n this interview, I talk with Elena del Mar, an innovative underwater dancer and free diver, about her unique art form. Elena shares her deep love for the ocean, which began in her youth and inspired her journey into free diving, eventually leading to her exploration of underwater dance. She reveals how she discovered a new side of herself beneath the water's surface, where she feels a profound sense of freedom and connection, even if only for a brief time. As a pioneer in underwater dancing, Elena’s movements are not choreographed, but instead emerge naturally from a meditative state she enters while submerged. She highlights the importance of the dedicated team that ensures her safety, helping her descend into the depths and return to the surface. The specialized attire and fins she wears also impact her movement, giving her dance an almost slow-motion quality that enhances the beauty of her art. Elena views herself as a bridge between humanity and the ocean, hoping her films inspire others to appreciate the ocean’s beauty and its fragile ecosystems. She also recounts how sea lions have interacted with her underwater, almost mimicking her dance in a fascinating display of connection. Her passion is rooted in raising awareness about ocean conservation, urging us all to protect these vital environments.

In this interview, I speak with Kgali Mhlaba, a talented student of Architecture and an emerging artist from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Kgali shares her journey into the world of art, beginning with a spark of creativity and a strong sense of encouragement from her family, especially her father. With their support, she was motivated to explore painting more deeply and pursue it as a meaningful way to communicate her thoughts and emotions. As a young artist, Kgali is passionate about using her work to create impact and convey messages that resonate with others. She’s also deeply committed to helping other young artists in her community by offering guidance and support. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Kgali is studying Architecture, a field she’s still exploring and understanding. She acknowledges the vast opportunities within the industry and sees architecture as more than just a profession—it’s a powerful form of storytelling. For her, architecture is a way to express culture, share untold histories, and honor the rich heritage of South Africa. Join us as Kgali opens up about her creative journey, her aspirations, and the role that art and architecture can play in shaping the future of South Africa.

In this interview with renowned saxophonist Tobias Meinhart, we dive deep into his fascinating journey from Germany to the heart of the jazz world in New York City. Tobias shares how his grandfather played a pivotal role in nurturing his love for jazz, which ultimately inspired him to pick up the saxophone. Growing up in Germany, far from jazz’s origins, Tobias’s early exposure to the genre through his grandfather sparked a lifelong passion for music. He talks about how this early connection to jazz laid the foundation for his musical journey, leading him to New York to immerse himself in the city's vibrant and diverse jazz scene. Tobias also sheds light on the challenges he faced when trying to break into the competitive New York jazz scene. He shares his experience of navigating the city's complex music community, building connections, and establishing himself as a respected artist. Through hard work and persistence, Tobias not only found his place but also contributed significantly to the evolving landscape of jazz. Throughout our conversation, we explore the theme of roots—how an artist's heritage, upbringing, and personal history can influence their artistic development and path to self-discovery. Tobias emphasizes how understanding and embracing one’s roots can help shape a more authentic and powerful artistic voice. Finally, I ask Tobias about what he misses most from Germany, and his answer brings a personal and nostalgic touch to the interview. He fondly recalls the comforting flavors of his mother’s home-cooked meals, particularly her traditional German Knödel—a dish that holds a special place in his heart. This conversation with Tobias Meinhart offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of culture, identity, and artistry, and how an artist can find their true voice, even in the most diverse and challenging environments.

Melanie Day, Founder & Creative Director, developed a profound love for Jazz Dance early on, influenced by renowned artists like Lynn Simonson and Katiti King in NYC, and Dollie Henry, Jacki Mitchell, and Jason Pennycooke in London. Her extensive international training included mentors from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, shaping her style and technique. She honed her skills as a Dancer/Dance Captain on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, gaining diverse market insights and mastering various dance styles while traveling the globe. Between contracts, she embarked on projects across the UK and Europe, showcasing her choreographic talents in musicals like BEATLES-THE MUSICAL and FLASHDANCE. As a vital member of London's 'BOP – Body of People,' Melanie choreographed for regional theater shows, charity events, and community projects throughout Europe. Her expertise led her to judge prestigious dance competitions like the Dubai International Dance Competition and Dance World Cup Spain. She's performed in productions like SPAMALOT and currently participates in Musical Productions with Landesbühne Oberfranken since 2017. Melanie has also graced TV and film screens, most notably in SKY TV's BABYLON BERLIN. Returning to Germany in 2014, Melanie now resides in Bamberg with her husband, fulfilling roles as a Dancer, Choreographer, and Educator for Jazz Dance and Musical Theatre. She shares her passion by conducting regular classes and workshops across Germany and Europe, staying true to her lifelong love affair with the stage since she first stepped onto it at the age of 5. https://www.mdancecreative.com/about

Frank Norbet, the passionate director of the Arusha Dance Company, dedicates his life to enriching the community through the transformative power of dance. With a heart brimming with compassion and a vision fueled by empathy, Frank orchestrates special dance programs tailored for diverse demographics, ranging from children to adults, across various segments of society. His unwavering commitment extends to schools, where he ignites the spark of creativity in young minds, to the streets, where he embraces marginalized street children, and even to the disabled community, where he fosters inclusivity through movement. For Frank, dance is more than just a series of steps—it's a lifeline, a vehicle for self-expression, and a beacon of hope for those trapped in the grip of poverty. He firmly believes that by teaching dance to children, he not only offers them a means of artistic expression but also empowers them to transcend their circumstances. Through carefully curated workshops and classes, Frank provides a safe haven where youth can unleash their creativity, build self-confidence, and cultivate a sense of belonging. But Frank's benevolence knows no bounds. Recognizing the profound impact of dance on the human spirit, he extends his outreach to the local orphanages, offering the children there the opportunity to experience the joy of movement. In collaboration with the surrounding disabled centers, Frank organizes specialized dance workshops, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have access to the transformative power of dance. Despite facing his own struggles, including moments when putting food on the table becomes a challenge, Frank's unwavering dedication to serving others remains unshakeable. His selflessness exemplifies the profound impact that one individual can have on a community, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, acts of kindness and generosity have the power to change lives. In Frank's tireless efforts to harness the potential of dance as a force for good, he not only underscores the importance of art in society but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for others to follow. Through his actions, he embodies the belief that true fulfillment lies not in personal gain, but in the profound connections forged through acts of compassion and service. Frank Norbet stands as a testament to the transformative power of empathy and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.

Berenice Patrick is dedicated to integrating dance into PE lessons in schools through her personalized schemes of work, which incorporate chosen topics/themes while aligning with the National Curriculum. With over 15 years of experience in dance teaching across various settings, including primary and secondary schools, community dance schools, and adult dance fitness classes in local leisure centers, Berenice brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Her creativity shines through, and her unwavering passion for dance is palpable. Some notable highlights from her dancing career include performing at Sadler's Wells, establishing a dance team across 11 different schools within a Trust where she choreographed and taught a routine that made it to the regional finals of a national dance competition. Now, she's embarked on a new journey by launching her own business, where she implements dance education in schools through meticulously crafted schemes of work tailored to each institution's current topics.

Joan Ellison is a highly acclaimed vocalist known for her remarkable vocal talent and profound understanding of classic songs, particularly those associated with Judy Garland. Michael Feinstein has lauded her vocal prowess and authentic interpretation of Garland's repertoire. Ellison has made a name for herself by specializing in reviving Garland's iconic songs, spanning from the golden era of Hollywood to Garland's legendary performances at Carnegie Hall and on television. Notably, she has been praised for restoring Garland's original orchestrations, preserving the essence of Garland's music. Her solo cabaret show at Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City garnered significant praise, with Cabaret Scenes Magazine noting her striking resemblance to Garland and her ability to capture the essence of Garland's voice. Joan's recent concert engagements have been diverse and impressive, including symphonic pops concerts celebrating Judy Garland with various orchestras across the United States. She has also performed holiday concerts with notable symphony orchestras such as the Erie Philharmonic, Augusta Symphony, and Cleveland Pops. Additionally, Ellison has presented her one-woman theatre piece, "All Happiness, Judy Garland," to sold-out audiences in Florida. Joan's work has gained national recognition, with features on #PBSForTheArts and Detroit Public Television, further solidifying her reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Judy Garland's music. http://www.joanellison.com/

Viktor Krüger's diverse background certainly adds depth to his acting career. Transitioning from professional athletics and wrestling to acting and bodyguarding suggests a wealth of experiences that could inform his performances. His involvement with WCW indicates a familiarity with physicality and performance, which could translate well onto the screen. Viktor has a passion for the craft of acting and storytelling. This passion likely drives his performances, as he seeks to bring authenticity and depth to the characters he portrays. His Austrian and German productions likely benefit from his unique blend of experiences and talents, adding a dynamic element to the storytelling. Overall, Viktor Krüger's journey from athlete and wrestler to actor reflects a diverse career path shaped by a love for performance and storytelling. http://viktorkruger.eu/

"In the young boutique winery on Lake Zurich, Jonas Ettlin and Brian Serr focus on the love for each vine and nurture and care for it. The BioSuisse certification in 2023 is just the beginning of their commitment to the sustainability of their business! After hand-picking the grapes, they are brought to the nearby wine cellar for processing, as naturally as possible, into wine. As a result, the wines also exhibit a unique naturalness and impress with their distinctive taste character. This approach requires a lot of expertise, which the two trained oenologists, Jonas and Brian, bring to the table. https://jetwine.ch/about

Wayne Wells has an impressive and extensive background in the world of stunts and martial arts. He has a combination of experience as a stunt performer, coordinator, and fight choreographer, along with his martial arts expertise and competitive achievements. His proficiency in various martial arts styles, including boxing, kickboxing, judo, karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and more, gave him a track record of success in both competitive fighting and stunt work speaks to his dedication, skill, and ability to deliver authentic and captivating performances. Wayne's commitment to staying true to the director's vision while bringing realism to fight scenes is crucial in creating impactful and memorable moments on screen. His professionalism and ability to collaborate effectively with directors, fellow performers, and crew members are invaluable traits that contribute to the success of every production he works on. With his wealth of experience and expertise, it's clear that Wayne plays a significant role in elevating the quality of action sequences and overall production value in the entertainment industry. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0920466/

"Emma van Heyn is a South African actor, musician, producer and songwriter. Having written and composed music since the age of six, she has built a vast body of work over the course of her career. Emma’s most recent venture includes the making and orchestration of FNB and BiB Africa’s audio library as Head of Post Production & Sound, working as head composer and sound designer on projects such as Sea Change (brought to you by the makers of My Octopus Teacher) and Qhawe! Mokgadi Caster Semenya’s audiobook, each densely sound designed for an immersive audio experience. She collaborated with Zolani Mahola, The One Who Sings, on projects including the soundtracks for the launch of Rise for the World and the conservation documentary, Ours, Not Mine. Emma made her stage debut at Spier Amphitheatre at the age of seven in music production, Movie’s Greatest Music, touring nationally to KKNK. Her solo career, however, began to surface in 2011 when she was invited to perform one of her originals during the South African streak of Imogen Heap’s international “Ellipse” world tour. She has since released self-produced music, worked as a residency musician in Shanghai and wrote and performed her Fiësta-nominated one-woman cabaret show, Met Slenterslag na Shanghai. Her recent original content was tried and tested through performance in London and New York in 2019. Despite this venture being deemed a success, she decided to take more time to hone her sound. She has since collaborated on over 80 projects from film scoring, mixing, sound design and audio theatre. Her new music catalog is due for release in 2024. Van Heyn shares a great love for acting. After graduating with a Drama major at Stellenbosch University and Music Production through Berklee, she has since been cast and approached for post-production work for various film and television projects. She recently starred alongside Pietie Beyers in the New York DWFNY award-winning short film, Twintig Tone in ‘n Hangkas. This film received seven nominations at the Silwerskerm Fees in 2022. Acting role aside, Emma was also nominated for Best Film Score for this film. In 2021, she won best music and sound design at the Paris Film Festival for Pl8o. She plays the title role of Matilda in “Matilda & Matthys”, an upcoming Showmax feature film." https://www.emmavanheyn.com/about-1

Branimir Agovi, born in Albania in 1993, embarked on his musical journey at the Music and Art Private University of the City of Vienna in 2012. His dedication led him to complete a bachelor's degree in solo singing, followed by further studies in classical operetta under the tutelage of Wolfgang Dosch. Prior to his time in Vienna, Agovi pursued vocal studies at the Albanian University of Arts in Tirana. Over the years, Agovi has cultivated extensive stage experience, showcasing his talents in various productions. Some notable highlights include his portrayal of Vicomte Cascada in "The Merry Widow" at the Langenlois Castle Festival, and his performance as Gabriel von Eisenstein in "Die Fledermaus" at the Theater an der Gumpendorferstraße in Vienna. Additionally, he has contributed to productions such as "Parsifal" at the Vienna State Opera, "Dance Signals 2017," "Podium Operetta," and the Christmas concert at Baden City Theater. Agovi's repertoire also extends to operetta concerts organized by the International Franz Lehar Society, the Lehar Festival in Bad Ischl, and the EntArteOpera Festival, among others. His dedication to his craft and his diverse range of performances attest to his versatility and commitment to the world of music and opera.

"Jamiel Devernay-Laurence is a Producer of dance-based experiences for stage, screen, events, in education and professional development. Through entrepreneurship, Jamiel brings his creations to life through JAMIEL LAURENCE CREATION - collaboratively platforming and curating the work of other artists and harnessing his professional network drawn from his experience as a Performer, Choreographer, Creative Director, Venue Director, and award-winning Filmmaker. ​ Jamiel began developing his choreographic work in parallel with his 12-year career as a Soloist of Scottish Ballet (2009 -21) – where he danced the work of emerging, established and legacy choreographers including Ashton, Macmillan, Bruce, Darrell, Page, Pastor, Bourne, Pite, Dawson, Hampson, Caniparoli, Elo, Lopez Ochoa, Pickett, De Frutos, Arias, Laplane, Whitley, and Lawrence. In April 2023, Jamiel was appointed as the Executive Artistic Director of 3GEE’s Productions and has been commissioned to deliver multiple performances of his unique vision for a new dance platform – BALLET NIGHTS" https://www.jamiellaurence.com/about

In this interview, I talk with Mitja Obed, an exceptional Slovenian flamenco dancer whose artistic journey began as a Latin–American dancer. His introduction to flamenco came in 2007, guided by the renowned Ana Pandur in Ljubljana. Since then, Mitja has immersed himself in the flamenco world, collaborating with legendary dancers in Madrid and Sevilla. In our conversation, Mitja delves into his artistic philosophy and how flamenco serves as a medium for self-expression. For him, the rhythmic power of his feet becomes a voice that conveys emotion, telling stories without words. He talks about his daring experiments with flamenco, blending it with electronic music to create a fusion that bridges tradition and modernity. Beyond his love for flamenco, Mitja's passion for classical music shines through. He has choreographed breathtaking performances inspired by Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and envisions integrating the works of Johann Sebastian Bach into flamenco, merging these timeless compositions with the fiery spirit of the dance form. Join us for an inspiring journey into the life of a dancer who redefines the boundaries of flamenco, blending tradition with innovation and finding new ways to connect with audiences through the universal language of music and movement.

"Mia Zabelka is a noise artist, composer, experimental violinist and vocalist from Vienna. She studied the violin with Alexander Arnekov at the Vienna Conservatory and composition and electroacoustic music at the University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna. After completing her training with a strong classical emphasis, she continued to explore the limits of sound and music in a language entirely her own, based on the de- and reconstruction of the violin’s sonic possibilities, expanding the range of the instrument using live electronic devices, preparing it through the insertion of alien objects and innovative performance techniques. Since 2006, Mia Zabelka has been the artistic director of the Klanghaus Untergreith, an international centre for sound art in the region of Southern Styria, and since 2009 the artistic director of the Phonofemme Festival in Vienna. She has given concerts and performances at many festivals throughout Europe, the US and Asia." https://musikprotokoll.orf.at/en/bio/mia-zabelka https://miazabelka.bandcamp.com/

"Evelyne Tollman Werzowa is originally from South Africa. She is an actress, writer, and producer. Evelyn has written and produced three plays and received an LA Weekly pick of the week. Evelyne completed the prestigious 2-year "Writers Boot Camp Program" in Los Angeles. Her first film 'Somebody's Mother' had its world premiere at Cinequest and Revelation Film Festival in Australia in 2016. Evelyne wrote, produced, and acted in the film.LA Weekly gave the film poignant reviews. LA Weekly compared her play The Pig And I to Monty Python. Her short film Poor Peter can be seen on Funnyordie. She has written for the Huffington Post on loss. She has three award-winning screenplays. Old Time Girl was a finalist at the Paris Film Awards and won Italy's Social World Film Festival. Her film The Stand-Up Doll a documentary played at many Film Festival. Indie Rights picked up both films, and they are on Amazon Prime. The Stand-Up Doll won the best documentary at the Silk Road Film Festival and Amsterdam Film Festival and played worldwide. Her feature film about growing up in apartheid South Africa is in development. Evelyne has completed episode one of her pilot HOT MESS, which won best screenplay at XXPunta del Erste Jewish Film Festival, Best Comedy Vienna Independent Film Festival, and was nominated for best short at The Big Apple Film Festival and DTLA Film Festival." https://www.thestandupdoll.com/

Fanie de Jager's involvement in various productions and performances highlights his dedication to his craft and his versatility as a singer in both classical and lighter genres. At the age of 20, he began studying classical music and singing. His teachers included maestro Albrecht Lewald and the well-known George Kok. Fanie joined the Performing Arts Council of Transvaal (PACT), where he took on roles as either the lead or understudy in several operas and operettas. Some of these productions include "Aida," "The Marriage of Figaro," "La bohème," "Rigoletto," "La traviata," "The Barber of Seville," "The Merry Widow," "Don Pasquale," and "Il matrimonio segreto." He also appeared as a leading tenor in productions such as "Gianni Schicchi," "Rita," "La traviata," "Der Wildschütz," and "Ariadne auf Naxos" at other theaters and opera houses as a guest artist. Over the past decade, de Jager has been actively touring throughout South Africa, delighting audiences with over 350 solo concerts. His live performances allow fans to experience his music in an intimate setting and further contribute to his growing popularity and acclaim. Fanie de Jager's success in both album sales and live performances underscores his talent as a singer and his ability to connect with audiences across different musical genres and languages. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-M_qz_YK357-Kn4fTQqt1w

"In 2015 Lucho Pellegirini was having a hard time getting a washboard for a gig. With just a broken washboard frame on hand, Lucho turned to his cousin Rodri, an engineer, who helped him hack together a ribbed metal panel to get by for the gig. It worked like a charm! Lucho and Rodri were tinkerers by nature, so they went back to the drawing board, and designed a washboard from the ground up. They based their design off of the old one they had hacked together, but free from the constraints of a "restoration". From the very beginning, their intention was clear: To build an appealing washboard built for musicians, using sustainably sourced materials. For the main ingredient (wood), they chose Paulownia: a rapidly-growing tree grown in Northern Argentina for re-forestation purposes that also happens to be the world’s highest absorber of CO2. A few iterations later, in 2016, they launched the first ever washboard made especially for music. It quickly ran out of stock in the first week, and they’ve been pushing out washboards ever since. It's been incredibly exciting and humbling to see how musicians from so many different genres have adopted a Cincinnati washboard into their music including Silvina Moreno (ARG); Ed Sheeran (UK); Washboard Chaz (US); Jack Amblin (UK); Adán Jodorowsky (FR); Defne Dizzy Incirlioglu (US); Marcelo Woloski (AR); Vince Giordano (US); Pablo Leites (UY); Fantastic Negrito (US); Mon Laferte (CH); Santiago Vázquez (AR). https://cincinnatiwashboards.com/

"Dollie Henry MBE has led a respected career of 45 years as a performer, choreographer, creative theatre director and educator and is recognised as one of the most formidable exponents of Artistic Jazz Dance and creative theatre dance and movement direction in the UK and beyond. Her innovative and distinctive style, passion and energy captures the flair so needed for the dance industry of today. Her creative works have been commissioned and performed at theatres and venues both nationwide and worldwide. She continues to teach internationally as a guest choreographer, delivering jazz dance and musical theatre residencies, masterclasses, workshops and lectures. Dollie epitomizes all it is to be a consummate, all-encompassing creative Jazz artist. A fusion of expertise and genuine expression of creative spirit allows this Lady to sustain her position as the catalyst for artistic Jazz dance and theatre with a passion that is unabated." https://www.bop.org.uk/directors

"Landon’s passion for performing and love of making audiences laugh originated in his grandparents' dining room, as he put on holiday skits for relatives. Aside from performing, Landon spends his time working meticulously on professional custom character orders at his puppet building company, The Original Dummy. Not only does he build for collectors, performers, and companies worldwide-Landon has also produced every puppet he uses (from the comfort of his garage workshop) allowing him to feel "closer to the art" while he's away from the effervescent stage lights. Through studying past leading figures in the art of Ventriloquism, Landon has established his own style, presented, when he meets the spotlight. Several aspects set Landon apart from many performers. Landon, as a writer and artist, is constantly looking for what he can do to advance his career in the entertainment industry. His cast of characters are constantly evolving and he strives to develop a show that merges comedy with audience involvement for an unforgettable experience. Landon says two things: he doesn’t just do a show, he puts on a performance. And, in creating laughter for every audience he performs for, he knows the stage is where he belongs." https://www.landonharvey.com/aboutlandon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWaNkx2FQggFGURWyh7o2wQ https://www.tiktok.com/tag/landonharvey https://www.instagram.com/landonventing/

"The young South African soprano Vuvu Mpofu is already entering the international spotlight with her shimmering vocal quality and technique, boundless musicality, and authentic stage presence. In 2019, she was awarded the prestigious John Christie Award at the Glyndebourne Festival, and she is also a recent prizewinner at the Operalia Competition and the Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition. South African soprano Vuvu Mpofu’s engagements this season include her return to the Bayersiche Staatsoper as Micaela Carmen conducted by Daniele Rustioni; Norina Don Pasquale for the Opéra national de Lorraine; Lauretta in Ersan Mondtag’s new production of Gianni Schicci conducted by Michele Mariotti for the Teatro dell’Opera de Roma; Violetta La traviata for Pittsburgh Opera and the National Theatre, Prague and Lauretta in Sir David McVicar’s new production of Il trittico for Welsh National Opera In the 2022/23 season Vuvu made her debut at Seattle Opera as Violetta La traviata; at Dutch National Opera in the European Premiere of Jeanine Tesori’s Blue; at Staatsoper Stuttgart as Pamina Die Zauberflöte; at Welsh National Opera as Cunegonde Candide and at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden as First Nymph in a new production of Rusalka conducted by Semyon Bychkov."

Aled, Condutor and director of the awardwining "John's Boys Choir", is regarded as one of Britain’s most successful and ambitious choral conductors. "He has gained international and national acclaim from prestigious adjudicators and critics from all over the world. His extensive knowledge of choral repertoire, superb understanding of choral technique and sheer passion for choral singing has led to incredible success and at Côr Cymru, he was named ‘Best Conductor’. In 2019, he became the first-ever British male voice conductor to win the prestigious Choir of the World prize at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Aled has conducted at many of the UK’s major concert venues, working with their orchestras in residence and leading solo artists. Concert performances include appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, Festival Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, Cardiff’s Millennium Centre and the London Palladium. His choral arrangements are frequently heard on TV and radio programmes, including Last Night of the Proms, Britain’s Got Talent, BBC Sunday Morning Worship, Netflix show Stay Close, the BBC World Choir Concert, Noson Lawen and on Only Boys Aloud’s Christmas Day Special." https://johnsboys.co.uk/our-director/ https://linktr.ee/johnsboysmalechorus New album https://listen.scot/jbsb email aledphillipsmusic@gmail.com Arrangements https://www.choircommunity.net/library/aledphillips/

Esther Sévérac was born in Geneva Switzerland and studied classical harp at the Hochschule für Musik Basel with renowned harpist Prof. Sarah O'Brien. Fascinated by the possibilities of improvisation and jazz harp, she soon took her instrument to the Jazz Campus Basel where she would study with renowned jazz masters while simultaneously continuing her classical education. She lives in Basel and is mainly active in the field of improvised music, where she is one of Switzerland's most demanded harpists. Her solo debut album with her own compositions for harp and electronics will be out in September 2023. She teaches a big harp class with students of all ages in Basel in her own harp studio. Since 2022, she is teaching harp didactics at the Hochschule für Musik Basel . She sees the value of a good internet and social media presence, that she built on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok. Prior to her academic career as a harp student Esther earned a bachelor's degree in multilingual communication from the University of Geneva. https://estherseverac.ch

Christoph Mooser is the lead singer and songwriter of the bands "Reverend Stomp" and "Kong Fusion" based in Vienna. Christoph is talking about what inspires his music and songwriting and the creative collaborations between the musicians of the bands that he is part of. REVEREND STOMP reverendstomp.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQFGYgUfNbk KONG FUSION instagram.com/kong_fusion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iBG7l2WZaY Kong Fusion“ released it’s Debut-Single „Mammon“

Join me for an engaging conversation with Jonathan van der Walt, a talented visual artist and sculptor from Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. Jonathan’s passion lies in merging traditional and modern sculptural techniques, seamlessly combining lost-wax bronze casting with digital modeling and 3D printing. His work captures the power of form, space, and contour, creating pieces that range from naturalistic and conceptually playful miniatures to monumental public sculptures. In this interview, we dive into Jonathan’s latest exhibition, From The Woods To The Soil, created during his residency as the 2024 Artist-in-Residence at the William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG). This thought-provoking show critically examines his identity as a white African and delves into the cultural significance of braai—a shared ritual in South Africa often reduced to a simple celebration of barbecue. Jonathan shares insights on how his art explores themes of legacy, belonging, and the scars of colonialism. Through his work, he invites viewers to reflect on their own heritage and engage in a journey of cultural reconciliation. This conversation sheds light on how art intersects with decolonial and post-digital practices in South Africa, offering a raw and emotional perspective on self-discovery. Don’t miss this deep dive into the life and art of Jonathan van der Walt, as we unpack the stories and themes that shape his creative journey. Watch now and be inspired! http://www.jonathanvanderwalt.co.za/

Ann Vanhie is a Learning & Development Facilitator in Vlerick Business School (Belgium). She is working in the team “Customized Programmes”, where they develop Learning Journeys for Companies. It’s a rather small Business School, but still nr 1 in the Benelux. Ann Said: "I always think that art helped me develop my personality. I am sure it encouraged my creativity, empathy, self-reflection and self-awareness. All diverse artistic expressions reflect the complexity of the human experience, it leads us to ponder questions about our existence, allows us to form our own interpretations and personal insights. It an bring joy, give solace in difficult times and so I can go on. It can be a way to escape." https://www.vlerick.com/en/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-vanhie-75943b17b/

Jon Mortimer graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire having studied composition, conducting and piano with the renowned concert pianist Frank Wibaut. He was always drawn to the diversity of music found in theatre, TV and film and directly after graduating in 1980, Jon served as Musical Director and Composer for the Birmingham Repertory Company. Productions included the play ‘The Triumph of Death’ in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company for which he composed his first soundtrack. Throughout that decade he composed for modern ballet, theatre and television productions in the UK. As a pianist and keyboard player he played countless gigs, orchestral concerts and tours throughout Great Britain and abroad, and as a studio musician for radio, T.V. and commercial recordings. In 1991 Jon moved to Hamburg and has since then conducted or played keyboards for many of the major Musicals in Germany including Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Fosse, Mamma Mia, Lion King and Sister Act. Jon has arranged and orchestrated music for many concerts, events and Musical productions. Alone in 2023 he arranged the complete music for the Abbamania European tour, Sixties Girls which is running at the Capitol Theatre in Düsseldorf and orchestral arrangements for the Robert Schumann Orchestra and the Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha - Eisenach Christmas Concert. Other credits over the years include music for the The Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra under Ingo Metzmacher, the Water Circus ‘Crescendo’ for Paris Euro Disney and the Musical ‘Teddy’, which was a commission from the Steiff Company. Amongst his compositions is a Piano Concerto, 'Through A Passage Of Time' and the Musical ‘The Garden Behind the Moon’ which was staged with great success in Canada in 2004. 'Celtic Journey', for solo violin and orchestra was premiered in 2016 at the British Flair open air Proms Concert in Hamburg and repeated in 2019. He has also composed many production music tracks for media published and sold world wide by Music Revolution, Roba and Tree Of Arts Music Publishers. https://www.jonmortimermusic.com/about.html

Eva Oskarsdottir, the Islandic Actress, director and producer, based in Vienna. She trained at Ivana Chubbuck’s Studio in LA and also had Meisner Technique, Grotowski, Le Theatre Laboratorium and Commedia Dell’Art, training in Austria. She regularly gives private acting lessons and attends international acting workshops. Currently she is training with The International Acting Studio, Adam Davenport. Eva has worked on features and several short films as an actor and producer. Her feature film „Angels Never Cry“ in which she plays the leading character Theresa is available on Amazon USA. Eva acted in and co-produced "The Darker The Lake" starring Veronica Ferres and Valerie Huber. Eva is currently (2022) working as an actress and producer on "HOT MESS" with Evelyne Tollman Werzowa, award winning writer, producer and actress. https://www.instagram.com/eva_oskarsdottir/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6819294/ oskarsdottir.eva@gmail.com

Themba Robin, an enthusiastic , young and talented South African who’s determined to bring his unique brand of comedy and wit to the entertainment industry. Originally from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth he now lives in the City of Gold rubbing shoulders and competing with the best in the industry . As an actor, he has worked on a variety of projects, from theater productions to films and television shows. Dedicated to his craft he is alwaya striving to bring authenticity and depth to every role he takes on. Themba is also a voice artist, and had the pleasure of lending his voice to a wide range of projects, from animation to video games to commercials. He is alway up for the challenge to create unique and memorable characters through his voice and bringing emotion and personality to every line. https://thembarobin.com/biography/

South African based dramatic coloratura soprano, Michelle Veenemans, hailed as “The Nightingale of South Africa” by the South African media, regularly appears in numerous recitals, oratorio concerts, opera and operetta concerts and charity gala events collaborating with various South African orchestras, ensembles and accompanists. She is an admired exponent of oratorio, opera and operetta arias and established her reputation in singing showpiece arias such as Martern aller Arten from Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serial, and Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen from Die Zauberflöte, arias from Offenbach’s Olympia, Gounod’s Juliette, Verdi’s Gilda and Bernstein’s Cunegonde. Bulgarian Miro Chakaryan, concert master of Johannesburg Philharmonic orchestra, was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. He graduated from the National Music Academy in Sofia in 1990 and the following year arrived in South Africa as Concertmaster of the Bophuthatswana Chamber Orchestra. After a two year conctract he joined the National Symphony orchestra in Johannesburg where he was appointed Assistant Concertmaster. After the cessation of the NSO in 2000, he was one of the founding members of the Johannesburg Philharmonic orchestra and was appointed concertmaster in 2001. Miro is a sought after violin mentor and has had great success with many of his students winning prestigious awards. https://www.michelleveenemans.com/profile.php https://jpo.co.za/ https://wmfestival.co.za/

Marion Schramm is a production designer and art director who has worked on numerous films, most prominently Verdingbub, Marcello Marcello , Akte Grüninger and Youth. After studying cinema and economics at the University of Zurich, she took up studies at the ETH Zurich and the UDK Berlin, qualifying as an architect (MSc ETH Arch). Whilst studying, she also started working in film, making a short movie, and gaining experience as an architect with Meili Peter Architects, Zurich. Since 2001 Marion Schramm has been employed in different positions in the film industry, including as a production assistant, script supervisor, first assistant director, location scout and art director. During this period she was asked to design the studios for the movie Grounding, leading her to find her current vocation in production design. Besides her work in the film industry, Marion Schramm has also been a lecturer at the F+F School for Art & Design, the ETH Zurich, the Academy of Architecture at the Università della Svizzera italiana and at FOCAL (Foundation for Professional Training in Cinema and Audiovisual Media). https://www.marionschramm.com/about

Laurence B.Graham, Leadership development specialist and consultant is a former senior check Check Captain of the Airbus A350 / A340 / A330 Fleet in South Africa. With 25,000 flying hours Laurence has extensive experience in flying a wide range of aircraft, including the Boeing 747-400, Boeing 737-800, Airbus A350, A340, A330, and A300 series. Laurence is talking about his career as an airline pilot and the importance of leadership development in the aviation industry. "For me one of the big things that is missing in aviation now is proper leadership development. Any young pilot starting off a career in aviation, they might think they're only joining an airline as a co-pilot or maybe even as a third pilot where they don't fly for a couple of years, they're just there as a relief pilot while the primary pilots are resting, but they should be learning their leadership skills, because that's absolutely vital..." https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurence-graham/

"For more than 15 years Martin Kluge was a regular face on German television as a lead in 3 different television series. His first series, Stefanie, won the Golden Camera Award, and the last one he shot in Germany, St. Angela, ran for more than five years, enabling him to become a beloved antagonist. He also shot several international feature films, such as Tangier, with Armin Mueller Stahl, and for the famous Pilcher format as a romantic lead in England and Ireland. In 2008, after nearly two decades in front of the camera, Martin decided to emigrate to South Africa to broaden his horizons. Based in Cape Town, he studied photography, fine-art, published a book, and continued his work as an actor in local and international productions. He recently finished filming the abuse drama Sulphur & White (2020) with BAFTA-nominated director Julian Jarrold (‘The Crown’, ‘Brideshead Revisited’) and appeared in international productions Deep State Season 2, the sci-fi series Origin and the local comedy series Evita Excelsior in (2023). In award-winning director, Campell X the British road movie Low Rider (2023) Martin plays the long-lost father in the title. As a trained stage actor (studied at the renowned Conservatorium, Vienna, with an Honors degree ), Martin has a stellar record of theatre productions in Germany, Austria, and most recently in South Africa, where he won the best actor for his portrayal of Marc in Yazmina Reza’s ART. https://mlasa.com/actors/martin-kluge/

Hannalie Taute, an artist from South Africa, was a finalist in the ABSA l’Atelier exhibition and a nominee for the Fiesta awards in 2012, 2015 and 2017. She received the Kanna Award for best visual art production at the 2014 KKNK Arts Festival for her solo exhibition called Rubber ever after. In 2017 she represented South Africa at the Museum Rijswijk Textile Biennale in the Netherlands. Her work is part the academic collection of UNISA as well as various private collections. Hannalie currently resides and works in Riversdale in the Western Cape. "I work primarily with the captured image. Altered, reimagined and reinterpreted. Using mainly vintage photographs sourced from flea markets and even from my own family archives, which are used as is, or blown up to a larger scale. Altered with tire inner tube inlays and hand embroidered detailing drawn with thread. My work is populated by people, masks and sometimes floral arrangements. These portraits by losing their identities, have the chance to become something different. They tell a story of distant colonies and traditions taken across continents to an unknown land. They depict a society based on precise rules alongside an extreme nature, in a country where politics and society are difficult and often painful topics. The black rubber, by framing the images gives an utter dystopic connotation to these contemporary treasures of a past far gone." https://hannalietaute.com/about/

Magi Avila made her directorial debut with the multi-award winning, humorous, educational, and inspiring documentary "Altitude Not Attitude". It obtained north American distribution by Gravitas Ventures after winning 'Best Documentary' at the Spotlight Documentary Awards and Virgin Spring Cinefest. Altitude Not Attitude is a semi-finalist and official selection on 20 more film festivals, including IDA, the world's most prestigious Documentary Awards, and the Academy Award Qualifying Flickers Rhode Island Film Festival. After a rewarding career in Mexican films, television, theatrical and operatic productions, Magi Avila made her way to the Mecca of Entertainment -Hollywood. Magi Avila's most recent work as an actress can be seen now in "My American Family" TV Series on Amazon Prime featuring Danny Trejo. Also, on the feature film "Dog Eat Dog" with Oscar winner, Nicolas Cage, and 4 times Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe, directed by Paul Schrader. She also has a pivotal role in "First Kill" with Mr. Bruce Willis and Hayden Christensen. Magi Avila also appears in "A Better Life" with Oscar nominee Demian Bichir, directed by Chris Weitz (Twilight Saga "New Moon"). Other U.S. Television credits include a starring role on Jerry Bruckheimer's "Training Day" with the late Bill Paxton. She also worked in the final episode of the acclaimed drama television series "The Shield", from Shawn Ryan. " Magi Avila has performed as a lead and co-starred in US Theater Productions and was the co-writer, producer and lead performer of the Musical Theater production of "Carmen Miranda - The Lady In The Tutti-Frutti Hat". https://www.magiavila.com/ ABOUT DEEP ECHO MOVIE A fearless scientist investigates the ruins of a mysterious pyramid hidden in the bottom of the ocean but gets trapped in her flooded artificial intelligence capsule. While trying to survive, she makes the greatest of human discoveries. Why is important to make Deep Echo now? Amid the climate crisis, our oceans become Earth’s vital heart. But “Deep Echo” transcends environmental tales; it’s an electrifying odyssey! It celebrates women’s brilliance who, rather than equal pay, deserve a blank check. Deep Echo ignites inspiration in young females to become scientists, echoing Mayan wisdom to elevate science, infrastructure, innovation, and education. This cinematic treasure spotlights the untapped potential within the disabled community while preserving Mayan heritage’s radiant gems. These challenges ripple through our environment, economy, and society. Brace for “Deep Echo” – a clarion call for a world of breathtaking sustainability and unbridled inclusivity! 🎥 Help us bring this epic tale to life! Support our fundraising campaign and be part of something extraordinary. Every contribution counts! Deep Echo not only will bring huge returns of investment but thrilling and beautiful entertainment. Most importantly, inspiration and education. It has a character that is a disable kid; with his deeply moving story line, ppl will develop compassion for disabled/different able ppl. Just as with Altitude Not Attitude, one of its greatest rewards was ppl telling us, how they were inspired to get a different job, to study, to do more with their lives. Viewers will open opportunities for them too! There's so much untapped potential within the community with disabilities. DEEP ECHO https://creative-visions.networkforgood.com/projects/206796-deep-echo-s-fundraiser Social media https://www.instagram.com/deep.echo.movie/ https://www.instagram.com/magi.avila.official #DeepEchoFilm #SciFiAdventure #LifeBelowWater #CulturalHeritage #Fundraiser #SupportIndieFilm #MayanRuins #spaceodyssey

In this interview, Cas Wepener, Professor of Practical Theology at Stellenbosch University, shares his diverse work and creative passions. Cas provides a heartfelt exploration of a thought-provoking Advent calendar project he collaborated on, which features artwork by Wessel van Dyk and his own written reflections. This unique calendar takes a fresh approach to the Advent tradition by highlighting locations across Cape Town that can be seen as modern-day “stables,” echoing the humble birthplace of Jesus. These places—symbolic of shelter and hope—represent the struggles and resilience of those facing hardships during the festive season. Unlike traditional Advent calendars filled with chocolates, this one invites participants to look outward and reflect on the lives of others. It’s a call to compassion and mindfulness, encouraging a deeper connection to the true spirit of Christmas by considering the marginalized and vulnerable in our communities. The conversation also delves into Cas’s work as a novelist. His stories are deeply rooted in historical events, offering readers a vivid journey through time. His latest novel, Roman, is a compelling narrative based on true events, and Cas shares how his research in Cape Town's archives helped shape the story. He reflects on the process of bringing historical moments to life through fiction, capturing both the factual details and the human emotions that connect the past to the present. Specializing in ritual, liturgy, and homiletics, Cas focuses on religious rituals within specific cultural and social contexts. His recent research projects have included studies on rituals and social capital formation, rituals in fictive texts, and liturgies of anger. As the first editor of Bonding in Worship: A Ritual Lens on Social Capital Formation in African Independent Churches in South Africa (Peeters Press, 2019), Cas brings a deep understanding of how rituals shape communities. Whether discussing theology, community-focused projects, or his storytelling craft, Cas brings rich insights and inspiration to this fascinating conversation.

David Eibl, Drummer: "I love my work for two main reasons: I love sound. Sounds shape songs. It makes a huge difference if the drum kit sounds open or tight, roomy or dry, warm and soft or sharp and cracking, saturated or clean, brilliant or dampened, close or distant, heavily compressed or with lots of air, and so much more and everything in between. I love to hear the unique performances when I listen to music. As a drummer it is my rewarding job to enable unique performances or support them. Sometimes that means to “get out of the way”, another time it means to record an extrovert and playful drum track. Sometimes it means to play as quite and soft as I can, another time loud and brutally distorted drums do the song justice. The song is always what matters. How should it feel? What is the message of it?" https://www.davideibl.com/?page_id=19

"Sani Jalalzadeh is a Canadian-Persian bilingual actor, voice over artist, and dancer who grew up mainly in Toronto, and partially in Tehran. Sani officially started her acting career at the start of 2018 when she started her extensive training at the Toronto Film School’s Acting for Film, TV, and Theater after graduating from York University with a BA in Psychology. Since graduating on the President’s List and with Honors from TFS, Sani was recently nominated for Best Female Performance in TFsFF for her performance in The Burning Cold. Other short films featuring Sani have been selected for screenings and as finalists, semifinalists, and official selections in multiple film festivals worldwide. " https://www.dacostatalent.com/sani-jalalzadeh

"Grammy Award winner, Mark S. Doss has sung with the major orchestras of San Francisco, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago, Houston and Toronto, while additionally performing 102 roles with more than 60 major opera companies around the world, including Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, the Vienna State Opera, London’s Royal Opera Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Canadian Opera Company. Not only did he receive a Grammy Award for his participation in Handel’s Semele (Best Opera Recording), but he is also a recipient of the National Institute for Music Theatre’s George London Opera Prize, and Planet Africa’s Entertainment Award, which recognizes his achievements as an artist and for being a positive role model for youths in both Canada and the United States." https://marksdoss.com/about/

From a very young age, pointing his little finger to the planes in the sky, Loïc Jecker already showed his passion for aviation. His journey to start flying himself started in the Military in Switzerland and from there he continued his training as an airline Pilot. Loïc is talking about the dedication and motivation it takes to build up the hours to become an Airline pilot and also the sacrifices that comes with the job.

The Janzen Boys, a family trio from Winnipeg started playing music together from the very beginning, but it really only started as “The Janzen Boys” after they moved back to Canada in 2012 after a childhood spent in Japan. Mick was 9 years old and Simon was 12 and he wanted to try busking at The Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Dad John likes to talk about how Mick would never sing when we played together, so for Mick to join them at The Forks, he would have to sing harmonies. It was here that “the father-and-sons trio, The Janzen Boys” started. They were exclusively busking at The Forks for a while before their first real gig. After winning a showcase spot in the University of Winnipeg's Uniter Fiver contest, their first non-street performance was at Winnipeg's iconic West End Cultural Centre. Since 2022, they booked time at Paintbox again to start work on four singles that initiated the second phase of their career, and the beginning of their first album, with Mick and Simon moving into more central roles. The first single being Long Way Home, the upcoming album will chronicle the events of the last 5 years in their personal lives. "I think we’re all a little nervous about this album but at the same time we’re super excited about finally getting some new music up that represents The Janzen Boys as of now. " https://www.thejanzenboys.com/about

Cobus Toerien graduated from the South African Military Academy with a BMil degree and, after completing four operational tours on Impala and Mirage type aircraft, served as the Officer Commanding of 2 Squadron - The Flying Cheetahs - flying Cheetah aircraft for 5 years. In 1999, Cobus joined a large international airline as an Aircraft Accident Investigator, before heading up the department as the Flight Safety Manager. Cobus has flown Boeing and Airbus aircraft globally during his tenure at the airline and has facilitated CRM and Human Factors courses over the last two decades. Cobus is currently the Chairman of the Accident Analysis and Prevention Committee of AVPA-SA (Aviation Professional Association) and is an IFALPA (International Federation of Airline Pilots) accredited Aircraft Accident Investigator, advising on Safety Management and Human Factors.Cobus brings this wealth of knowledge and skills to the Human Factor Hub.

"Violinist Sebastian Leczky was born in Vienna, Austria, into a Hungarian family of musicians. Since the age of 10, he has performed regularly as a soloist and concertmaster with various orchestras. As a soloist and chamber musician, Sebastian performs regularly at renowned international festivals including the Musikverein Vienna, Konzerthaus Klagenfurt, Oper Burg Gars, Wiener Mozarthaus, MuTh Konzertsaal and the Ehrbar Saal among other halls in Austria, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Italy, Czech Republic, Albania, Slovakia, Hungary and the United States. He's also been recorded and live broadcasted by TV ORF, Radio Ö1, Radio Klassik Stephansdom, Bartók Radio Budapest, ABC News, Televizioni SCAN and been featured in the world's leading classical music platforms, such as The Strad Magazine and The Violin Channel. From 2019 to 2022, Sebastian was supported by the Vienna Philharmonic young artist program. He has been awarded top prizes at numerous international violin and chamber music competitions in Austria, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. In 2022, he co-founded the Kodály String Duo and launched the "KSDV-contemporary", a project to expand the string duo repertoire. His duo recently became the first Ambassador of the Universal Edition, a music publishing house. Sebastian is currently a second-year undergraduate studying violin performance with Prof. Ida Bieler at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts." https://www.uncsa.edu/students/sebastian-leczky.aspx https://www.kodalystringduo.com/

Kobus Rossouw, lighting designer, was born in South Africa. He has worked with many directors including Brett Bailey, Martinus Basson, Christine Crouse, Angelo Gobbato, Ilse van Hemert, Janice Honeyman, Geoffrey Hyland, Ralph Lawson, Roy Sargeant and Paul Stern. He most recently designed the lighting for Cape Town Opera’s Madama Butterfly (Puccini), Manon (Massenet), Show Boat (Kern), Treemonisha (Joplin), productions that were presented both in Cape Town and in many international tours. As Technical Production Manager he presented productions in Australia, France, Germany, Norway, Scotland, South Africa and Switzerland. Most recently he was responsible for the Technical Direction of Pieter Toerien and Hazel Feldmans’s production of Disney’s High School Musical. He has won a FNB Vita award for the lighting design for the play Die Jogger.

"Falling Astronauts" is a rising Indie pop duo that formed in 2020. Infusing classic indie pop sounds with folk-inspired elements, the pair is easily distinguishable by their bright guitar riffs, often capped with reversed and fading effects and the enchanting aesthetic of polyphonic vocals.

Laurence Winram is an environmental land artist based in Scotland, a fascination that began after attending the 2018 European Land Art Festival in Dunbar when he became inspired to create his own unique style of land art. Being a commercial and art photographer by trade has enabled Laurence to capture his pieces in superbly detailed images. His work is mainly ground-based mandala-like creations but with a broad style that has recently incorporated stop-frame animation. He runs workshops for schoolchildren and adults with a focus on nurturing playful creativity. He is building a website of his work that will make print sales possible. He attends many of the land art festivals held worldwide and is now one of the directors of the European Land Art Festival. https://theclimatetribe.com/en/authors/laurence-winram

Join me for a conversation with Paul Wuensche, a London-based figurative artist celebrated for his vibrant and captivating work. Paul's art has been showcased at prestigious exhibitions like the BP Portrait Awards, The Discerning Eye, and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. He has also held solo shows at the Assembly Rooms Gallery and 9 Langton Street. Paul’s artistic journey began at the age of 11 under the guidance of the late George Israel RA, who instilled in him a love for color, tone, and oil painting. While his early artistic development flourished, Paul initially pursued literature and languages, specializing in Dante at Cambridge University, where he earned First Class Honours. Ultimately, his passion for painting led him to devote himself entirely to art. In addition to painting, Paul explores sculpting, particularly sculpted portraits, which has deepened his understanding of form and anatomy. He discusses how the tactile process of sculpting influences his approach to painting portraits, helping him see planes and structure more clearly, while painting, in turn, sharpens his sense of color and expression in his sculptures. Paul also reflects on a unique series of paintings he created during the lockdown while living in Barons Court. Isolated yet observant, he turned his focus to the buildings in his neighborhood, painting scenes of a single street. This process deepened his awareness of his surroundings and brought a renewed appreciation for the quiet beauty of everyday life, a sentiment many of us shared during that time of reflection and stillness. Peek into Paul’s artistic world and discover how his exploration of multiple disciplines enriches his creative practice. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more artist interviews and creative content! https://paulwuensche.com/bio/

Conductor, composer, pianist and author, Frédéric Chaslin was born in Paris and educated at the Paris Conservatoire and the Salzburg Mozarteum. He divides his conducting activities equally between operatic and symphonic performances. Major recent appearences were two new productions of Tales of Hoffman in Dresden and Copenhagen. In the symphonic repertoire, he’s conducted all major french orchestras (Orchestre de Paris, Orchestra National, Radio-France Philharmonic, Paris Opera Orchestra), the Milan Scala Philharmonic, Torino Rai, Manchester Hallé, London Philharmonia, London Symphony, Vienna Symphony, Vienna Philharmonic, Spain National Orchestra, Gulbenkian Foundation Orchestra (Lisbon), Israel Philharmonic, Nagoya Philharmonic. As a composer, Frederic Chaslin is published by Universal Edition, Vienna, with over 250 works including 5 operas, over 72 melodies in several cycles for voices, chamber music, symphonic music, piano music. As an author, Frédéric Chaslin wrote an essay, Music in Every Sense, published in Paris (France-Empire) and Germany (Böhlau) and available in English on Kindle. and in October 2017 he released a novel based on the life of Gustav Mahler, Being Gustav Mahler, (Fayard, Paris) together with his own orchestration of Mahler’s 10th symphony that has been premiered on Nov 30th, 2018, with the Zagreb Philharmonic. In summer 2022 Frédéric Chaslin made his debut in a staged production at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, where he led Ponchielli’s La Gioconda. He returned to La Scala in 2023 for a new production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann. Other recent performances in 2023 include Don Pasquale at the Wiener Staatsoper, Tosca at the Tokyo Spring Festival, and Samson et Dalila at the Bucharest National Opera. In the 2023/24 season, Maestro Chaslin will conduct productions of Les Contes d’Hoffmann at the Semperoper Dresden, of Roméo et Juliette at the NCPA Beijing and of Don Carlo at the Latvian National Opera, among others. https://chaslin.com/

Ross hails from Linlithgow, West Lothian in central Scotland. He is a member of the world famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers. A World Champion piper, Ross began piping aged 7 and was the Pipe Major of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. He is currently a member of the Grade 1 Inveraray and District Pipe Band. He graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Traditional Music - Piping from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2017. Ross was a finalist in the 2019 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition. Ross has performed in many countries such as: New Zealand, Australia, USA, Ghana, Russia and all over central Europe as well as appearing on BBC Hogmanay Live and performing solo on the roof of Murrayfield Stadium. In 2021, Ross performed along with a group of pipers on the soundtrack of the OSCAR & BAFTA award winning film 'Dune'. His debut album The Roke was released in 2020 to critical acclaim followed by a tune book titled The Roke Collection. https://www.rossmillermusic.com/about

"Life On Marzj is a talented female Dutch artist (Maartje Simons) who has transitioned from being a drummer to becoming an innovative augmented reality (AR) artist. With a passion for combining animation and music, Life On Marzj has created an entirely new art form that immerses viewers in a captivating digital world. In addition to creating solo works, Life On Marzj frequently collaborates with other artists to create unique and exciting AR experiences. Through her work, Life On Marzj explores themes of technology, nature, and the human experience, often using bright colors, vivid imagery and humor to captivate audiences. With a growing following and an ever-expanding portfolio, Life On Marzj is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of both music and art in the years to come." https://lifeonmarzj.com/about