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Associated Press
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
27th Bangkok Festivals: A World-Class Spectacle in Thailand
Experience the legendary 'Plácido Domingo' live in Thailand for the first time—alongside an Indian epic, dazzling Chinese ballet, operas, and jaw-dropping acrobatics Tickets Now Available! BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - Get ready for a world-class spectacle like no other—right here in Thailand. Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is making a grand comeback, bringing 14 stunning performances from over 10 countries across the globe. KV This year's lineup is nothing short of legendary—with the Thai debut of Plácido Domingo, the iconic opera superstar. And that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era – an epic tale from India, A Dream of Red Mansions – breathtaking Chinese ballet, Tosca and Aida – powerful operatic masterpieces, dazzling Chinese acrobatics, a high-energy dance-meets-tech show from France and much more. The curtain rises from September 6 to October 15, 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre's Main Hall. Tickets go on sale June 14, with early bird discounts for one month and an exclusive 'Platinum Package' available for early access and exclusivity. A once-in-a-lifetime performance in Thailand, Plácido Domingo One of this year's monumental highlights, Plácido Domingo, the legendary opera icon and one of The Three Tenors, will perform in Thailand for the first and only time. With over 150 operatic roles in 4000 performances and 12 Grammy awards, Domingo has redefined opera for global audiences and remains one of the most influential figures in classical music history. This historic night becomes even more extraordinary as he shares the stage with two stars in classical music: Monica Conesa, the radiant American soprano captivating international stages, along with Beatrice Venezi, the groundbreaking Italian conductor hailed as one of the most powerful women in classical music. Together, they will create an unforgettable operatic masterpiece; this is more than a concert; it is a piece of musical history. India's epic Mahabharata comes to life in a dazzling contemporary spectacle For the first time in Thailand, audiences will witness the grandeur of the Mahabharata, India's greatest epic reimagined for the global stage. 'Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era' is a live, large-scale performance by Prabhat Arts International, founded in 1946, a renowned artistic institution known for breathing new life into ancient literature through modern artistic forms. This visually stunning production brings to life the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the cosmic clash of dharma (righteousness) versus adharma (unrighteousness) with a cast of over fifty performers. The show is a gripping infusion of Indian dance, drama and live dialogue with elaborate costumes brought out through levitation, aerial stunts, martial arts and immersive visual effects. Chinese classic reimagined: A Dream of Red Mansions by the National Ballet of China Also taking center stage is the breathtaking ballet interpretation of A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, originally penned by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. Often called 'a mirror of Qing Dynasty society,' the story remains one of the most poignant literary works in Chinese history. This year, the acclaimed National Ballet of China reinterprets the tale through the elegance of Western ballet, capturing themes of love, longing, and the inevitable decline of a noble family. More than eighty dancers will bring the tragic love triangle to life with expressive choreography and powerful stage presence. The production arrives in Bangkok with six full containers of set pieces, lighting, and lavish costumes from Beijing, an awe-inspiring fusion of Chinese storytelling and Western ballet tradition, delivered with grace and grandeur on a single stage. Russia's Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre kicks off the festival with 4 grand productions Get ready for an unforgettable second half of The Festival as Russia's prestigious Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre takes the stage in Bangkok with 4 spectacular productions. Renowned for its breathtaking performances and grand-scale productions, the company brings a diverse lineup of opera and ballet masterpieces to Thai audiences. Leading the charge are two legendary operas: Tosca and Aida, timeless tales of love, loss, and power brought to life with stunning sets, soaring vocals, and a cast of over 250 performers. The magic continues with a brand-new production of The Nutcracker made just for their visit to Thailand, Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet. Rounding off their lineup is the emotionally charged contemporary ballet Three Masks of the King, a dramatic reflection on power, identity, and the courage to embrace one's true self, showcasing the precision and grandeur of Russian ballet at its finest and the only theatre in the world who performs this ballet. Heart-stopping acrobatics and futuristic dance collide The excitement doesn't stop there. This year's festival brings high-octane energy and universal appeal with China National Acrobatic Troupe, performing in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations. With over 50 acrobats and more than 74 international gold medals, prepare to be amazed by gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping feats of athleticism. Then, step into the future with Pixel, a groundbreaking French production that merges street, hip-hop, roller blading and contemporary dance with state-of-the-art visual technology. Featuring 3D graphics, projection mapping, and interactive special effects, this performance is a visual spectacle that will leave you breathless. Global highlights: from Cuban rhythms to Spanish fire The festival also features an eclectic lineup of international performances, namely, Cuba Vibra!, a vibrant journey through Cuban dance from past to present, Nocturna, a contemporary flamenco performance from Spain, pulsing with passion NINA, a Gatsby-style dance drama paying tribute to female strength and the pursuit of dreams Energy ∞ Infinite, a percussion show that redefines rhythm and movement, and The Prague Philharmonia, one of Europe's top orchestras and a Grammy recipient, will deliver classical brilliance and also features 29 year old American pianist George Li from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A festival backed by passion and partnership Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is made possible with generous support from the both public and private sector, including AXA Insurance, Bangkok Bank, BMW Thailand, Indorama Ventures, Singha Corporation, Supalai, Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada, Thai Union Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Ministry of Culture. Experience the Festival like never before with Platinum Packages Book your tickets early and get exclusive access to Platinum Packages, a premium experience crafted for true fans of the arts. Enjoy Bangkok Bank credit card holders receive up to 20% off through the Early Bird period, making this the perfect time to indulge in a world-class cultural experience. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness artistic excellence from around the world. Tickets on sale from June 14 to July 14, 2025, at all Thai Ticket Major branches and at For full program details, visit: Hashtag: #BangkokFestivals The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Bangkok Festivals Established in 1999, Bangkok's International Festival of Dance & Music is Asia's largest and most prestigious performing arts festival. Featuring top-tier talent from across the globe in opera, ballet, orchestral music, contemporary performance, and cross-cultural showcases, the festival strives to elevate the Thai arts scene and provide unforgettable experiences for local audiences. Follow us for updates and news at
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
I visited the UK's best seaside town - just 20 minutes from city
Portobello is a charming, historic seaside town that is part of Edinburgh - and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre Edinburgh is my favourite place anywhere in the world, but it's hard to ignore that during the summer months, the city can feel a bit too bustling and loud due to the International Festival. The array of performers, shows, and comedians can be entertaining, but if you're seeking a break from the hubbub, consider venturing to its stunning seaside. Many Edinburgh visitors are oblivious to the fact that just on the city's outskirts lies Portobello, a quaint, historic coastal town that's part of the city. I'm absolutely smitten with Portobello for its awe-inspiring beach and unique independent shops, so I highly recommend it for anyone in search of a peaceful retreat from the chaotic city centre. Portobello beach is renowned for its incredibly soft white sand, making it an ideal location for a picnic or simply unwinding with a good book by the sea. The best thing about it is how tranquil it is - as long as you don't go at the weekend. From treasure hunts to photographers, yoga sessions or even beach clean-ups, the community is really active, creating a very close-knit and cosy atmosphere, reports the Express. It also boasts some stunning, gothic-style Victorian homes along the promenade, and there's a plethora of charming little cafés and restaurants to explore. My absolute favourite dining spot at the beach is The Boathouse. It serves the most delicious pizzas I've ever tasted and is situated at the very end of the promenade, so it tends to be quiet. However, Portobello is brimming with fantastic eateries, making it a must-visit for those seeking a quality dining experience without the city centre price tag. My absolute favourite pastime is to pop in for lunch at Greek Artisan Pastries, an adorable blue-and-white bakery that stands out on the main street. Their savoury pies are always a delight, served warm and fresh with such a wide variety that I'm always spoilt for choice. Tanifiki, one of the friendliest coffee shops I've ever visited, is renowned for its African coffee blends. The owner is a gem, but the entire team are consistently pleasant and incredibly helpful every time I drop by. With an array of sweet baked goods and luxurious coffee on offer, Tanifiki is a place I simply can't resist. On my last visit, I indulged in a sea salt brownie, but their scones are also a personal favourite and come highly recommended. For a tipple, head over to the Foresters, which boasts a cosy beer garden and scrumptious pub grub. Their fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding are the best I've ever had, warranting a visit every few months just to relive the experience. Edinburgh is famed for its vast array of bookshops, but if you're a bibliophile, The Portobello Bookshop is a must-visit. This independent bookstore offers some of the best picks hand-selected by staff members, ensuring I always discover something unique to read when I stop by. They also boast a fantastic range of independent books and magazines, sparking interest in subjects you may never have considered before. Portobello is an extraordinary location brimming with independent shops that are worth a visit, and I've barely begun to uncover the hidden gems of this underappreciated coastal town. Portobello is just a 20-minute car journey from Edinburgh city centre, or approximately a 35-minute bus ride. It's about an hour's walk, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, it's advisable to take public transport or a taxi.
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
I visited beautiful and underrated seaside town just 20 minutes from Edinburgh
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh holds a special place in my heart, but there's no denying that the city can become rather bustling and loud during the summer months due to the International Festival. The array of performers, shows, and comedians are certainly entertaining, but if you're seeking a respite from the hubbub, why not venture to its stunning coastline? Many visitors to Edinburgh remain oblivious to the fact that just beyond the city limits lies Portobello, a delightful, historic seaside town that is actually part of the city itself. I have a particular fondness for Portobello with its beach and unique independent shops, making it an ideal recommendation for those looking for a tranquil retreat from the frenetic city centre. Portobello beach is renowned for its incredibly soft white sand, creating the perfect setting for a picnic or simply unwinding with a good book by the sea. My favourite thing about Portobello beach is its serene atmosphere during weekdays - but there's always some event taking place. (Image: Katherine McPhillips) (Image: Katherine McPhillips) From treasure hunts to photography sessions, yoga classes or even beach clean-ups, the community is highly active, fostering a warm, close-knit vibe, reports the Express. The promenade is also adorned with striking, gothic-style Victorian houses, and there's an abundance of charming little cafés and restaurants to explore. My top pick for dining at the beach has to be The Boathouse. Serving up the most delicious pizzas I've ever tasted, it's situated at the very end of the promenade, ensuring a peaceful dining experience. However, Portobello is brimming with fantastic dining options, making it worth exploring if you're after a quality dinner spot without the city centre price tag. My absolute favourite pastime is heading to Greek Artisan Pastries for lunch, a charming blue-and-white bakery that's easily spotted on the main street. (Image: Katherine McPhillips) (Image: Katherine McPhillips) I'm particularly fond of their savoury pies, which are always served warm and fresh. With such an extensive selection, I'm constantly spoilt for choice. One of the most welcoming coffee shops I've ever visited is Tanifiki, renowned for its African coffee blends. The owner is delightful, but the entire team is consistently friendly and incredibly helpful every time I pop in. Tanifiki boasts a wide array of sweet baked goods, alongside its luxurious coffee, making it impossible for me to resist stepping inside. On my last visit, I indulged in a sea salt brownie, but I'm also a big fan of their scones and can't recommend them enough. (Image: Katherine McPhillips) (Image: Katherine McPhillips) If you're in search of a drinking spot, make your way to the Foresters, which features a cosy beer garden and scrumptious pub grub. It serves up the best fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding I've ever tasted, and I find myself returning every few months just to relive the experience. Edinburgh is famed for its vast array of bookshops, but if you're a bibliophile, then a visit to The Portobello Bookshop is a must. This independent bookstore offers some of the best picks hand-selected by staff members, and I always manage to discover something unique to read whenever I drop by. They also boast a fantastic range of independent books and magazines, sure to pique your interest in subjects you'd never considered before. Portobello is an extraordinary location brimming with independent shops worth exploring, and I've barely begun to uncover the treasures of this under-appreciated coastal town. Portobello is just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, or approximately 35 minutes on the bus journey. While you can walk there - it'll take you about an hour - I'd strongly recommend opting for public transport or a taxi if you're unfamiliar with the area.
Scotsman
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Classical music is not dead: Why it's a myth that young people don't like it
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... For years, headlines have mourned the 'death' of classical music, often painting it as a fading relic clung to by older generations. But step inside the Edinburgh International Festival and you'll quickly see a very different reality: young people enjoying classical music in greater numbers than ever. This year, the International Festival's flagship 'Art of Listening' workshops celebrated their 25th anniversary by reaching a record-breaking 3,000 schoolchildren – the largest number to date. These aren't passive observers; children aged ten to 12 are guided by professional opera singers and pianists in sessions where they actively engage, sing, imagine, and creatively respond to the sounds of Beethoven, Britten, and even modern icons like Billie Eilish. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad During the workshop, it is energising to see the children recognise that they unknowingly connect with classical music daily, in ways they may not have realised. It's in their television shows, films and even computer games. More under 35s are listening to classical music than over 55s, according to a recent survey (Picture: Hiroyuki Ito) | Getty Images Kids not forced to listen Just look at the numbers: a recent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra study found 65 per cent of people under 35 were listening to classical music regularly, compared to only 57 per cent of their parents, or those over 55. The International Festival has already given away a record number of free tickets this year through the Young Musician's Pass, with over 2,000 distributed to anyone in Scotland aged eight to 18 who plays an instrument or sings. Classical music isn't being forced onto kids, they're opting in. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Over the last quarter-century, more than 23,000 pupils across Edinburgh have experienced the Festival's Art of Listening, a programme offered free of charge – including transportation. And now, for the first time, the International Festival is opening up the workshops to families with children as young as seven, further proving the appeal across all ages. I like to see our Art of Listening workshops as a gift. You can give someone a gift and they can say thanks, pop it on a shelf and never use it again. Or they could carry it with them every day, use it and maybe even share with someone else. Stimulates creativity, improves memory For me the most important part is that the seed is planted, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts now has the chance to grow. This can be transformational; classical music is often praised for its positive effects on mental health, particularly in reducing anxiety and stress. It stimulates creativity, improves focus and even improves your memory. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We're also investing in the young people of Edinburgh, which has celebrated culture and creativity so much it's become known as the Festival City. These young people aren't just going to be our audiences of tomorrow – they're here now. The myth that young people are disconnected from classical music simply doesn't hold up. The real issue may be that many young people haven't had the opportunity to experience it on their terms – something we're continuously working on to change. By making classical music accessible, inclusive, and interactive, our work at the International Festival proves that when given the chance, young audiences don't just appreciate classical music – they love it. Let's stop asking whether classical music is dying, and instead, start listening to how it's evolving – through the voices, ideas, and imaginations of a new generation already singing its tune.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What are the busiest Memorial Day Holiday routes in Mississippi?
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – As America and Mississippi near Memorial Day, traffic for those entering and leaving the state is likely at the top of mind for motorists. According to AAA, close to 40 million Americans are expected to travel by car for Memorial Day. Rental car company Hertz says Friday, May 23, will likely be the busiest day for car pickup nationally. However, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) largely expects travel on the state's roadways to decrease over the upcoming weekend. According to MDOT Public Information Officer Michael Flood, he expects traffic on Memorial Day itself to be especially slow. However, he identified to WJTV 12 News three areas around the state where he expects there to be some congestion. Below are the areas on Flood's radar for considerable amounts of traffic. The major Tennessee city on Mississippi's northern border is anticipated to congest part of Mississippi's longest interstate. Likely attractions include the Memphis in May International Festival, which often coincides with Memorial Day, the city's famous barbecue and its music scene featuring a diverse array of artists. Detour: Taking U.S. Highway 51 as you get towards Memphis could provide an alternative route to I-55 well before you cross either side of the Mississippi state line. Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It? Usually, traffic around the I-55 and I-20 interchange (also known as the stack) is more congested than the stack itself. However, Flood noted that the stack will receive comparatively more traffic than the area around it for the Memorial Day Holiday. It makes sense; it is a common roadway for travelers not only in the Jackson metro, but throughout the state and region. Detour: Driving on U.S. Highway 80 could provide an alternative route to completely avoid the stack for those travelling along I-20. For those traveling close to I-55, Highway 51 remains a viable route. However, you will have to hop onto Highway 49 to continue driving south through Mississippi. Flood described to WJTV 12 this interstate as a common roadway for motorists during the Memorial Day holiday. It hugs the Mississippi coast, which is a common destination for its beaches and casinos. It also serves as a metaphorical bridge to two major cities outside the state: New Orleans, west of Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama, near the eastern corner of the state. Detour: Using U.S. Highway 90 will take you to New Orleans and Mobile. For those who also want to view the ocean as they drive, the highway is certainly closer to the beach than I-10. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
