Topic: Classical reviews

Beethoven wielded by Middle Eastern musicians in the cause of harmony

Daniel Barenboim, centre on the stand, and his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra at the BBC Proms. BBC

Aug 11, 2012

Daniel Barenboim's West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is uniting musicians from around the Middle East in a celebration of Beethoven and in an attempt to obliterate hatred through the power of music. Read Article Beethoven wielded by Middle Eastern musicians in the cause of harmony

Arts lovers welcome plan for new Dubai Opera House

An artist's impression of the opera house and museum of contemporary art that will be built near the Burj Khalifa, according to plans announced two weeks ago. Courtesy Media Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Below, Brigitta Dagostin, the chair of the Dubai Concert Committee. Jaime Puebla / The National

Apr 01, 2012

'There's a big appetite and a big demand', but space should cater for performances from various cultures, says classical music promoter Read Article Arts lovers welcome plan for new Dubai Opera House

French Impressions: Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk

Jan 10, 2012

By turns tranquil and tense, almost-too-famous sonatas are played by the duo as if for the first time. Read Article French Impressions: Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk

Caribbean Rhapsody, featuring saxophonist James Carter

Jun 01, 2011

Unlike other classical attempts to exploit the traits of folk genres, and ending in pastiche, this tribute really works. Read Article Caribbean Rhapsody, featuring saxophonist James Carter

Nicholas Angelich: Bach: Goldberg Variations

May 25, 2011

Nicholas Angerich offers a confident, attractive performance of JS Bach's Goldberg Variations. Read Article Nicholas Angelich: Bach: Goldberg Variations

Classics for Japan - Music for Healing

Apr 27, 2011

Decca's album of Classics for Japan is for a good cause and offers a gently enjoyable listen. Read Article Classics for Japan - Music for Healing

Lully's Bellérophon delivers beauty but is one CD too long

Apr 06, 2011

Jean-Baptiste Lully's baroque opera Bellérophon is beautifully performed by Les Talens Lyriques, but today's listener may find it over-long. Read Article Lully's Bellérophon delivers beauty but is one CD too long

The Romantic Violinist: A Celebration of Joseph Joachim

Mar 23, 2011

The violinist Daniel Hope explores the world of his 19th-century predecessor Joseph Joachim. Read Article The Romantic Violinist: A Celebration of Joseph Joachim

Gershwin's magic

Mar 02, 2011

A new recording of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, Catfish Row and the Piano Concerto in F, by Stefano Bollani is not to be missed. Read Article Gershwin's magic

Editor's Picks

Tornado tears apart Oklahoma community

Rescues workers look for victims in the rubble of a destroyed building at the Moore Hospital in Moore, Oklahoma, May 20, 2013. A huge tornado with winds of up to 200 miles per hour (320 kph) devastated the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore on Monday, ripping up at least two elementary schools and a hospital and leaving a wake of tangled wreckage. REUTERS/Gene Blevins (UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENT - Tags: ENVIRONMENT DISASTER) *** Local Caption *** GRB035_USA-TORNADOE_0521_11.JPG

Children are among the dozens reported dead so far in Moore, the Oklahoma City suburb ravaged by Monday's tornado that packed winds of up to 320 kilometres per hour. Tornado tears apart Oklahoma community

Meet the first all-Emirati, all-girl rock band

Members of the Al Ain based rock band Random Stars are ( Left to right ) Bushra Hassan Al Hashimi ( 22 years old, rhythm guitar ), Aysha Abdullah Almaskari ( 21 years old, drums ) and Hamda Al Ghaithi ( 22 years old, Lead Guitar ). (Photo Courtesy,Patreshia Tkach)

Five students from HCT in Al Ain formed Random Starts only a year ago, but already they’re wowing their fans at college events Meet the first all-Emirati, all-girl rock band

Visa costs slow tide of cruise visitors to the UAE

Passengers arrive at the cruise ship Mariner of the Seas as it made its maiden port of call in Dubai yesterday. Jaime Puebla / The National

The cruise industry is no closer to winning a reprieve on entry visas in the Emirates despite a drive to boost tourism numbers. Visa costs slow tide of cruise visitors to the UAE

Our guide to this summer's Middle Eastern music festivals

Rihanna. Las Vegas News Bureau / AP Photo

From Morocco to Lebanon and Turkey, the musical festival scene is thriving in the region, offering eclectic acts and stunning scenery. Our guide to this summer's Middle Eastern music festivals

Films with Arab themes hold sway at Cannes

The Dutch-Palestinian film director Hany Abu-Assad. AFP

Now that the first few days of catwalk bling and celebrity razzle-dazzle have died down, the Cannes film festival has returned to what it does best: showcasing strong, socially engaged cinema with a global focus. Films with Arab themes hold sway at Cannes