In a landmark moment for Iran’s classical music scene, Paniz Faryousefi made history by becoming the first woman ever to conduct the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. The breakthrough performance took place over two nights at Tehran’s prestigious Vahdat Hall, under the concert series titled “Simorgh’s Abode.”

Paul Hindemith was a composer who, on one hand, was very traditional: his orchestration style is reminiscent of late Romanticism, and his forms are deeply rooted in contrapuntal writing, giving his music a familiar flavor. On the other hand, he developed his own musical system, which allowed him to approach harmony in a unique way, effectively blending tonality and atonality. His music balances consonance and dissonance, placing it somewhere between Béla Bartók’s extended ton

In her debut release Love & Loss, composer and pianist Zhanna Dzhurayeva bridges the worlds of classical tradition and modern sound design with sensitivity and emotional power. Recorded at Insane Sounds in Fort Lauderdale and produced by Salvatore Monteleone, the four-track EP transforms deeply personal experiences into a musical tale, narrative of love, grief, and resilience.

Estonian Music & Art News - Week 4, October 2025

I don’t particularly believe in the idea that a single deity created the universe with a plan, but I do believe in some composers who do, among them J.S. Bach and the great Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.

The cello in classical music holds a place of unmatched depth and resonance. Its voice—warm, human-like, and infinitely expressive—has made it one of the most beloved instruments in the world. Tracing its origins reveals a journey from Renaissance string innovations to the modern symphony orchestra, and from intimate chamber settings to the grandest concert halls. Today, the cello has stepped far beyond the confines of classical tradition, becoming a powerful voice in genres

Estonia, despite its small population of just over 1.3 million, holds a significant place in the world of classical music. Over the past century, Estonian composers have contributed works of striking originality, blending Baltic folk traditions with contemporary trends. From the early 20th century’s national romanticism to today’s digitally distributed works, Estonia’s music scene has continually evolved, embracing new creative and technological possibilities.

Pastorale, the new collaborative album by ARIA-nominated trio East of West and acclaimed Sydney-based composer and pianist Romano Crivici, is not just a collection of pieces—it’s a journey across musical landscapes. Blending Balkan rhythms, Middle Eastern melodic phrasing, contemporary classical textures, and jazz-influenced improvisation, this album unfolds like a multilingual conversation spoken through instruments. With each track, the listener is invited into a richly wov

Twinkle, Twinkle by Alkis H takes one of the most universally recognized melodies in the world and transforms it into a miniature symphonic journey. This twelve-part work, presented as a continuous arc, retains a steady tempo throughout but evolves dramatically in mood, color, and orchestral texture. What begins as a simple nursery theme grows into something rich, inventive, and at times even grandiose—culminating in a sweeping fugue and finale that feel worlds away from the

Lithuania’s classical and contemporary music scene is rich with originality, emotional depth, and cultural nuance—yet it often remains underrepresented in the broader European narrative. From mystical romanticism to mathematical ultra-minimalism, Lithuanian composers have carved out a unique sonic world that blends folk tradition, modernism, and personal expression.

The new single release by the renowned pianist and composer Alessandra Toni is a musical gem waiting to be discovered. See You Again by Alessandra Toni is a poignant, cinematic piece that gracefully blends her delicate piano touch with the emotive presence of the string trio “OP3.” Together, they breathe life into a soundscape that feels both personal and universal—a moment suspended between memory and longing.

There are artists who compose music, and then there are artists who reveal something of the world—and of themselves—through sound. Andrew Keese belongs to the latter. An Australian composer, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist, his work resists easy categorization. It walks the line between neoclassical, ambient, and post-rock, but never settles comfortably into any single label. What sets him apart is not just his aesthetic, but the way his music feels lived rooted in experie

Lalo Schifrin, the legendary composer behind the unforgettable Mission: Impossible theme, passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 93. His music has pulsed through the heart of modern cinema and television for over seven decades. Best known for his masterful fusion of jazz, classical, and Latin influences, Schifrin's work has become synonymous with tension, motion, and cinematic cool. With a career that bridged continents, genres, and generations,

As someone who has had the honor of working with Matteo Ramon Arevalos, listening to his new album LEO felt like stepping once more into a realm of sonic wonder—a place where the familiar transforms and the piano becomes not just an instrument, but a world.

Iran’s musical heritage is one of the oldest in the world, rooted in centuries of rich modal systems and poetic traditions. While traditional Persian music has always played a central role in Iranian identity, the incorporation of Western classical music began in earnest during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras, particularly in the early 20th century.

I recently attended Rahvusooper Estonia's Võluflööt (The Magic Flute) by W.A. Mozart, and it was, as always, a musical and theatrical highlight in the heart of Tallinn. Yes—the one with the famously challenging “Queen of the Night” aria that continues to captivate audiences and challenge sopranos. The performance offered a delightful experience with top-tier music direction by Arvo Volmer, stunning costumes, and dedicated vocal performances. However, not every element shone e

The journey of classical music has seen grand transformations over the centuries. What started as the structured compositions of Bach and Mozart has evolved dramatically, impacting modern musical expressions globally. In this blog post, we will explore how classical compositions have adapted, merged, and thrived in contemporary society while influencing various genres.

Orpheus in the Underworld—despite its name—is not a solemn myth retelling, but a riotous romp through gods, mortals, and music. Rahvusooper Estonia’s dazzling production lives up to Offenbach’s original spirit of irreverence, wit, and pure entertainment. Staged in Estonian with subtitles in both Estonian and English, this performance embraces the opera’s comedic chaos and turns it into a vibrant, feel-good spectacle.

Explore Jakub Poćwiardowski & Lili’s The Dark Side of the Mole, a concept album blending prog rock, classical, and ambient into an unforgettable soundscape.

Last week, I finally attended a performance I’ve been waiting for a long time—Lohengrin by Richard Wagner, staged by the Estonian National Opera (Rahvusooper Estonia). Yes, it’s the one with the famous wedding march, but this opera is far more than just that melody. It’s a monumental work of Romantic grandeur, and experiencing it live was unforgettable. The music was striking, the singers were nothing short of unbelievable, and the costume design was absolutely stunning.