Advertisement

Music

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

Low-angle view of a group of people gathered in front of a Beethoven monument. Some have their arms raised, pointing upwards at the composer's statue

Low-angle view of a group of people gathered in front of a Beethoven monument. Some have their arms raised, pointing upwards at the composer's statue

How Beethoven's music inspires this Nigerian orchestra

Ludwig van Beethoven's compositions have influenced African orchestras and Afrobeat artists alike.

Zaho de Sagazan: Rising star blending drama and music

A look at the meteoric rise of France's new star, singer Zaho de Sagazan.

Afrobeats meet classical music — The 77 Percent

Ludwig van Beethoven's music continues to inspire a new generation of musicians melding the classical with Afrobeats.

Katya Mincheva sitting on the top of a mountain in Bulgaria

Katya Mincheva sitting on the top of a mountain in Bulgaria

Bulgaria: The little singer with the big voice

Bulgarian singer Katya Mincheva has never let her height hold her back.

A view of a group of young people cheering and waving for the camera in what looks like a backyard

A view of a group of young people cheering and waving for the camera in what looks like a backyard

Afrobeat and classical music at Beethovenfest 2025

The 2025 Beethovenfest Campus Project in Nigeria: combining afrobeat, classical music and folk.

Between tradition and new beginnings

From China's tea forests to Mexico's beaches, Mumbai's nights to a stage in Damascus: people fighting for their dreams.

Musicians of Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in Damascus rehearse on stage

Musicians of Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in Damascus rehearse on stage

Artists and minorities in Syria caught between hope and fear

How much space is there for creative pursuits and religious diversity in Syria after the civil war?

A man with brown hair and dark clothing plays his cello attentively in the orchestra hall of the Beethovenfest in Bonn.

A man with brown hair and dark clothing plays his cello attentively in the orchestra hall of the Beethovenfest in Bonn.

Star cellist Kian Soltani and his unmistakable sound

Kian Soltani wows the crowd at the Beethovenfest in Bonn.

person with dark hair and a long jacket plays a short trumpet while standing on the street.

person with dark hair and a long jacket plays a short trumpet while standing on the street.

Classical music is winning a new generation in Germany

Performers and organizers are charting new territory, drawing inspiration from transcultural musicians across the globe.

Flanked by two other contestants, Vietnam's Duc Phuc (center) celebrates after winning the International Music Competition "Intervision" at the Live Arena outside Moscow, in Russia

Flanked by two other contestants, Vietnam's Duc Phuc (center) celebrates after winning the International Music Competition "Intervision" at the Live Arena outside Moscow, in Russia

Russia launches Eurovision rival music contest after ban

Intervision is Russia's answer to the Eurovision Song Contest. The final took place in Moscow this weekend.

The vocal group "Kessenyan," made up of three teens in yellow shirts, sings a sea shanty in a pub.

The vocal group "Kessenyan," made up of three teens in yellow shirts, sings a sea shanty in a pub.

Britain's Gen Z celebrates sea shanty tradition

The internet has helped spark a sea shanty revival. Young artists are enjoying singing the songs.

Conductor Lahav Shani and classical musicians stand and receive applause.

Conductor Lahav Shani and classical musicians stand and receive applause.

Munich Philharmonic's Israeli conductor and boycott debate

Outrage in Germany over the cancellation of a concert conducted by an Israeli. How does this case compare to others?

Israeli conductor Lahav Shani conducts an orchestra in Munich in 2024.

Israeli conductor Lahav Shani conducts an orchestra in Munich in 2024.

Berlin welcomes Israeli conductor after Belgian festival ban

Event organizers cited reports that the musician had not distanced himself from Israel's government over the Gaza war.

In front of a dark background, a robotic arm (L) and a human hand (R) reach out toward one another

In front of a dark background, a robotic arm (L) and a human hand (R) reach out toward one another

AI and robot sounds: Music of the future? — Shift

AI is transforming the music world. From songwriting to conducting – what does this mean for creators?

Bearded man, Lahav Shani, with arms outspread as he gesticulates before an unseen orchestra

Bearded man, Lahav Shani, with arms outspread as he gesticulates before an unseen orchestra

Festival drops German orchestra over Israeli conductor

The German government has reacted angrily after a Belgian festival canceled a performance by the Munich Philharmonic.

A young man plays the accordion in the garden of an old building in Lithuania.

A young man plays the accordion in the garden of an old building in Lithuania.

Martynas Levickis: The young face of the accordion

Lithuania’s Martynas Levickis brings the accordion to a whole new level.

Ghana Accra 2025 | Fantasiesärge in Eric Kpakpos Tischlerei

Ghana Accra 2025 | Fantasiesärge in Eric Kpakpos Tischlerei

Heritage: the heartbeat of culture — Afrimaxx

Heritage is the heartbeat of culture, and this special episode is about how to preserve it from extinction.

three animated female characters point their fingers

three animated female characters point their fingers

'KPop Demon Hunters,' a Netflix hit upending stereotypes

A team of superheroes, not a girl group: The animated movie "KPop Demon Hunters" portrays K-pop idols as demon hunters.

A large stringed orchestra stand on the steps of a building and poses

A large stringed orchestra stand on the steps of a building and poses

'The Haydn Expedition': A very democratic orchestra

The documentary film "The Haydn Expedition" tells the story of artistic freedom and democratic governance.

A group photo shows German and Nigerian musicians posing for the camera

A group photo shows German and Nigerian musicians posing for the camera

German, Nigerian musicians rehearse for Beethovenfest show

DW meets the Nigerian and German musicians rehearsing together ahead of their Beethovenfest concert in Germany.

Two women in Pakistan's Sindh province hold their instruments, smiling. In the background, people applaud.

Two women in Pakistan's Sindh province hold their instruments, smiling. In the background, people applaud.

Pakistan: Young woman uses music to raise climate awareness

A young artist in Sindh province is using folk music to help rural communities adapt to extreme weather events.

Lil Nas X attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Lil Nas X attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Lil Nas X arrested after being found nearly naked in LA

The Grammy Award-winning rapper was held in jail and booked on suspicion of obstructing an officer.

Symbolbild afrikanische Frauen

Symbolbild afrikanische Frauen

How art is driving social change — Afrimaxx

This time, Afrimaxx focuses on social change: from AIDS prevention in Rwanda to recycling paddle balls in South Africa.

Low-angle view of young Rwandan men dancing on a stage illuminated with purple light

Low-angle view of young Rwandan men dancing on a stage illuminated with purple light

How music is driving social change in Rwanda

Music is considered the universal language of humanity, as people connect through rhythm.

A young orchestra plays and some members hold up their arms

A young orchestra plays and some members hold up their arms

Afghan Youth Orchestra: Resistance against the Taliban

Music is banned at home. But after fleeing the Taliban, the exiled Afghan Youth Orchestra is performing in Europe.

Two musicians, Yobu Maligwa and Yosefe Kalekeni, sit together, play instruments, and sing. Location: Malawi

Two musicians, Yobu Maligwa and Yosefe Kalekeni, sit together, play instruments, and sing. Location: Malawi

Meet the heroes of Malawian folk music

Despite their global success, in Malawi, the Madalitso Band is still relatively unknown.

Taylor Swift poses at the red carpet during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 2, 2025

Taylor Swift poses at the red carpet during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 2, 2025

Taylor Swift's next album titled 'The Life of a Showgirl'

A post on the US superstar's website did not specify a release date.

A hand operating a DJ's console

A hand operating a DJ's console

Ugandan DJ gets into green groove with solar power

Kampala’s DJ Decimal Point powers his beats with solar energy—spinning tunes and promoting clean, green living.

A young man dressed as a cowboy leads line dancing at International Cowboy Day.

A young man dressed as a cowboy leads line dancing at International Cowboy Day.

Kenya, Africa's home of country music

Country music has a loyal fan base in Kenya — and its popularity is growing steadily.

View of a dancing couple in front of a house

View of a dancing couple in front of a house

How dancing keeps your brain sharp

Dancing is a fun workout – and trains your memory. Find out why neurologists say tango does wonders for the brain.

A large crowd stand and hjold up there arm and form a devil horms salute

A large crowd stand and hjold up there arm and form a devil horms salute

Wacken Open Air 2025: Germany's legendary metal festival

It's not just about metal music but a unique community and cultural experience. Five must-know things about W:O:A.

Missing en route to the West — Global Us

Traffickers profit from a rise in migration out of Pakistan. Feet stamp and hearts sing with Brazil’s Happiness Trucks.

Osbourne sits on a velvet chair on stage, smiling

Osbourne sits on a velvet chair on stage, smiling

Ozzy Osbourne: The 'Prince of Darkness' pioneered hard rock

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne overcame addiction to continue his work and pioneer the heavy metal genre.

A person dancing wearing an oversized head of a stereotypical jewish man at a performance of "De Meistersinger von Nürnberg" at the Bayreuth festival in 2017.

A person dancing wearing an oversized head of a stereotypical jewish man at a performance of "De Meistersinger von Nürnberg" at the Bayreuth festival in 2017.

Why Hitler was a fan of Wagner's 'Meistersinger' opera

It is considered the "most German" of Richard Wagner's operas. Adolf Hitler used the work for his propaganda purposes.

Astronomer CEO Byron and HR colleague Cabot were caught on kiss-cam

Astronomer CEO Byron and HR colleague Cabot were caught on kiss-cam

Astronomer CEO resigns after Coldplay concert video

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has resigned after being caught on camera cuddling a female colleague at a Coldplay concert.

Festively dressed audience in front of the Festival Hall in Salzburg.

Festively dressed audience in front of the Festival Hall in Salzburg.

Salzburg Festival 2025: Between power struggles and hope

This year, the Salzburg Festival's program echoes the tense state of the world.

Bad Bunny at the opening of his concert residency in Puerto Rico.

Bad Bunny at the opening of his concert residency in Puerto Rico.

Bad Bunny's love letter to Puerto Rico

The star celebrates his homeland: 30 shows in San Juan full of culture and community — and much more than just music.

Fireworks burst and smoke rises as a fire engulfs the main stage of Tomorrowland, an electronic music event, in Boom, Belgium, July 16, 2025

Fireworks burst and smoke rises as a fire engulfs the main stage of Tomorrowland, an electronic music event, in Boom, Belgium, July 16, 2025

Tomorrowland festival to go ahead despite burning of stage

Organizers say Tomorrowland will go ahead using alternative facilities at the venue.

Beyonce makes a hand gesture as she performs in a glittery costume and a hat during the UK leg of the Cowboy Carter tour on June 5, 2025

Beyonce makes a hand gesture as she performs in a glittery costume and a hat during the UK leg of the Cowboy Carter tour on June 5, 2025

Beyonce's unreleased music stolen from car in Atlanta

US police are probing the theft of five thumb drives with unreleased music and concert plans of pop icon Beyonce.

a person with dreadlocks holding a microphone crowd surfs during a concert.

a person with dreadlocks holding a microphone crowd surfs during a concert.

Music industry faces censorship after Bob Vylan controversy

Event organizers feel the pressure to deplatform the UK punk-rap duo who chanted "Death to the IDF."

Art. Ailments. Acoustics.

This week’s Arts Unveiled: between ailments and art, jazz piano, the Trautonium and kitchen culture.

Pianist and Vocalist Olivia Trummer

Pianist and Vocalist Olivia Trummer

Meet jazz pianist Olivia Trummer

Just piano and vocals: Jazz musician Olivia Trummer’s music is pure in form.

People taking part a walking music tour pose in front of a mural of British rock band Oasis, in Manchester, northern England.

People taking part a walking music tour pose in front of a mural of British rock band Oasis, in Manchester, northern England.

Fans line up to see reunited Oasis play in Manchester

After more den 15 years, Oasis return to the stage in their hometown. Around 80,000 are expected to attend the gig.

Ozzy Osbourne waves to the crowd at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Ozzy Osbourne waves to the crowd at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath put on one last show

On July 5, Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath in Birmingham for a farewell concert. Here's a look at his wild life.

A view of two young Black people in the front of a car: The man (L) is singing, the woman (R) is singing and strumming her acoustic guitar. A third person is watching them from the back seat.

A view of two young Black people in the front of a car: The man (L) is singing, the woman (R) is singing and strumming her acoustic guitar. A third person is watching them from the back seat.

Rides, rhythms and real talk

Driving through Nairobi, conversations about the recent and past Gen Z protests are heating up.

An audience sits and listens to an orchestra and choir in a large hall.

An audience sits and listens to an orchestra and choir in a large hall.

Rheingau Music Festival experiments with classical format

The Rheingau Music Festival 2025 continues its classical music focus but intersperses elements of pop and world music.

Pianist Alfred Brendel at his farewell concert in Vienna looking towards the audience.

Pianist Alfred Brendel at his farewell concert in Vienna looking towards the audience.

Star pianist Alfred Brendel dies

The pianist passed away in London at age 94.

A woman stands and sings in front of an orchestra

A woman stands and sings in front of an orchestra

Bach's music sounds out against war and discrimination

Contemporary arrangements of Bach masterpieces at the Leipzig Bach Festival highlight oppression and conflict.

Brian Wilson at the Admiralpalast Berlin in August 2018

Brian Wilson at the Admiralpalast Berlin in August 2018

Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson dies at 82

After creating surf-pop classics, Wilson shaped US pop with lush musical arrangements and groundbreaking studio work.

Sona Jobarteh plays the Kora at a concert at the Berliner Philharmonie

Sona Jobarteh plays the Kora at a concert at the Berliner Philharmonie

Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh plays at Berlin Philharmonie

The West African kora is usually restricted to male players, but Sona Jobarteh is defying the norms.