May 18, 2017
It might not quite be summer yet, but we’re welcoming the warmer weather and breezy nights with a summer classical music playlist that celebrates the season in the most melodic of ways.. “Summer” by Vivaldi Summer wouldn’t be the same Antonio Vivaldi’s “Summer” concerto from “The Four Seasons” violin concerti. The narrative piece is quintessential … Continue reading 7 Must Haves for a Summer Classical Music Playlist
April 13, 2017
These days, there are shortcuts for everything–including how to get smarter, quicker. Usually this involves downloading an app or two on your iPhone so you can play brain-boosting games during your morning skytrain commute. But what about taking the time to really learn something new, like a musical instrument? Investing the time to immerse yourself … Continue reading The Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument as an Adult
February 21, 2017
Sometimes, a piece of music has the magical ability to take a hold of our heart, and never let go. From that day on, no matter when or where you hear it, that initial experience will resurface and the song will forever represent something else; something bigger, than you. Countless performances by different musicians, all … Continue reading Classical Pieces That Will Change Your Life
December 13, 2016
Time seems to be on everyone’s minds these days. Not enough of it and too much gone by already. One thing remains: the need to take a minute and appreciate the beauty of the moment you’re in. We’ve compiled the quintessential list of holiday classics so if it’s only a few moments you have this … Continue reading The Quintessential Classical Music Holiday Playlist
November 21, 2016
The musical revolutionary pioneered Romanticism and composed 240 works which included symphonies, piano concertos, string quartets and an opera. Ludwig van Beethoven was a perfectionist with vision: posterity. The third Ludwig van Beethoven and second musician in his family, he more than attained that goal on a global level. Over 200 years since his passing … Continue reading 5 Things You May Not Know About Beethoven
October 25, 2016
October 25th, 1825 Johann Strauss II was born to composer Johann Strauss, and Maria Anna Streim who supported his musical career throughout his life. His father, whom Strauss Jr. surpassed in productivity and popularity, preferred for his son to have taken up a career in banking. Which Strauss II did, while secretly studying the violin … Continue reading Born Today: Johann Strauss II
October 7, 2016
For approximately 100 years, the Classical Period reigned the music world from the mid-18th into the 19th century. At the heart stood Vienna; a virtual melting pot of artistic influences and the home to Gluck, Mozart, Hadn, Salieri, Beethoven, and Vienna-native Schubert. Its great musical and other artistic output therefore earned the period the nickname: … Continue reading How Vienna Changed the Classical Music World
December 18, 2015
It’s that time of year again: good food, good friends, family, and staying warm by the fire. There’s a Christmas song in there somewhere, and as for every good thing, an amazing soundtrack has the power to bring those memories back again and again, year after year. We’ve compiled our favourite carols into your essential … Continue reading The Essential Holiday Playlist
November 9, 2015
Out of the darkness can come greatness. So it was that the First World War served as somber inspiration for three composers. Cecil Coles, Ivor Gurney, and George Butterworth emerged as heroes of another kind from the war in which they served; not only for service to their country, but the immortal beauty of their … Continue reading Lest We Forget: World War I Composers
October 27, 2015
From Fall through Winter, we’ve chosen to pair several of our upcoming concert series pieces–as well as a few other notable chamber music classics–with wines to make your listening experience that much more…full-bodied. Feel the notes, taste the spirit, and absorb all that these sips and sounds have to offer your senses. Anton Arensky’s Piano … Continue reading The Season’s Best Sips: Wine and Concert Series Pieces Pairings
