Arhivi Kategorije: Angleški članki

Angleški članki, Tuja scena

On the stage world famous maestro, in private life big football fan

On 19th February in Cankarjev dom hall in Ljubljana will be concert with maestro Roberto Abbado for Festival Ljubljana. The famous Italian conductor will perform in Slovenia for the third time and in connection to this occasion we have spoken with him.

You have already toured in Slovenia, in Ljubljana. Do you have any friends among Slovenian conductors? Do you ever meet? Have you ever cooperated?
I have been to Slovenia twice, but unfortunately I have not yet had the opportunity to meet any of my colleagues in person.
The conductor is the main authority in the orchestra and on stage. There is probably a certain relationship between you and the musicians that is indispensable and mandatory on stage. How do you get along with the orchestra in backstage?
The relationship must be very strong. After all, we make music together. The orchestra knows what it will play, and the conductor determines the type of performance.
Your colleague Alfonso Scarano, as he told me in an interview, has a strict professional relationship with the orchestra on stage. In their free time on tour, they play football together, among other things. What are you like?
Haha, if I go play with them, I’ll break down. Today, cards come into play more. When I was younger, we also competed with the orchestra. I even organized some matches myself. But I used to do a lot of sports. In addition to football, also tennis and skiing. But then the knee problems started. So now I’m a couch sportsman. I still never miss a good football or tennis match on TV. It relaxes me and clears my mind, although I often get upset by what is happening on the screen.
Do you have a favorite football club?
Of course! Lazio Roma. This is our family tradition. My grandfather started cheering for the club. My parents were even its presidents.
Today, there are several top conductors in the world, but it would be difficult for me to point to just one who would be a marked departure from others, for example as Herbert von Karajan or Leopold Stokowski in the past. How do you view your colleagues? Is there anyone among them that you particularly appreciate? Do you think any of you stand out in particular?
I think you’re right. There isn’t just one standout today. Von Karajan was number one in his time. But even then there were many excellent ones.
Have you ever thought about whether a famous musical surname helped you on your way or did it make you have to prove yourself even more because of it?
I think it was more the latter. To this day, I encounter comparisons with my uncle Claudio, who was a top, world-renowned conductor. He is still highly regarded, recognized as one of the greatest artists of his kind of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

Your daughter also played violin, but later she didn’t choose music for her profession.  
I never gave her any advice. He works in Italy’s Luft optic, a company for a world-famous brand of glasses, sunglasses etc. She is a video expert. I wasn’t disappoint that she stopped playing the violin. She told me that she lacks the most necessary thing for a musician, passion. She is happy in her profession and I am happy for her too.
Conductors and maestros are regarded by the audience as serious, strict people. Would you say that you are different from this picture?
I think that in our conversation so far you have already gotten some picture of me and that you can see that I also know how to joke. I laugh a lot because it is positive and necessary. There are, of course, things that need to be taken seriously.
What are you like in private? Do you know how to get away from work and rest?
I love to cook, it’s a great type of relaxation for me. I like it because you can use a lot of imagination, try creativity.
You have FB profile, are you very active on social platforms? Are you one of those who can’t be without?
I only have FB. Being present on social networks is essential these days, but I’m certainly not one of those people who are constantly on social networks. Too frequent presence takes a lot of time, and the question is also how quickly they can get fed up.
Interviews are also part of your job. What kind of interviews do you prefer? Is there a topic you don’t like?
I think that I am open, that there is nothing that I do not dare to answer.
You perform all over the world. Maybe you have a favorite hall?
Festival Ljubljana, haha. Well, there are a few more.
Your idol was Carlos Kleiber. You have said of him several times that he was literally a genius. Why? Did you ever meet him?
Once in Italy, during rehearsals for one of his concerts. He asked me if I had ever conducted Aida, because he never did himself, I think this is very interesting about him. He loved to joke, even about himself. He was a genius. He knew how to approach music in a special way. Together with the orchestras, he worked magic on stage. Never before have I seen so much passion woven into music. Everything he did was imbued with incredible elegance. He knew how to merge mutually contradictory things into a whole. All this can be summed up as genius.
Would you say you have something in common with him?
I don’t think so. We are different, which is fine. But he had a great influence on my uncle Claudio and also on our generation. I often notice that today’s young conductors do not copy Kleiber, but his influence is felt.
He is buried in a small village in the middle of Slovenia, where he lived during the last years of his life. Have you ever visited his grave?
I have to admit, unfortunately not. Now that you mention it, if there’s a chance, I’ll go.
Your uncle Claudio was also a famous conductor. Have you ever performed together?
No, unfortunately never. But we met often, especially in the last years of his life, when he lived in Bologna.

You have a rich and successful career. You are an example to younger generations of conductors. What do you think your legacy will be?
Gee, you ask tough questions! (laughs). It’s really hard to judge yourself. I think you should ask the audience, colleagues, experts…
Maybe this one will be easier. What are you most proud of in your career? What do you consider your greatest success?
Oh, that’s not any easier either (laughs). After a performance of Gaetano Donizetti’s opera La favorita in 2014 in Salzburg, a gentleman approached me and said maestro, congratulations on your Parsifal. I conducted this Wagner opera half a year earlier in Bologna. The aforementioned gentleman was at both performances and instead of congratulating me for La favorite, he congratulated me especially for the performance of Parsifal. Many people later told me that Parsifal was the best work of my life.
You perform in big concert halls all over the world. Do you sometimes wish to perform also outside them? Would you, for example, perform with orchestra on the opening of Olympics etc?
I would, of course. If it would be a small part, some cut. I can’t imagine how you would perform with Beethoven, for example, because those are really long symphonies. Outside of other concert venues, it depends on the acoustics etc.
When I was looking at your photos online, I would say that in some of them you look a little like the American actor James Read from the 80s TV series North and South. Have you ever noticed this yourself? Has anyone else ever said that to you?
Actually, I think you’re the first one to tell me that (laughs). When we were younger, it was really about the resemblance, especially the eyes and around the eyes, but now probably less.

Photo: Miro Zagnoli, Yasuko Kageyama

Angleški članki, Tuja scena

Will Brad Pitt portray a member of Judas Priest?

He says they are veterans, but young at heart. Heavy metal band Judas Priest celebrated 50 years on the scene before the Covid pandemic. At that time, they should have come to Slovenia as part of the tour, but similarly to a number of other concerts and events, their visit also fell into the water. They are now coming to Ljubljana on July 12th. This will be the second visit of the band, who has a rich journey behind and is considered one of the largest heavy metal bands in the world. We spoke to bassist Ian Hill.

We are talking about the 50th anniversary of the group, but in fact it is already the 52nd. Is it difficult for a group with several members to endure, or rather to exist for 50 years? Were there many ups and downs along the way?
Oh, both! Especially during the early years. As you pave your way, you search for your place under the sun, as you search in music. When you wait to earn enough to be able to make a living from your work. It was necessary to live, to invest in a band, in equipment, in music… But that’s the beginning of everything and for everyone. I remember that we went on our first real vacation in the true sense of the word after ten years. And when we finally released the first record and the critics said it wasn’t as good as we thought ourselves (laughs). And the members also came and went. Some left, but later came back etc. It was hard, for example, when Rob left, when he embarked on a solo career, but then returned. But looking back, it was nice and I wouldn’t replace it. It was a kind of magical journey. When success comes, you appreciate it even more because of what was on the way.

You are the only founding member of the group. Are you privileged in the band because of that?
No, but I wouldn’t mind to be (laughs). Well, neither is anyone else. We have democracy (laughs). We are friends, this is definitely helpful in the operation of the band. Friendship has always been a kind of red thread in our group.  

Do you ever wonder if the band’s path and success would be different or what it would be like if the band remained the same all these years? Would your songs, genre be the same?
This is an interesting question. Hard one, actually. I should think a little. Yes, I think it would be the same or at least similar. The thing is, some of the members who left the band later came back. However, I might also mention in this connection that the departures of the members were not due to any special divisions, but were caused more by force majeure. Different things and situations that life brings.

You have multiple awards, but surprisingly not as many as we would think  on the basics of the large number of your fans and hits. Is there another one you don’t have? Which would you like?
Oh, yeah, it’s always some yet (laughs). Grammy for example. Otherwise, I think after so many years on the scene, we don’t work for awards, but for fans. You don’t look at the competition that much anymore either, but the priority is really the fans. Well, of course, it’s always nice when you get it.

You said earlier that the members were leaving the band, some came back… Is the band in contact with former members? Maybe them will also be guests at one of your concerts on the stage anniversary?
This would be very difficult, especially because of the logistics, organization, coordination,… when you travel around the world. In connection with the 50th anniversary, impossible at all. But we are still friends with Alan Atkins, Chris Campbell for example. About others, I haven’t seen some of them for years. Who knows what will happen, you never know.

Two years ago, some of your former members formed the group KK’s Priest. What do you think of them?
Kenneth has been on the scene for a long time and it’s nice he is back. I wish them all the best.

Rob Halford has published an autobiography. What do you say about this? Would you follow his steps?
My idea is that if I would, I would tackle the first few years in particular. That’s when the most important things happened. That would be most interesting in my opinion, because I think a lot or everything else from later years is already known.

Maybe a movie about Judas Priest will also be done. Who would you like to portray you in it?
Oh, I don’t know. What do you think? Brad Pitt (laughs)?

In the past, you also had motorcycles at stage concerts. Do you still have them?
For 40 years, yes, they still will be.

Twelve years ago, the band had a farewell tour, and then you came back because it was wish of many fans. What next, in the future?
New songs, concerts, we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary… In short, I would say that we have quite a few years ahead of us.

What about when you’ll really say goodbye one day? Do you see any of your successors? The new Judas Priest?
This, however, is very difficult to say. There are a lot of new bands. Everyone has to succeed on their own, in their own way. I think it will be decided by the fans.

You were in Ljubljana decades ago. Why is the next concert so very late?
It was hard to get to, which is a shame. We were not often in Eastern Europe, for example. If I am right we were in Ljubljana last time in 1999, after the end of the war in the former Yugoslavia. However, we are looking forward to the concert and of course we will do our best.

It will be the best concert, as they say?
Oh, absolutely! Absolutely! (laughter)

Heavy metal musicians at least on the world music scene don’t exactly explain about private life. Would you tell something about Ian Hill when he’s not at concerts?
I’m a family man. I have a wonderful wife and 4 kids, well, the youngest is already 30 and the oldest is 42 years old. We are very close. I’m on the road a lot because of my work, touring. So whenever I’m home, I make up for that time.

Photo: JP collection

Angleški članki, Glasba

We would also like to see Slovenia

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They are from a continent called “down there”, but they are one of those Australian musicians who, despite the remoteness and small size of their country, managed to conquer the world music scene. Conquering the top of the music charts around the world, they are the recipients of a number of awards. 5 Seconds Of Summer are the first Australian musicians to have 3 albums at number one on the Billboard 200. They are also, among other things, the first Australian music group to have their first 3 albums at the top of the charts in America. It is also interesting that 4 documentaries have been made about them so far.
For the giant concert spectacle 5 Seconds Of Summer will bring stage equipment to Slovenia capitol Ljubljana in eight tow trucks and the team will come with five tour buses. In addition to a large light park, a huge sound system and a large smoke generator they will also have 2 large lasers to perfectly stage the concert spectacle. The group and the team need 5 backstage offices, 4 locker rooms, 220 towels… They also bring their own kitchen with their chefs, for which the organizers will have to provide all necessary connections and accessories in the backstage of Arena Stožice, as well as a large dining room. They will also need as much as 80 kilograms of ice in it. About 200 people are working on the project, both the international team that comes with the group as well as domestic technical, security and other teams.
They have performed almost all over the world and during last weeks they are on a 2022 world tour in Europe, North America and Australia. As part of this, they are coming to Ljubljana for the first time on 6th May, to the Stožice Hall.

What are you most looking forward to and are you happy to meet Slovenian fans?
It’s always amazing to be able to go to a country for the first time. To experience the fans’ excitement especially after we have released so much music. It’s a huge opportunity for us to be able to soak in the culture and create a special night for the people who deserve it most.

Does your tour schedule consist only of concerts and hotels or can you sometimes take some time, for example, to explore the place where you are performing or have fun?
After being away from touring of nearly two years the band has totally changed its view on touring. We know for a fact we will be out exploring as much as we can of Slovenia as it’s such a huge blessing!

You have been a band since 2011. How have you changed in the meantime? You are older, more mature and have more life experience.
We have always prided ourselves on our willingness to evolve. Every album, tour and life cycle of this band is one where we can grow as musicians. This show were putting on is by far the most forward thinking of them all. We will continue to push the boundaries in the pursuit of creating greatness.

The first ten years are behind you. Do you want to be on the scene as a band for decades? Do you see yourself as the Rolling Stones or Smokie, both of whom have been performing for over 45 years?
That is the plan! The outlook and mission statement of the band has been totally simplified. We love to do what we do and there are people who resonate with that. We want to be a multi-generational band. One where we can span over decades of time and one that is fruitful as much for the fans as it is for the band.

The group is involved in many charitable projects and organizations. Do you think that today, based on the general or current situation in the world, it is necessary for celebrities to get involved in charity and other humanitarian campaigns?
We created a non-profit organization called Friends of Friends a few years ago. We realize the amount of reach and influence this band has and we want to be able to project an environment where people are humane and empathic. It’s important for us to be able to give back to those who are in need.

The tour is named after your latest hit single Take my hand. Does it have an even more concrete and deeper meaning, not just as the title of the song?
Take My Hand is totally introspective. It’s a message to your past and present self from the form of your higher self. One that can be understood at any stage of life and circumstance. It’s a song you go to, to find hope.

When there are no tours or studio sessions etc what do you do in your free time? What do you do when you’re just relaxing at home?
We’re all currently based out of LA. We’ve created a home that’s filled with people we love, space to quieten within and projects we thrive to accomplish! It’s a place where we can rejuvenate and reconnect with ourselves!

Photo: 5SOS archive

Angleški članki, Glasba, Tuja scena

Villanelle adores evergreens, doesn’t like pop and rock

Famous French pianist Richard Clayderman has a new piano company since last year. The romantic prince, as he was named because of his magic fingers on the piano keys by former American First Lady Nancy Reagan, is listened during his rehearsals by his pet Villanelle. The one-and-a-half-year-old velvet beauty of the Rag doll breed almost always sneaks along to listen the sounds of piano keys. “Sometimes she’s even on the piano, on the keyboard, or on the music stand. I don’t know what other cats are like in terms of music, but mine obviously adores it. Maybe it calms her down, relaxes her or she just likes the sound of the piano keys. She loves evergreens, but obviously she doesn’t like pop and rock, ”says Clayderman exclusively for Estrada.si.
Villanelle is Clayderman’s first cat. His mother, however, always had cats, and apparently he inherited a love for these animals, but Villanelle is the first cat he owns. Since he and his wife live in Paris again, he thinks that it is not the most suitable place for a dog there. They live in an apartment with a beautiful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower and for a dog they believe is not the best environment. Dogs and cats are his favorite animals. “My wife persuaded me to decide to have a cat. Now I don’t regret it at all. I used to have dogs, but there were no problems with the change,” he says.

A cat fan of the piano is a completely domestic cat. She has more than enough living space, as the apartment is large and she can take good walks during her wanderings. “At first, I also thought that, like some other pet owners, I would take her somewhere on a leash, but she doesn’t like it, so we gave it up right away,” he says. The Claydermans often play with Villanelle, preferring to throw balls and plush mice. She also loves the so-called cat climbing tree, which also has a bed. If she doesn’t like a leash, she likes to cuddle on Clayderman’s knees or in his lap and spend the night in couple’s bed. Otherwise, she chose a maestro as her own. Judging by the behavior, she prefers to be with him. She is very friendly in terms of importance and loves to nurture. She always hides the claws and does not scratch. The Claydermans take care of the cat themselves completely. If there is a situation that will be necessary, they will hire a cat babysitter.

“Even though she has her own basket, she’s happiest in our bed. God thank we have a big bed, haha! She likes to stretch as long and as far as she can,” he says. In the apartment Villanelle has access to all rooms as it is a clean cat and also does no damage. Last year, due to the situation and Covid, the Claydermans didn’t go on holiday, but spent time in Paris. This year, however, it promises to be different. They are planning holidays at Saint Mallo, by the sea. This will also be the first holiday for Villanelle. She’ll go with them, too. The holiday will be a test for everyone, for the Claydermans and for the cat. It will take a few hours by car and accommodation in a residential hotel must be arranged. Namely, to make the first trip and temporarily move Villanella to a new environment, making them want the best that can be provided in avoiding any inconvenience.

Photos: Richard Clayderman personal collection

Angleški članki, Tuja scena

Placido Domingo became an honorary ambassador in his hometown

Spanish opera star Placido Domingo has received a number of different accolades and awards around the world in his fifty-year career. One of the honorary ones was awarded to him in his hometown these days. He became the honorary ambassador of the Association for the Dissemination and Promotion of the Spanish World Heritage ADIPROPE. The president of the association Ignacio Buqueras y Bach presented him a plaque and a copy of the book Cultural, Natural and Intangible World Heritage of Spain. Although it could be said that the tenor, conductor and artistic director of some opera houses is accustomed to awards and recognitions, his response to the awarding of the title of Honorary Ambassador was noticeably emotional.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, friends. To receive the title of Honorary Ambassador of Spain’s World Heritage from Adiprope and its president Don Ignacio Buqueras y Bach, in my Madrid, in this Teatro Real, which is so dear to me and to which so many experiences unite me, is something for which I am grateful with tremendous emotion and with a deep sense of responsibility. I would especially like to stress and appreciate the importance of your Association. Spain possesses a cultural, natural and intangible heritage of incalculable value. We are the third country with the most properties declared by UNESCO as World Heritage. Throughout my life and my career I have always been proud to try to make known – especially through our music – beyond our borders the beauty, sensitivity, integrity and character of Spain. Your promotion, help in the conservation and dissemination of our Heritage are an example of nobility, service and exemplary will. The honor you have bestowed on me today will always be with me and will encourage me to spread the treasures of our land with even greater strength, wherever my career and my life may take me. Thank you very much« he said in a speech. The Maestro was touched because of the reception of the audience and participants of the event.

Domingo, who still performs a lot despite his stage Abraham, will also perform in Slovenia on Thursday, 8th July again. At the 69th Ljubljana Festival he will sing to Slovenian audiences at a concert of his favorite operettas. With guests, sopranos Sabina Cvilak and Saioa Hernandez, they will perform a selection of compositions by Verdi, Puccini, Giordano and Thomas and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by maestro Jordi Bernàcer.

Domingo has a dark, dramatic voice with a large vocal range. He has performed in more than 140 different opera roles. They also achieved world fame together with Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti as the Three Tenors. He has also performed successfully as an opera conductor for the past twenty years and has also been the artistic director of opera houses in Washington and Los Angeles. In the last decade, interestingly, he has mainly performed in baritone roles. In Slovenia, he performed for the first time in January 2018 in Arena Stožice.

Photos: PD Management

Angleški članki, Glasba, Tuja scena

Piano, TV and cat the best way against corona

He is one of the most famous pianists in the world, perhaps even the most famous, with career lasting more than five decades. Romantic prince, as his nickname is, is legendary performer with audience all over the globe. But Covid partly changed Richard Clayderman’s life too.  Not in complete because he would never allow it, but anyway. What he’s doing during this period, what his life is like and some other things he told in exclusive interview for Estrada.si.

What are you doing during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The first confinement started a year ago and we could not imagine that it would last more than 1 or 2 months. But over one year later we are still confined or semi-confined. We were able to go shopping and for walks in parks, but for no more than one hour. And sometimes it was not possible to leave Paris. I owe everything to the music and for the past 50 years I have been permanently on the road, either in France or around the world and this is the first time that I have been confined this way. Lucky I am that I could practise my piano every day for hours and hours and I could practise my scales with great pleasure. Like most people around the world I watched a lot of TV and too often the programmes on the news channels discussed the coronavirus, the situation in hospitals, future vaccines and there were plenty of doctors and professors talking about Covid. I was lucky to have my piano so I wasn’t too stressed and I had time to relax. I was able to watch movies that I hadn’t been able to watch. I watched some shows on Netflix and listened to some CDs that I never had time to listen to. So, for some time it was quite profitable for me to be confined because I was able to do things that my schedule would otherwise not give me the opportunity to do. I also devoted a lot of time to reading. I enjoy reading biographies of famous musicians, actors, singers, TV presenters and I read a lot of those, much to my pleasure. I have a cross-trainer at my apartment so that gives me the opportunity to work-out and to exercise to stay in good physical condition. From time to time, I was recording some videos for my English or Chinese websites and I did some interviews by video. When we were permitted to go outside Paris, I visited my mother at her retirement home which is about 100 km outside of Paris. So, as often as possible, I visited my mother, which is usually quite difficult for me because I am so busy, so I was happy to be able to talk with her and visit her. I remember about six months ago I was requested by my contacts in China to visit the Zoo de Beauval which is wonderful. My contacts in China wanted me to try to take advantage of visiting the Zoo de Beauval to take some photos with the pandas. In fact the French First Lady had welcomed these two pandas who were sent by China to live in Zoo de Beauval. My Chinese contacts wanted me to take photos with the pandas because pandas are so revered in China. But on this day it was not possible, because the pandas decided to hide themselves away. But I had the opportunity to visit Zoo de Beauval and I recommend it to anyone if they have an opportunity to visit France.

What about concerts and tours? What is the situation?
When the confinement started, my concert schedule was tight. I had plenty of concerts that were due to be performed in 2020, and even now for 2021. Most shows won’t be performed until the third or fourth quarter of 2021 and hopefully many concerts will be performed in 2022. I am of course very much looking forward to performing on stage again. I realised that since I was 20, I have been on the road permanently. I realised that I had not been in France for more than 3 weeks in a row, and this is the first time that I have spent one year in the same country.

Have you created any new material?
Of course I had time to work on plenty of new material that I wish to perform at my future concerts, in particular, a medley of very famous film themes, such as Superman, Gladiator, Out of Africa, Jurassic Park and many others, and I was also working on semi-classical titles, such as a lovely theme by Tchaikovsky called Waltz of the Flowers, which is a pleasure to perform, and I was also working on The Radetzky March, which I am sure will suit the show and delight people. I also refreshed some arrangements of my standard titles like Ballade pour Adeline, Childhood Memories, or Wedding of Love. Lately, I have been working on some new recordings which should be released on CD at the end of this year by November 2021. I went to the studio, and we were all wearing masks to avoid catching COVID.

Have you been experiencing something new during this past year?
Not really, but something new that I did experience is my cat. In fact, my wife and I were wishing to have a kitten and she was delivered to us last July. This is a ragdoll cat and we decided to call her Villanelle. This cat is now near me every time I play my piano. Sometimes she is even on the piano or on the keyboard or on my music stand. She is happy to live with my piano, so she is my best audience at the moment. Any time we come back to our apartment, she is there waiting for us at the door and she likes to sleep with us on our bed. 

How do you protect your health?
I always make sure that I wear a mask and I avoid being in places with lots of people or where there is a crowd, and I don’t go into supermarkets where there are too many people.

What is your opinion of COVID and the measures?
Well, it is necessary to protect oneself and I regret that sometimes people are not as careful as they should be. They don’t wear the mask as they should, they shake hands, they do not respect the distancing, they kiss each other when they greet each other and this is regrettable because the government sometimes has to impose stricter measures. Of course, on TV and the radio we can hear that some people are against the government when it decides on such a measure, some are in favour of the measures, others are not, people fight each other on TV shows… It’s quite interesting because people never agree. There are always those who are for and against the measures.

During the Autumn you will be performing in Zagreb. Do you plan to perform a concert in Slovenia?
At the moment, I have no plans to perform in Slovenia because it’s not easy to find a date in my planning as November is extremely busy, and to combine availability in my planning with availability in the halls in Slovenia means that it is not easy to plan a show. But it is always a pleasure for me to be back in this country and the more I can perform there, the happier I am.

Photo: personal collection

Angleški članki, Tuja scena

Promoting Slovenia before even visited it

Talking about Mark Hamilton probably isn’t possible without saying that he is some kind of a special artist. Or at least different from many others. He is among those who decided to speak about Covid as global problem also in song. And he is no doubt also very interesting musician. Video of his new song contains capitol of Slovenia, Ljubljana. What is interesting is that in video there are photos of Ljubljana but Hamilton never visited it!
About his new project, plans, decision to include Ljubljana into video, his opinion he is or isn’t special artist and much more things he spoke in interview for Estrada.si

The music scene has existed for a while, how does this affect you? Did you have to be especially resourceful in order to succeed?
It certainly wasn’t easy creating music during lockdown, but modern technology meant that even though my friends and I couldn’t be together in the same room we could still make great music together. I wanted to create a different sound, which is where the electric violin came in. I wanted to make my music interesting and a bit different to catch people’s attention.

What are your interests aside from music?
A lot of my interests  are based around my family. I have young sons and I love to share my music with them, but I am also interested in what they want to explore and helping them grow and develop their own interests. I love to spend time with them and my wife, walking in the countryside with our dog, exploring new places and learning new things. Obviously, we haven’t been able to do that this last year. 

How does music affect your personal life and vice versa?
I started writing songs when I was a young teenager and I first learnt to play the guitar. Growing up can be tough, and song writing helped me through some difficult times in my teenage years. I grew up with music in my life, there was always music playing in our house. Music can change your mood, it can make you happy or sad; it can give you confirmation that you are not alone, that other people understand how you are feel. You can relate to it. When I write songs they reflect my mood, whether I am happy, sad or in love. At the moment I am writing a song about a friend of mine who died a few months ago. He was a big musical influence on me, and I want to pay tribute to him, his life and how much he is missed. It’s a song about happy memories.

Do you have any other hobbies that you love, that make you happy?
I love swimming, but sadly I haven’t been able to do much of that over the last year. It’s good for your body and mind, a good way to unwind.

Why did you choose Ljubljana? Where did the idea come from?
I was looking for certain types of images for the video. I had memories of places I had travelled as a child and although not Ljubljana, when I saw the footage, it triggered memories. The feel of the town was perfect, the stillness, the emptiness and the beauty. I was really struck by the beauty of Ljubljana and I thought, if I think this is beautiful, other people will as well and I need to share it with them. The music was part of the story, Ljubljana brought it to life. 

Why did you decide to make a cover instead of an original song?
I wanted to get a message out about how we have all been affected my Coronavirus, how that made us feel and how we needed to care about and look after each other. One More Light has the perfect lyrics for that. Because it was a well-known song, there was a better chance of people listening and spreading the message. I found my own mental health affected by the lockdown, and I knew other people were struggling as well. I had this idea about raising awareness of mental health issues and had the idea to do a series of cover songs by artists who had suffered from mental health problems. With the help of my friends, I created my own versions of these songs and hopefully did justice to them.

Have you ever been to Slovenia or Ljubljana?  Do you know Slovenia and Ljubljana? If so, how well?
Sadly no, I’ve never been to Slovenia, but since using it in my video, I’ve been reading about Ljubljana and looking at a lot of pictures. I really hope that I’ll be able to visit in the near future.

In making the music video, did you work with anyone from Slovenia?
I didn’t know anyone from Slovenia before I made the video, although I was working with people from a lot of different countries. Now of course I do know people in Slovenia, though we have not been able to meet in person yet I am hoping to work with them going forward.

Your musical pursuits are primarily dedicated to people facing mental distress. Is the fact that so few artists have a similar focus an obstacle or an advantage?
A number of well-known artists have struggled with their own mental health and some of them have spoken about their experience to try and raise awareness. My cover songs, that form my mental health awareness project, were all written or recorded my artists who suffered with mental illness that eventually played a part in their early deaths. I wanted to pay tribute to them but also bring my own personal experience to try to bring other people hope. I hope that personal experience is an advantage; it’s something I feel very strongly about, I want to encourage those who are suffering to seek help and those that are stronger to reach out and show understanding. 

Is it possible to succeed in today’s industry, especially considering the current situation, with such thematically uncommon music?
If the music is good, people will listen to it. I’ve tried to create a distinctive sound, with some great musicians, but there is a lot of competition. You have to get your music heard. Modern technology helps with that when you can’t go out and play live. My style of music won’t be to everyone’s taste, but obviously I hope people will listen to it and when I start to release my own original songs I hope they will like them just as much. The music industry is hard, you have to have talent, but you also need luck.

What has the response been like?
The response has amazed me, particularly in countries like Slovenia and Italy. I didn’t think when I started this music for mental health project it would travel around the world, I thought it might be heard by a few hundred people and that it might help them to feel less alone, to seek help if they were struggling with their mental health.

Do you feel as though it is necessary for an artist to stand out in order to achieve success in this time?
In today’s world, as an artist you are not just competing with other musicians in your own country, you are competing with artists from all around the world but at the same time you can reach many more people. When you are starting out in the music business, it can help to do something a bit different, but I believe it has to be real, genuine and consistent, otherwise people see through you and lose interest. 

Do you feel as though the audience you are targeting with this song is less common, perhaps even out of the ordinary, or is that merely a false perception and struggle of this sort is more common than we might imagine?
As I said before, you need some talent, you need some luck to be successful in the music business. But above all you need good music. Although my current project is about mental health, it’s also about good music and I hope that people will recognise that, even if they don’t particularly like it. When it comes to mental health I think we can all struggle at times depending on what is happening in our lives. I know in the UK 4 out of 5 people will struggle with their mental health at some point in their lives. We are all human, we all experience sadness and happiness and everything in between. But of course we are all unique, how our thoughts and feelings affect us, who we have around us who will understand and support us. I think perhaps we need each other more than we sometimes realise.

Are you the sort of person that, by character, wishes and feels the need to be unique, to stand out?
I’m quite a reserved person. I don’t feel I am unique. I’m just an ordinary man, trying to do something to help others and to bring people together, and the best way I know to do that is with music.

Photo: MH personal collection, BangTidy

Angleški članki, Tuja scena

Sea Adonis turned 60

CHRISTOPHER ATKINS EXCLUSIVE FOR ESTRADA.SI

Although he starred in many films he is and probably will forever be most remembered as sea Adonis, rising from the ocean waves in classic Blue lagoon. This movie was extremely popular when it came on film screen and made Christopher Atkins one of the most adored men on silver screen and in the world and became one of Hollywood’s classics.
Although it is hard or even impossible to believe it is 40 years since legendary movie was made. Christopher Atkins, unforgettable Richard, this week –believe or not- turned 60!
No matter to that he is still very charming and handsome man as he is remembered and some decades later his sex appeal is still there.
He celebrated his birthday with small party, according to Covid situation. He kindly gave an interview about his personal matter to Estrada.si and also some exclusive photos.
During this occasion, Estrada.si wishes him all the best and happy birthday.

What it means to you being 60 years old?
I never thought I’d make it past 27! 60 is kinda spooky to me because I don’t see myself as being 60. I’m still 5 sometimes lol. It’s an old number but I’m still on the hunt in life.

What condition are you in, how do you feel?
Dealing with years of intense sports wear and tear on my body but all good! I hit the gym nearly every day.

Do you have any special wishes, plans…?
The last box in the business I want to tic is making my own film. The films I have are all family uplifting films and the flavor at this time are those type of films. I signed with Eris Talent a literary agency who are pushing my projects.

How do you feel about the fact being still good looking man?
I’m single so thank you!

How do you stay in shape?
I have been going to the gym to keep the locked up joints working and stay active. There are positive sides to A.D.D lol.

How it was on the birthday party?
It was the best birthday party ever! Nadia and Stoyan Gueorguiev are from Bulgaria and opened a new coffee shop where they fresh roast coffee. Wake-Cup-Coffee in Fairfield CT. They opened right when Covid hit. I shared that I shot a film in Bulgaria and loved it! They are a fantastic family run business (their kids help out) and it is only top quality in décor and food. I like to help the community when I can and promote through great people like you during this time of struggle. The Connecticut State Senator, Tony Hwang was there and gave an uplifting speech about community and honoring my birthday.

Do you have any regrets because of Covid and situation? I believe birthday party would be different without Covid situation.
Herd immunity is near and things will level off. All the people I know who had it were fine thank goodness and did not have a difficult time other than feeling bad. We were only allowed a certain number and everyone was Covid safe with masks. I took mine of for some pictures when no one was near. It would have been a big bash with press but Covid killed that.

Looking back would you (if it would be possible) do something different as you did? Some different decisions etc? Would you repeat some things etc?
Nope! Nadia of Wake-Cup-Coffee threw the most incredible party I could have ever dreamed of! Too bad more could not have been there!

Photo: CA personal collection

Angleški članki, Tuja scena

Handsome legendary Hollywood star beat the Covid two times

Classic Blue lagoon movie and Dallas tv series star Christopher Atkins says that Covid changed his life the same or similar way as it changed life of millions of  other people. He is very energetic man, with many interests, always doing something, traveling a lot and living no doubt full life. Actor, director and in fact so called multi talent man is always busy and doesn’t know the meaning of boredom. Now Covid partly changed his life too. But Atkins didn’t want to let it changes his life completely.
Still charming and handsome star was lucky. He didn’t get virus, but he faced it closely. He was in quarantine not just once, but twice and despite of that he is healthy. How it was, what were his feelings, fears, experience etc he spoke about in interview for Estrada.si

How exactly happened that you came into danger because of Covid?
The virus is everywhere here. Seems everyone I’m close with has had it. Nothing terrible has happened to any of them thank goodness. Just flu like symptoms and loos of taste and smell. I don’t know why I haven’t gotten it yet. Maybe it’s the CoQ10 I take (lol). I had to quarantine for 14 days at my son’s place after their babysitter came down with it two days after she was at the house and I was exposed to her. I got back to Connecticut and saw a buddy at the coffee shop and we talked a bit then I left. Two days later he texts me he has the virus. So I’ve been quarantined again. I’m fine. Didn’t get it.

Were you and family on tests?
We take a test after about 10 days of quarantine. All negative. I also test before I see my mother who is in her 80’s. She is now lined up for the vaccination.

You say you and family are in quarantine. Did you decide to go yourself or it was official decision from doctors?
The quarantine is what is recommended by the government. Unless there are serious complications the doctor will only tell you to stay at home and quarantine.

What happened with the nanny? If I understand correctly, virus came through her?
The sitter is in her 20’s. She lost her taste and smell, was run down lethargic, had no fever. Bounced back quick. No problems.

How long you’ll be in quarantine?
I’m out now. They say 5 days after exposure is when you would get symptoms but could go to 14. I’ve done both now.

How are you feeling? What are you doing? What is your day like? Do you have contacts with outside world?
I’m feeling fine! I get out and hike. I can’t handle being inside. I just stay away from people. Now that I’m not sick I’m headed back to the gym and can be around people.

What is your opinion about Covid in America? Is this big problem? What is people behavior generally?
There is tremendous fear that has been instilled in America. The statistics don’t warrant the fear. All the people I know who have had it have had no problems. There is a virus and there are issues for the elderly and people with underlying conditions. People here have been devastated by the lockdowns and panic. It’s very, very sad to see.

Will you get or have already got anti Covid vaccine?
No. There is too much weirdness about this that doesn’t quite add up to me and seeing my friends get it and get over it I’m going to wait.

Do you wear mask, clean and wash hands etc with disinfectant?
Yes. I follow all the protocols. There is that old saying, safe than sorry.

What this experience generally means to you? Did you get any new knowledge, views…? What is your biggest fear in connection to Covid?
The experience is like living in a sci fi movie. My biggest fears are there are more questions than answers. It’s a very strange time we are living right now.

Photo: personal collection

Angleški članki, Tuja scena

The sexiest magician has the DNA of Houdini

One of the best magicians on the world and by the opinion of many fans also the sexiest one Andrew Basso has a big reason to be glad, excited and happy. His longlasting wish finnaly came through. From now on he is the proud owner of the shirt which once belonged to another great illusionist, Harry Houdini. He bought it in web auction and on the basic of DNK test it is 100% Houdini’s original.

How did you find about auction?
A friend of mine, John Cox, in my opinion the most knowledgeable Houdini’s historian, posted something on his blog and I started jumping of enthusiasm. That auction had what I’ve been looking for years! 

Why did you decide to join it?
To own something that Houdini not only touched, but actually was wearing , always fascinated me. But in the auctions you mostly find signed photographs, posters and if you are lucky, you may find a lock or a pair of handcuffs that Houdini used. Those are fantastic and pricy items to have in your collection but for me, something he was wearing, was the dream of a lifetime.

Was competition hard?
It happened during quarantine and so on a online auction. I was sweating, my heart was racing and I was terrified that someone could have made a bigger offer. But I got very lucky. The timing of making the right offers at the right moment just before it ended worked out to my advantage. I’ve lost a kilogram in those few minutes of tension.

What it means to you?
Houdini inspired so many people not only when he was alive but even more after his death in 1926. The incredible story of as self made man, who made it from poverty to stardom believing in his dream became the same journey for me as young boy, coming from a little town in northern Italy and with a big dream to become a magician. From visiting his burial site in New York to theatres where he performed, I always wanted to get close to any place where he breathed the same air. A way to feel his presence even closer. And this shirt collar is something deeply symbolical that connects me to Houdini.

What are you planning to do with the shirt? Will you wear it? Give into some museum etc? Will it be able at least for some people to see it in real? Or will you put it in some your private collection?
In this moment the piece is framed and above my bedroom. I love to wake up and see it and when I go to sleep is a reminder of how far we can go if we believe in our dreams. But not for long, soon it will be sent out to a Washington DC laboratory. The next step is to extract Houdini’s DNA. After that accomplishment, I will be happy to have it on display in a public museum.

Do you also have something else of Houdini in your ownership?
Yes. Years ago I was able to get a piece of the glass of his water torture cell. His most famous escape device where Houdini was lowered upside down into water, unfortunately in 1995 it was almost completely destroyed during a fire tragedy in the Houdini museum in Niagara Falls. Later the cell was purchased and restored by the greatest illusionists , David Copperfield. But some of the pieces of the destroyed cell were saved and I was lucky to get one. Now the small piece is part of a special ring I had made, but don’t tell my fiancee!

Do you collect material about Houdini (films, books, documentaries, magazines…)?
I do not consider myself a collector. I love everything about Houdini, I have goosebumps when I hear his name but in order for me to actually buy something it needs to have a soul, a vibration, a story. This piece I got represents for me the number one item existing in the Houdini’s collectibles.

Did you ever have idea or plan to find and contact and meet someone from Houdini’s family?
Oh yes! Thanks to Facebook I am in contact with relatives of the Houdini’s family and as soon we will be able to travel safely again, I hope we will meet to celebrate this achievement together. I’m proud to guard this unique piece of Houdini’s history.

Did you ever have wish or plan to make film about him? Would you play in main role?
To play his role in a movie would be a great honor for me. I better start learning the Hungarian accent ! Any Hungarian reading this ?

I believe you watched different films about Houdini. Which one you liked the most and why? Who is your favorite actor who played Houdini?
Tony Curtis in the 1953 movie is still my favorite, probably because is the first movie I’ve seen about Houdini after reading so many books about. 

Several days ago you walked shirtless, just in underwear in snow in New York park. Is this some sort of advertise, joke, special regards to your fans, new year’s wishes?
I was training in the cold and I wanted to share the moment with my fans. For 2021 I want to bring my fans more behind the scenes to show what it takes to be an escape artist.

Do you do such or similar things often? And if yes, why? Is this some kind and way for better health, resistance etc?
I do it for several reasons. First I like to challenge myself. I ask myself, can I do it? Let’s see. Once. a day I do a thing that scares me,I feel more alive doing so. Also, embracing different techniques, like extreme cold exposure along with breathing techniques and meditation is to strenghten the body and the mind.

The most dangerous thing you have done outside magic?
Trying to steal the last piece of my mum’s Apfelstrudel. Haha!

Did you ever swim during winter and snow in some lake, river?
You see already where I’m going next. Are you a magician too?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYAFazgGu2U

Are dangerous things and extremes in life (off the magic) your passion, challenge…?
I do have a fascination for fear. For me is one of the most curious and intriguing aspects of the human mind. How much control can fear have on our lives?  I like to test myself to understand the psychology behind the mechanisms of  fear and then I learn how to manage it. I need this to face my dangerous stunts but it became useful also in my everyday life, especially during these challenging times, to control anxiety and the feeling  of uncertainty towards the future.

Do you have any special Christmas or New Year wish?
I wish everyone, after all this challenging time we went thru, to be able to come back to our lives stronger than ever. Due to Covid I have not been on stage since February of last year and performing and making people happy is my mission. I miss it so much. Next time I will walk on stage it will be with a roar!

How you celebrated and where you were for Christmas and New Year?
I was with my fiancee’ Amanda and her family here in New York, I’m grateful this year I’ve been able to spend time with the people I love.

Are you planning something special, unusual… etc for 2021?
I’m preparing the new show, “ANDREW BASSO, Dead On Stage”. As soon vaccine will reach  people, crowds will be so hungry to go back to live events, concerts, theatre, sporting events and I need to be ready to give them the goosebumps, the excitement and the amazement they’ve been waiting for. The same feelings I’ve been looking for, in every day of my life.

Follow Andrew Basso on Facebook and Instagram @andrewbassoofficial

Photos: personal collection