The Latvian violin virtuoso Baiba Skride is known for her exceptional artistry, technical brilliance, and captivating performances. Music was always in her blood, as her grandmother taught her to sing, her mother was a pianist, and her father a choral

The Spanish mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza has captivated opera houses and concert halls around the world. One of the towering figures in the realm of classical music, Berganza’s career spans over half a century, earning her acclaim for her exquisite vocal

It’s not easy to be a composer, and many have had dramatic lives full of pain and struggle. But some composers have had worse times than others, especially in their vulnerable childhood years. Today we’re looking at five composers who

The renowned Italian violinist and conductor Fabio Biondo is celebrated for his profound contributions to Baroque and early music. He has captivated listeners around the world, and his passion for historical performance practices and period instruments soon established him as

When audiences are transported by a concert, they imagine that a kind of magic happens onstage attributed to the conductor. Sometimes that is true. But many other attendees wonder: what does a conductor actually do? We’re in luck. Several conductors

One of the most dynamic and influential conductors of her generation, Susanna Mälkki has decisively reshaped the landscape of classical music. Initially trained as a cellist, Mälkki has since earned a reputation as a formidable interpreter of the classical repertory

With the dramatic title of Le violon de la mort (The Violin of Death), Austrian composer Grete von Zieritz (1899–2001) shows us in the subtitle, Dances macabres, that it’s part of the long line of music written for the dead.

Scottish pianist Steven Osborne is celebrated for his exceptional artistry, versatility, and profound interpretations. His career gained significant momentum after winning the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition in 1991 and the Naumburg International Piano Competition in 1997. Osborne is known