Articles for category: Opinions & Editorials

December 7, 2025

Editorial Team

When Two Musical Worlds Clash and Create Something New

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when a jazz musician finally understands that Bach was improvising all along. On Tuesday evening, December 02 2025, at Studio TD, pianist Paul Lay and his trio—Clemens van der Feen on double bass and Donald Kontomanou on drums—didn’t just perform Bach through a jazz lens. They made the case that these are actually the same thing. The Festival International Bach Montréal‘s decision to program a jazz trio might have seemed unconventional, yet it paid off. By trusting that Bach’s music could sustain multiple approaches, the festival acknowledged something essential: that tradition remains

November 30, 2025

Editorial Team

Orliński Returns to Montreal: Redefining the Countertenor

There was an unmistakable sense of anticipation in Salle Pierre-Mercure on Monday evening as Jakub Józef Orliński took the stage alongside pianist Michał Biel at the early dates of the Festival International Bach Montreal 2025. Seven years had passed since the Polish countertenor’s first Montreal appearance in 2018—a performance that had left audiences mesmerized at the Church of Andrew and St. Paul. Yet the artist returning to us this November was not simply repeating past glories. Instead, Orliński presented something more ambitious: a recital designed to dismantle, once and for all, the narrow expectations placed on the countertenor voice. The

June 28, 2024

Editorial Team

Rethinking Classical Music Education for the 21st Century

Grace Kang, Royal College of Music, February 15, 2015 Classical music education has long been rooted in centuries-old traditions, emphasizing the works of composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. While these foundations are undoubtedly essential, the 21st century presents unique challenges and opportunities that call for a reevaluation of how we approach teaching classical music. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, cultural shifts, and diverse musical landscapes, it is crucial to rethink classical music education to make it more relevant, inclusive, and accessible. Embracing Technology and Creativity in Music Education Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our