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Culture news

Last French accordion maker closes after 105 years

The traditional French accordion is no more, as Maugein, one of France’s oldest accordion manufacturers, closes shop after 105 years. The owner blames Chinese competition and Covid for the firm’s demise. The final Maugein strap accordion is delivered to its last customer today.

Scenes

Meet the children shining a spotlight on China’s ancient operatic tradition

In partnership with Media City

"Cantonese opera differs from movies because movies can have many takes. But in Cantonese Opera, every move that looks easy actually is very hard to perform with finesse."

Culture news

London exhibition tells the story of Nigeria's pioneering Fuji music

Delve into the Fuji music genre's roots, witness rare artefacts, and celebrate its vibrant subculture from the 1960s to today in London's latest pop-up exhibition.

Culture news

Watch: Indonesia breaks world record for largest angklung performance

As a pre-ceremony event for the 78th Anniversary of Indonesia's independence, 15110 angklung players gathered to break an incredible world record.

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Culture news

Five unique European music traditions you may not know about

From Slovakian bagpipes to poetic duelling in Cyrpus, Europe has a lot of enchanting musical traditions. #WorldMusicDay.

The Dialogue

Rhythms of the Gulf: The singing star bringing Khaliji music to the world

In partnership with Media City

Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi talks to The Dialogue about his successes, performing on the 2022 FIFA World Cup song and how he's aiming to take Khaliji music mainstream

Qatar 365

Qatar's Rich Arabic Musical Heritage Blends with Western Traditions

In partnership with Media City

We all know that Qatar is preparing to host the Fifa World Cup 2022, but did you also know that its rich musical heritage is embracing influences from around the world? The fusion of traditional Arabic music with modern technology and outside influences is helping to create dynamic new sounds.

Culture news

8 unique European music traditions that are protected by UNESCO

Italy wants opera to be protected by UNESCO, what other European musical traditions are recognised?

No Comment

Azerbaijan: Shusha welcomes the 5th International Folklore Festival

On Thursday, May 12, the 5th International Folklore Festival, also called 'Kharibulbul', kicked off in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan.

No Comment

Egypt's ancient 'zar' ritual puts exorcism on stage

At Cairo's Makan Cultural Centre, the Mazaher ensemble performs a lighter version of "zar", an music and dance ritual with centuries-old roots, that aims to ward off or exorcise jinn, or evil spirits.

Cult

9th century Uzbek maths genius stars at Venice Biennale

In partnership with Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

With the pandemic under control, Venice is ready once again to host the Biennale Arte. And for the first time, Uzbekistan has its own pavilion, just a year on from its first participation in the architecture edition.

Culture news

'Kulning': The art behind the ancient Scandinavian cow herding call

Kulning is a vocal technique which developed in central Sweden in the Middle Ages, used to call cattle back to small seasonal farms. Today, it's become an art form in its own right.

Cult

Azerbaijan's Gabala Music Festival returns after a year's hiatus

In partnership with The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Held at the iconic Heydar Aliyev Congress Centre, orchestras performed for the first time in a year and a half after the pandemic put live music on pause.

Cult

Mugham, the unique Azerbaijani musical tradition handed down over generations

In partnership with The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan

No form of music is more defining of Azerbaijani culture than Mugham, a centuries-old tradition drawing on folklore and oral history. Discover the master craftsmen and talented musicians keeping the tradition alive.

No Comment

Mothers' Day celebrations toned down in Panama amid pandemic

Due to a coronavirus curfew, traditional serenades were performed during the day, when usually they take place at night or early in the morning.

Musica

Anoushka Shankar's mesmerising musical journey

Sitar-virtuoso Anoushka Shankar performs the concerto Raga-Mala, composed by her father Ravi Shankar, the most famous Indian musician of the 20th century at Lyon's Auditorium, accompanied by the Orchestre National de Lyon.

Cult

Mayra Andrade puts the spotlight on Cape Verdean music

The singer/songwriter is on tour with a very personal record, that's neither traditional Cape Verdean music nor afrobeat, but somewhere in the middle that's her own personal sound.

World

Catalan-Spanish conductor Jordi Savall enthralls UAE audiences

Award-winning Catalan-Spanish conductor and musician Jordi Savall, performed at Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation theatre this month.

Germany

Artificial intelligence is writing Beethoven's unfinished symphony

A team of German musicologist and programmers are using machine-learning software to complete the beloved composer's final tenth symphony in the run-up to his 250th birthday.

Cult

The Gnaoua Music Festival celebrated centuries of musical tradition

The internationally renowned festival in Morocco fused together a range of genres including Gnaoua music - an ancient African Islamic repertoire of songs and rhythms.