Hope Runs Through My Veins – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE Review

During a recent interview with Zane Lowe, Creative Director for Apple Music, singer-songwriter Rachel Keen (a.k.a. RAYE) said, “In this record I’ve embraced maximalism and expressing and exploring in any genre that I felt I wanted to.”  When listening to her sophomore album THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE, released on March 27, 2026 through Human… Continue reading Hope Runs Through My Veins – THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE Review

A Contemporary Showcase: Later the Same Evening and Bastianello

From Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8, Oberlin Opera Theater presented two one-act operas, Later the Same Evening and Bastianello, in Hall Auditorium. Both composed by John Musto with libretto by Mark Campbell, the distinctly contemporary production was a departure from the more traditional works that the Opera department typically produces. I saw the… Continue reading A Contemporary Showcase: Later the Same Evening and Bastianello

The Greatness of Our Peers – Emmy Irvine and Dempsey Miller Concert Review

On March 13, jazz vocalist Emmy Irvine and jazz drummer Dempsey Miller showed why Oberlin is home to one of the greatest conservatories in the world. They presented their junior recital to a packed audience in Birenbaum Performance Space with an ever-changing band. From arrangements to their own original music, it is hard to not… Continue reading The Greatness of Our Peers – Emmy Irvine and Dempsey Miller Concert Review

TAKAAT Brings History Lesson and Live Demo to Oberlin

On Tuesday, March 10, two members of the trio TAKAAT — American bassist Mikey Coltun and Nigerien guitarist-singer Ahmoudou Madassane — held a workshop in Oberlin Conservatory’s TIMARA Gallery prior to their Modern Music Guild-sponsored show at the Dionysus Disco. TAKAAT was formed by the rhythm section of famed Nigerien guitarist, singer and songwriter Mdou… Continue reading TAKAAT Brings History Lesson and Live Demo to Oberlin

Lou Phelps – The Bounciest Show on Campus

Photo by: Sam Kennedy On February 20, DJ, producer, rapper, and songwriter Lou Phelps came to Oberlin and delivered one of the bounciest ‘Sco shows the campus has seen. He makes music under the subgenre of rap-house and has often worked in collaboration with his brother KAYTRANADA. Rap-house combines the danceable instrumental of house music… Continue reading Lou Phelps – The Bounciest Show on Campus

From Reykjavik to Oberlin: Sibbi Bernhardsson’s faculty recital

On the evening of February 21, an audience of College and conservatory students, faculty, and community members braved freezing conditions for an Icelandic- and Oberlin-themed solo violin program in Stull Recital Hall. Sibbi Bernhardsson, professor of violin, director of Oberlin’s string department, and a native Icelander, greeted the room with a permanent smile, ever-moving eyebrows,… Continue reading From Reykjavik to Oberlin: Sibbi Bernhardsson’s faculty recital

Review: Nobuyuki Tsujii new album RACHMANINOFF · TCHAIKOVSKY with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

On Jan 9 2026 Nobuyuki Tsujii released his new album RACHMANINOFF · TCHAIKOVSKY with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Domingo Hindoyan.  This album is Nobuyuki Tsujii second album collaborate with DG. This set of pieces seems to be a tribute to the Russian style of thought, In this album, he brings one of… Continue reading Review: Nobuyuki Tsujii new album RACHMANINOFF · TCHAIKOVSKY with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

Embracing Self-Expression at Sarai Juarez Osorio’s Junior TIMARA Recital

Oberlin’s TIMARA department is the butt of many jokes around campus, on account of the degree’s vague yet wordy title, Technology in Music and Related Arts, and the perceived quirkiness of its majors and faculty.  However, TIMARA isn’t a monolith. There are a variety of reasons why someone might pursue such a degree, from joining… Continue reading Embracing Self-Expression at Sarai Juarez Osorio’s Junior TIMARA Recital