The job of a music director, also known as a conductor or maestro, involves overseeing and leading a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or band, to achieve a cohesive and artistic performance. A music director’s role is multifaceted, encompassing various responsibilities related to music interpretation, rehearsal direction, artistic vision, and performance leadership.
Photos from my week in Oslo, Norway in March 2023. I was there performing with the Cirque du Soleil show “Crystal” at the Spektrum Arena and also was able to visit many of my relatives living in and around Oslo. Highlights for me were the National Theater, Metro trains and the Oslo Opera House. I also saw a demonstration about the current war in Ukraine that was very moving.
Photos using a Sony A7 iv camera, and Sony GM 35mm and 24-70mm lenses
This is the first of a series of videos I have created as part of my latest project called “Discuss AI”
Over the last several weeks I’ve been learning about and working with artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGTP, BrainTrust AI, Google Bard and Typecast AI. I created several simple videos while learning about it; videos on my YouTube channel that are overviews of the music of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. I knew that I wanted to do something with AI and that those videos were just a vehicle to learn more about it.
Continue reading “AI Just Said “Everything Will Be Okay” – What Happened Next?”
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a German composer and pianist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music. Beethoven’s music is known for its emotional depth, dramatic intensity, and innovative approach to composition. He is often considered a bridge between the Classical and Romantic periods of music, as his works mark a significant transition from the classical style of Mozart and Haydn to the more emotional and expressive style of the Romantic era.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was a renowned Austrian composer and musician who is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of classical music. Mozart’s music is known for its exceptional beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. He composed over 600 works in various genres, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, choral music, and operas.
Music education is crucial for the holistic development of children, as it offers a wide range of benefits that impact their cognitive, emotional, social, and creative development. Here are some key reasons why music education is important for children:
Continue reading “The Importance of Music Education for Children”
Photos from my tour break vacation to the island of Mallorca, Spain. Most of these photographs are from the city of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. As usual, I like street photography, architecture, graffiti and interesting perspectives with lines and shapes.
This was the last of my photography workshop learning sessions as I was able to meet with two professional photographers at the local amusement park fair Fira del Ram (Fair of the Ram) for some unique perspectives with the rides. I learned that street photography is technically illegal in Spain due to privacy laws so very few of these photographs have people in them.
Besides hanging out with the local professional photographers, I also met some excellent street musicians including one of the best accordion players I’ve heard who goes by “Tony Mallorca”. You can see several videos of him playing on my YouTube channel in the “Short Video” section at: https://www.youtube.com/@ConradAskland
Also got to experience a sunrise hot air balloon ride and that was a little scary to take photos from so high up but you’ll see a few below. Another highlight was visiting the Frederic Chopin and George Sand Museum in Valdemossa on the island of Mallorca, Spain. (Chopin wrote some of his piano pieces on the island of Mallorca)
These photos were taken with my Sony A7 iv camera and two lenses: a Sony GM 35mm (my favorite) and a Sony GM 35-70mm. See below for some of the photos
Photos from my visit to Paris, France in February 2023. Sadly, I didn’t get a full session of night photography because I had to leave Paris early due to an upcoming worker strike. These photos taken with a Sony A7 iv camera, Sony GM 35mm lens and Sony GM 24-70mm lens
We had a great time performing the Cirque du Soleil ice-skating show Crystal in Oslo, Norway! Great audiences and I was able to see many of my relatives as well. Six shows at the Spektrum Arena in Oslo, Norway. Here are photos from our Oslo performances. Photos by Mike Hillingseter
Continue reading “Crystal Cirque du Soleil – Oslo, Norway photos”
Photos in Stuttgart, Germany from February 2023 on my days off. Stuttgart city center, a parade, cathedral exteriors and interiors, and some street photography shots. For these photos I used a Sony A7 iv camera and for lenses a Sony GM 24-70mm and Sony GM 35mm
See below for gallery of Stuttgart, Germany photos