stayc main image

Ed Sheeran Slams “Damaging” Lawsuits Against Songwriters Amidst Copyright Case Victory

April 6, 2022

Over the past month, singer Ed Sheeran has been battling a copyright trial, accusing him of plagiarizing his 2017 hit song, “Shape of You” the song’s resemblance to their song, “Oh Why” Sami Chokri...

Read more
stayc main image

Silk Sonic’s “Leave The Door Open” Wins Record of The Year at the 2022 Grammys

April 5, 2022

If you’ve been on social media for the past few months, odds are you’ve probably heard of the iconic viral hit, “Leave The Door Open” by Silk Sonic on just about every corner of the internet.

Read more
stayc main image

5 Upcoming K-Pop Debuts To Watch For 2022

April 2, 2022

Debut: April 2022 After having competed on the reality survival show, “My Teenage Girl”, the seven-member group CLASS:y was formed, signing a seven-year contract with label, M25. The group was...

Read more
stayc main image

Here’s What You Need To Know About Queendom 2

April 1, 2022

Queendom returned for its long awaited second season (hosted by Girls Generation’s Tayeon) and here’s all you need to know: Queendom is a South Korean reality-survival show in which six girl groups...

Read more
stayc main image

Bobby Shmurda Is Finally Out Of His Epic Deal

April 7, 2022

Bobby Shmurda has finally been released from his deal with Epic Records following his own plea for his release on social media stating, “I did six years in jail trying to get off this label before...

Read more
stayc main image

BIGBANG Make History With “Still Life” Comeback After 4-Year Hiatus

April 5, 2022

Alas, BIGBANG have finally made their long-awaited return to the spotlight with their new single, “Still Life” – a heartfelt ballad about the perils of growing up and learning from your past. As...

Read more
stayc main image

Jack Harlow Samples Fergie’s “Glamorous” in Viral TikTok Snippet

April 5, 2022

Last week, Louisville heartthrob Jack Harlow dropped a 13 second snippet of a new song he’d been working on that samples Fergie’s hit, “Glamorous” and it immediately went viral on TikTok within...

Read more
stayc main image

J-Pop group XGalX debut’s breaking social norms with song “Tippy Toes”

March 18, 2022

After month’s of anticipation Japanese Girl group XGalX debute with new single “Tippy Toes”. The group consists of 7 young empowered women named Jurin, Harvey, Hinata, Chisa, Maya, Juria and Co...

Read more
stayc main image

Shawn Mendez opens up about break up with new song

March 29, 2022

Newly heartbroken singer Shawn Mendez performs his new song “When you’re gone” at South by Southwest. This is the debut song that came out after his break up with fellow singer Camila Cabello after...

Read more
stayc main image

Chaka Khan on Kanye West’s Through the Wire – “I hated it; it was an insult!”

March 16, 2022

Whether you’ve been a fan of Kanye West from the start, or you’ve recently watched his Netflix trilogy “Jeen-Yuhs”, you’ve probably heard his of first breakout single into the rap industry “Through...

Read more
stayc main image

Weeekly Makes 2022 Return With “Play Game: Awake”

March 10, 2022

Weeekly pivots away from their bubbly and upbeat sound and makes a major transformation in their edgy and ambitious first mini album, “Play Game: Awake”.‍“Play Game: Awake” marks Weeekly’s fourth...

Read more
stayc main image

Stray Kids Make 2022 Comeback With Mini Album – ODDINARY

March 10, 2022

Dare I say its, EXTRAODDINARY?‍Stray Kids have returned with the release of their new mini-album, ODDINARY – a collection of seven songs that proclaim the message of embracing all of the things...

Read more

Klaus Mäkelä: A Trailblazing Debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

stayc main image

Photo by: Marco Borggreve (Chicago Symphony Orchestra)

In April 2024, the classical music world witnessed a momentous event as 28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä took the podium to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This landmark performance not only marked his debut but also set the stage for his historic ascension as the orchestra's youngest music director scheduled for the fall of 2027. Mäkelä's arrival in Chicago has been met with enthusiasm and high expectations, signalling a new era for one of the world's most revered orchestras.

Klaus Mäkelä's first appearance conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was nothing short of spectacular. Known for his dynamic conducting style and deep musical insight, Mäkelä brought fresh energy and vision to the performance, which featured a blend of classic and contemporary compositions. The concert was a vibrant showcase of his ability to connect with both the orchestra and its audience, proving that his youth is a profound asset to his interpretative depth and leadership.

Mäkelä’s successful debut is particularly inspiring for young, aspiring musicians and conductors. It demonstrates that the classical music industry values innovation and youth, and is open to evolving with new generations of talent. For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Mäkelä’s approach—marked by both respect for musical traditions and a willingness to experiment with new ideas—suggests a promising balance to strive for in their careers.

One of the most significant aspects of Mäkelä's leadership is his ability to harmonise the rich traditions of classical music with contemporary sensibilities. This was evident in his programming choices, which carefully melded the old with the new, challenging the audience while maintaining high artistic standards. This strategy not only enriches the repertoire but also broadens the appeal of classical music to include younger audiences and newcomers.

Beyond the concert hall, Mäkelä’s role as a young music director is set to have a profound educational and cultural impact on the community. His presence and outreach can inspire a new generation of musicians, highlighting the importance of music education and its relevance in today’s cultural dialogue. His tenure promises to be an exciting opportunity for cultural growth and artistic development within the Chicago area and beyond.

As Klaus Mäkelä continues his journey with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, all eyes will be on how he shapes the musical and cultural landscapes around him. His unique blend of youthful exuberance and rigorous artistic discipline makes him a modern maestro who is not only redefining leadership roles within classical music but also enhancing the global appeal of orchestral music.

Klaus Mäkelä's debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra marks the beginning of what many hope will be a long and illustrious tenure. For aspiring artists, his rise serves as both inspiration and a reminder of the possibilities that await in the world of classical music. Mäkelä's journey underscores the impact that dedicated, talented young musicians can have, paving the way for future innovations in this timeless art form.

Klaus Mäkelä: A Trailblazing Debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestraklaus-makela-a-trailblazing-debut-with-the-chicago-symphony-orchestraMichael ChenMay 16, 2024In April 2024, the classical music world witnessed a momentous event as 28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä took the podium to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.This landmark...