The soundtracks up for nomination at this year's Academy Awards are Howard Shore's soundtrack to Hugo, Ludovic Bource's score for The Artist, Alberto Iglesias' score for Tinker Tailor Solider Spy and two John Williams scores - The Adventures of Tintin and War Horse. Canadian composer Howard Shore has now received four nominations and with John Williams two nominations this year he now was an incredible forty-seven nominations across 60 years of composing. Hugo and The Artist were both nominated for Best Picture alongside The Descendants, War Horse, Moneyball, The Tree of Life, Midnight in Paris, The Help and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Cinematic News Released: 2012-01-26

Bond fans around the world will be interested to hear that composer Thomas Newman has been named as the composer to score the 23rd James Bond film, SKYFALL. “We are delighted to confirm that Thomas Newman will score SKYFALL. Thomas is one of the most respected and successful composers, he has a long history of working with Sam Mendes and we look forward to welcoming him into the Bond family,” commented Michael. G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Said Newman today, “I’m incredibly excited to be working with Sam again. It’s a real thrill to be able to collaborate on something as special as a Bond movie.
Thomas Newman will be replacing regular composer David Arnold, who is currently Music Director of the London Olympic and Paralympic closing ceremonies.
Skyfall, currently in production, stars Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw and will be out on October 26.

Cinematic News Released: 2012-01-18

You’ve heard of Pop Idol & the X Factor & now Aretha Franklin is getting in on the act, turning her gaze on the world of classical music. The Queen of Soul is searching for the next great opera singer. If she likes what she hears, Franklin will sign one, two or maybe even three performers to her label, Aretha's Records, & help them get established in the world of classical music. She is asking for 18-40 year olds to send their demos to her directly. "I'd like to hear them sing the classics," Franklin says. "Things like 'Nessun Dorma.'" Giacomo Puccini's aria from his opera Turandot is what Franklin herself famously sang when she filled in for Luciano Pavarotti at the 1998 Grammy Awards. Franklin will be judging the talent herself but the competition will not be televised.

Classical News Released: 2012-01-04

Oscar-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is to release his first classical music album in the New Year. The album, titled ‘Anthony Hopkins – Composer’, includes brand new work & some of his previous scores from films. The Silence of the Lambs star has long worked on his own compositions & the CD contains some which date back to jottings from childhood. Hopkins joined the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) on stage in summer 2011 to introduce a concert of his tunes & the recording of the performance - at Birmingham Symphony Hall - will be released by British radio station Classic FM. Sir Anthony said: "For years I mused & dreamt about turning my scribbled thoughts & bursts of melody into pieces of work to be performed by a full orchestra”. Well now it seems his dream has come true. ‘Anthony Hopkins – Composer’ is due for release on 16 January 2012.

Classical News Released: 2011-12-20

We love this brilliant Star Wars parody made by US production company & musicians 'The Piano Guys', featuring 2 Jedi duelling on the cello playing John Williams' classic theme tune. The Lightsaber Duel spoof, which features cellist Steven Sharp Nelson playing both Jedi and the evil Darth Vader, has already had over 2 million hits on YouTube. The Piano Guys explain why they decided to make this video : "Why Star Wars Cello? Because of our unending admiration of George Lucas, John Williams, and the most EPIC movies and film score ever created,". Great work!

Cinematic News Released: 2011-12-15

Growing up in Buffalo New York in the 1930s, Boyd Lee Dunlop taught himself to play music on a broken piano left out on the street & only half the keys worked. He taught his little brother Frank to play the drums who went on to record with the likes of Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus. Boyd Lee Dunlop led a modest life working at the steel mills and rail yards of Buffalo, occasionally playing piano at local clubs.
However, a chance encounter with Brendon Bannon, a documentary photographer, has led him to record and release his first album, at the age of 85. Brendon came up with the idea of producing the album after he heard Boyd Lee Dunlop playing a broken old piano at his nurising home. It just goes to show that it's never to late to get your big break in the music industry!

Classical News Released: 2011-12-12

Last year C Music TV had the pleasure of interviewing Québécois pianist and composer Alain Lefèvre so we were thrilled to see that he was recently made an Officer of the Order of Canada. The prestigious title was created in 1967 to recognize “a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.” Since its creation, more than 5 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order. Alain was awarded the title in recognition of his talent, his constant will to champion Canadian music and his gifts as a communicator. Watch C Music TV's Interview with Alain Lefèvre HERE or read the full & Read the full & unedited interview HERE.

Classical News Released: 2011-12-07

An Animal Welfare League (AWL) shelter in Adelaide Australia has introduced up a special music distribution system -- courtesy of a volunteer who used to work as a technician for public broadcaster the ABC -- to play classical music around the clock. Scientific studies have found classical music can relax animals, while also helping them cope with separation anxiety.Workers at the rescue centre are hopeful that the calming effect the music has on dogs and cats will increase adoption rates and make them easier to look after. "The dogs bark less and are more receptive to learning basic manners through the training we provide, making them more appealing to the public considering adopting from us" said animal care manager Leanne Page.

Cmusic News Released: 2011-12-06

Sisters Maria, Lucia & Angella Ahn, originally from South Korea, came to New York to study at the prestigious Julliard School almost 15 years ago & have since built up a strong & loyal fanbase, including some high profile names at the White House! Unlike some classical musicians their repertoire incorporates classical music from the recent past as well as collaborations with contemporary composers & artists -- from rock 'n' rollers to jazz musicians to dancers. Violinist Angella from the group says "We want music not to be about being elitist or always serious. Music is all about emotion, about conveying beauty or energy or sadness. It's all about communication,". The sisters recently performed in Washington, D.C. -- at a White House State Dinner for the presidents and first ladies of the United States and South Korea, which they say is an experience they'll never forget.

Classical News Released: 2011-11-30

Since her debut in 1992 at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu has earned a name for herself as one of opera's most glamorous & talented singers. Since then, Angela has been in constant demand around the globe taking leading roles in concert halls stretching from New York to Japan, delighting audiences with her captivating & emotional performances.
In this exclusive interview, Angela talks to C Music TV about her childhood in Romania & how her talent was first nurtured, her life in the spotlight as a famous singer & her new album 'Homage to Maria Callas'. Speaking about C Music TV itself Angela says " I think C Music TV is doing a wonderful job, I love the idea of mixing good music, bravo!." Watch C Music TV's Interview with Angela Gheorghiu HERE or read the full & unedited interview HERE.

Cmusic News Released: 2011-11-24