, political voice, and entertainer—through 9 memorable anecdotes.
Reading time estimated : 7min read
Listen Closer: Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune
Marking Debussy’s birthday on August 22, we dive into his Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune. From its wandering flute solo to lush orchestral textures, the opening measures unlocked a revolution…
Reading time estimated : 3min read
How to Build an Orchestra in Five Weeks: Inside the Verbier Festival Method
Each summer, the Verbier Festival brings together two orchestras: the VFO and the VFCO. Both are built on the same belief—that in just five weeks, it’s possible to create not…
Reading time estimated : 10min read
What stories make the best operas?
As we broadcast three operas from the Salzburg Festival on medici.tv, it’s the perfect occasion to explore the kinds of tales that have inspired composers for centuries—from ancient myths and…
Reading time estimated : 13min read
Listen Closer: Stravinsky’s The Firebird
Step into the magical world of The Firebird, Igor Stravinsky’s electrifying ballet that launched his international career and reshaped the sound of modern orchestration. From Russian folk melodies to dissonant…
Reading time estimated : 5min read
It takes a mountain: The hidden machinery behind the Verbier Festival
Verbier Festival transforms a remote mountain village into a world-class stage each summer, drawing thousands for a musical experience like no other—while behind the scenes, a concert hall rises from…
Reading time estimated : 11min read
News
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Shani and the Munich Phil were canceled in Belgium, California orchestras avoid strikes, Jane Austen’s playlist goes digital, and more
September 15: This week in classical music
Reading time estimated : 5min read
“Less is More”: Arvo Pärt at 90
James Jolly first encountered Arvo Pärt in 1984 with Tabula Rasa — music at once radical and timeless. Now, on his 90th birthday, he reflects on how that voice transformed…
Reading time estimated : 7min read
The Met’s new Saudi partnership, Salonen’s new roles, Dudamel’s new stadium venue, and more
September 8: This week in classical music
Reading time estimated : 6min read
Shchedrin dies at 92, Joshua Bell’s TED talk, Cecilia Bartoli on time, and more
September 1 : This week in classical music
Reading time estimated : 6min read
The Gift of Seeing Music Differently: Nupen, Monsaingeon, and Their Films
Music is more than sound—it’s stories, struggles, and moments of transcendence. James Jolly explores how Nupen and Monsaingeon gave music-lovers lasting ways of seeing as well as hearing.
Reading time estimated : 6min read
Political backlash at the Royal Ballet and Opera, restoring atomic-bombed pianos in Japan, the Verbier Festival expands to China, and…
August 4 - 11: This week in classical music
Reading time estimated : 3min read
The Met fell for a fake millionaire donor, Robert Wilson passed away, John Williams’ first piano concerto, and more
July 28 - August 4: This week in classical music
Reading time estimated : 4min read
Inside the score
Decoding the classical voice: A guide to vocal classifications
From Queen of the Night to Carmen and Calaf, each voice type has a story. Explore the system behind classical voice classifications and learn how range, timbre, and style define the stars of opera.
Reading time estimated : 11min read
Interviews
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“Dream Bigger”: How Gianandrea Noseda builds trust with an orchestra
From Parma’s culinary heritage to the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra, Gianandrea Noseda reveals what makes Tsinandali special, the book that moved him most, and the timeless piece everyone should hear once…
Reading time estimated : 3min read
Augustin Hadelich: “The violin can be a bit of a prima donna instrument.”
What keeps a violinist endlessly curious? Through five revealing questions, violinist Augustin Hadelich explores his bond with the instrument, the magic behind practicing beloved concertos, the grounding power of chamber…
Reading time estimated : 6min read
Aristo Sham: “I suddenly felt free”
From unexpected playlists to pre-concert rituals, 2025 Cliburn Gold medallist Aristo Sham opens up about his most unforgettable competition moments—and the one mistake every pianist should make. Here are 5…
Reading time estimated : 2min read
From Beethoven to the Art of Spaghetti: 5 questions to pianist Jeremy Denk
Between late-night chicken wings in Aspen and pre-concert rituals that raise an eyebrow, pianist Jeremy Denk blends humor, insight, and a touch of the unexpected. At the 2025 Aspen Music…
Reading time estimated : 2min read
Hervé Boissière: “People are definitely available for emotion and magic.”
Co-Director of the Verbier Festival Hervé Boissière takes us behind the scenes of the iconic Swiss festival to share his vision, memories, and the quiet magic that makes…
Reading time estimated : 14min read
“I wanted it to be subversive!” – Barbara Hannigan on her first time at the Verbier Festival
At the Verbier Festival, Barbara Hannigan juggles chaos and control, premieres and patriotism, zombies and Instagram—with wit, speed, and blazing musicality. Her verdict? “I’m pleasantly ecstatic!”
Reading time estimated : 10min read
From Barrios Mangoré to Daft Punk: 5 questions to guitarist Thibaut Garcia
From backstage rituals to concert hall emotions, guitarist Thibaut Garcia opens up about the misunderstood identity of classical guitar, his connection to Barrios, and what’s on his playlist…
Reading time estimated : 3min read
Alondra de la Parra: “When I’m not conducting, I love silence.”
What does a conductor value most? Empathy, silence, and the thrill of bringing unexpected programs to life. We asked 5 questions to Alondra de la Parra, founder of the PAAX…
Reading time estimated : 3min read
“It all started with the Second Concerto”: Alexandre Kantorow on Brahms
Pianist Alexandre Kantorow opens up about his deep connection to Brahms — a composer who shaped his career and imagination. From childhood inspiration to high-level interpretations, he shares how Brahms…
Reading time estimated : 7min read
Summer Festival Season
Inside the score
How to Build an Orchestra in Five Weeks: Inside the Verbier Festival Method
Each summer, the Verbier Festival brings together two orchestras: the VFO and the VFCO. Both are built on the same belief—that in just five weeks, it’s possible to create not…
Reading time estimated : 10min read
Interviews
Augustin Hadelich: “The violin can be a bit of a prima donna instrument.”
What keeps a violinist endlessly curious? Through five revealing questions, violinist Augustin Hadelich explores his bond with the instrument, the magic behind practicing beloved concertos, the grounding power of chamber…
Reading time estimated : 6min read
News
“The Show Must Go On”: Backstage at the Verbier Festival
A backstage pass to the Verbier Festival: from bumping into Mischa Maisky at intermission to reflecting on Freddie Mercury and Bernstein.
Reading time estimated : 6min read
Interviews
From Beethoven to the Art of Spaghetti: 5 questions to pianist Jeremy Denk
Between late-night chicken wings in Aspen and pre-concert rituals that raise an eyebrow, pianist Jeremy Denk blends humor, insight, and a touch of the unexpected. At the 2025 Aspen Music…
Reading time estimated : 2min read
Inside the score
It takes a mountain: The hidden machinery behind the Verbier Festival
Verbier Festival transforms a remote mountain village into a world-class stage each summer, drawing thousands for a musical experience like no other—while behind the scenes, a concert hall rises from…
Reading time estimated : 11min read
Interviews
“I wanted it to be subversive!” – Barbara Hannigan on her first time at the Verbier Festival
At the Verbier Festival, Barbara Hannigan juggles chaos and control, premieres and patriotism, zombies and Instagram—with wit, speed, and blazing musicality. Her verdict? “I’m pleasantly ecstatic!”
Reading time estimated : 10min read
Interviews
From Barrios Mangoré to Daft Punk: 5 questions to guitarist Thibaut Garcia
From backstage rituals to concert hall emotions, guitarist Thibaut Garcia opens up about the misunderstood identity of classical guitar, his connection to Barrios, and what’s on his playlist…
Reading time estimated : 3min read
Interviews
Aristo Sham: “I suddenly felt free”
From unexpected playlists to pre-concert rituals, 2025 Cliburn Gold medallist Aristo Sham opens up about his most unforgettable competition moments—and the one mistake every pianist should make. Here are 5…
Reading time estimated : 2min read
medici.tv picks
The Verbier Festival: Mao magic and rubbing shoulders with the stars
Every summer, the world’s greatest musicians gather in the Swiss Alps—and if you’re lucky, you might just bump into one in the supermarket. Théophile, Editorial Manager at medici.tv shares a…
Reading time estimated : 3min read
medici.tv picks
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Quieting the Body’s Stress Response: The Magic of Arvo Pärt
“Certain sonic frequencies quiet the body’s stress response.” Sophie invites you to experience the meditative magic of Arvo Pärt’s sacred works in a 90th-birthday concert of rare serenity and depth.
Reading time estimated : 3min read
High voltage groove with The Fearless Flyers
Among the medici.tv team’s favorites, Baptiste highlights The Fearless Flyers: a supergroup whose razor-sharp funk, pocket drumming, and playful energy show how simplicity and precision can be electrifying, transforming groove…
Reading time estimated : 4min read
“A Feeling of Joyful, Confident Nostalgia”: Florence Price with Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Sometimes a single name is enough. Chosen by our editor Valérie, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason’s recital brings Florence Price into the spotlight, alongside Bach and Prokofiev.
Reading time estimated : 3min read
Fifty Years in Harmony: Argerich & Maisky’s Unbreakable Bond
From the magic of Verbier 2025 back to an unforgettable 2008 performance, rediscover the unique chemistry between piano legend Martha Argerich and cellist Mischa Maisky—a partnership of fifty years that…
Reading time estimated : 3min read
Nicola Benedetti Channels the Soul of Shostakovich
On the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich's death, rediscover Nicola Benedetti's raw, unfiltered, and dazzlingly virtuosic rendition of his First Violin Concerto: a masterclass in violin technique that also perfectly captures…
Reading time estimated : 4min read
Jacob Collier: singing in the rain — and rewriting all the rules — in Stuttgart
What happens when a musical genius meets an open-air stage and a sudden downpour? Jacob Collier turns it into art. Pauline reflects on a Stuttgart concert that showcases Collier’s wit,…
Reading time estimated : 3min read
Reinventing flamenco with Patricia Guerrero
From a legendary deaf dancer to a modern flamenco rebel, Sophie shares how Patricia Guerrero’s Catedral rekindled her passion for a timeless art form that’s both soulful and fiercely liberating.
Reading time estimated : 4min read
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