Australian Women Composers Jump from 2% to 15% in a Decade
In 2015, female composers made up just 2.2% of classical music played on ABC Classic. Today that number has soared to nearly 16%, signaling a major shift in Australia's music world.
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12 results for "classical music"
18-Year-Old Breaks Barriers Playing 60kg Thavil Drum
Amirthavarshini Manishankar just performed at A.R. Rahman's concert, becoming one of India's few female thavil players in a male-dominated percussion tradition. At 18, she's already teaching others and leading an ensemble to make the ancient drum more accessible.
Intimate Baithaks Revive India's Musical Heritage
Ancient Indian music gatherings are making a comeback in Hyderabad, bringing listeners within arm's reach of artists for deeply personal concerts. The modern revival blends traditional intimacy with curated experiences that help young Indians reconnect with their cultural roots.
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World-Class Flautist Brings Music Home to Mexico
After performing for royalty and collaborating with Paul McCartney, Oakland-born flautist Elena Durán chose to honor her grandmother's legacy by bringing classical music to Mexico, from concert halls to prison cells.
John Williams Turns 94, Still Composing Film Magic
The legendary composer behind Star Wars, Jaws, and Harry Potter celebrates his 94th birthday today, with three new film scores on the horizon. With 51 Oscar nominations and counting, Williams shows no signs of slowing down. #
Bollywood Star Arijit Singh Leaves Playback After 13 Years
After defining Bollywood's romantic sound for over a decade, singer Arijit Singh announced his retirement from film playback to focus on independent music and classical arts. His journey from reality show rejection to 100+ hit songs shows how persistence transforms talent into legacy. ##
New Bach Documents Found in Leipzig Archive
Musicologists in Leipzig just discovered previously unknown documents written by Johann Sebastian Bach, including a letter supporting a fellow musician. The find sheds new light on how the legendary composer supported his musical community nearly 300 years ago.
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Mexican Composer Gabriela Ortiz Wins 3 Grammys at 61
A classical composer from Mexico City just swept the Grammy Awards, winning three statuettes for music inspired by ancient cenotes and her country's heritage. Gabriela Ortiz's breakthrough moment proves that cultural roots and classical innovation can create magic on the world's biggest stage.
Egypt Debuts King Tut Opera After 3 Years of Research
Ancient Egypt meets modern opera as archaeologist Zahi Hawass unveils a three-year labor of love bringing King Tutankhamun's story to the stage. The premiere blends Italy's classical music tradition with Egypt's rich history for a global audience.
French Guitarist and Indian Tabla Master Unite in Fusion
When a French rock guitarist and a Kolkata tabla maestro met on stage, their collaboration proved that music transcends all borders. The concert showcased how East meets West through rhythm, riffs, and genuine artistic connection.
ABC Classic Hits 50 Years Connecting Australia Through Music
For half a century, ABC Classic has been more than a radio station—it's been a companion through life's highs and lows. As the network celebrates 50 years this Saturday, presenters share stories of how classical music built a community across an entire continent.
Indian Artists Revive Sanskrit for Modern Dance and Music
Classical performers in India are rediscovering Sanskrit not as a dead language, but as the secret ingredient that transforms good art into transcendent performance. By studying ancient texts, dancers and singers are unlocking emotional depth their instincts alone couldn't reach.