This documentary reveals the fascinating life, mind, and work of John Cage, one of the 20th century's most influential composers and thinkers.

Renowned for his groundbreaking work, including his controversial 1952 composition 4'33'', Cage was not only an artistic pioneer but a deep and philosophical thinker. When filmmaker Frank Scheffer first met Cage, their short conversation says Scheffer, ''changed my life as an artist.'' Over a decade, Scheffer collaborated closely with the composer, collecting a treasure trove of historical audio-visual material. This unique archive, comprised of interviews, musical performances, and evocative 16mm footage from Cage’s life comes together to capture the essence of this influential artist who had such a profound impact on the filmmaker. 

An essential watch for creatives, expect to learn some of Cage's creative techniques and guiding philosophies like the old Chinese methods based on the I Ching, and dive into the world of boundary-changing creativity. 

This intimate documentary reveals the fascinating life, mind, and work of John Cage, one of the 20th century's most influential composers and thinkers. 

How To Get Out Of The Cage - A Year With John Cage

Bayreuth and Salzburg – the two most famous festival cities in the classical music world. Every year they outdo each other with artistic excellence and social glamour. Until a virus called “SARS-Cov-19” plunged the world into a deep crisis in early 2020 – and with it the festival cities. This documentary examines how Bayreuth and Salzburg dealt with the consquences of the Corona pandemic. How did the “Salzburg model” work, where a way was found to save the festival and limit the economic damage? And what does the cancellation of the Wagner Festival mean for Bayreuth and its artists?

Until a virus called “SARS-Cov-19” plunged the world into a deep crisis in early 2020 – and with it the festival cities.

Festival Cities and the Crisis

This poignant documentary tells the story of Latvian Maestro Mariss Jansons, painting a portrait of the man and his music-making through the four orchestras that were central to his life: the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Concertgebouworkest, and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. 

It's impossible not to feel Jansons' infectious passion for music in every performance. Discover his musical legacy as seen through the eyes of the musicians he led as Music Director or Chief Conductor. Through specially filmed performances, archival footage, and exclusive interviews see the indelible mark Jansons left on these orchestras and the the world of music. Each orchestra contributes a specially filmed performance dedicated to the mighty Maestro. 

Discover the musical legacy of Maestro Mariss Jansons as told by the four orchestras central to his legacy.

Mariss Jansons: A Tale of Four Orchestras

Christian Spuck brought one of Verdi’s key works to the stage with Messa da Requiem. In a mega co-production by the Opera and Ballet Zürich, the German choreographer and director portrays a profound interpretation of Verdi’s funeral mass in his scenic-choreographic production.

Christian Spuck brought one of Verdi’s key works to the stage with Messa da Requiem

Stepping into the Unknown

For Richard Wagner there only seems to be either lovers or haters! No other composer is - rightly - as highly controversial as Wagner. He was an anti-Semitic, he had debts everywhere and surely abandoned every person he ever shook hands with - still there are more than 125 so called Wagner Societies all around the globe. In the pursuit of an answer to the question: How, to until this day, did such massive hype and such a almost religious like, cult following develop all over the world.

For Richard Wagner there only seems to be either lovers or haters! No other composer is - rightly - as highly controversial as Wagner.

Global Wagner - From Bayreuth to the World

Some years before becoming King, Prince Charles explores the life and music of one of his favourite composers, Sir Hubert Parry.

Best known today for his tune Jerusalem, Parry was one of the leading lights in British music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work has inspired and influenced British greats like Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams. 

In this insightful documentary, Prince Charles visits Westminster Abbey to hear the anthem I was glad, which he will hear again when processing into the Abbey for his coronation as King Charles III. Prince Charles also talks to musicians, musicologists, and members of Parry’s family to identify what makes Parry’s music sound English.

King Charles III explores the music of one of his favourite composers, Hubert Parry – famous for the tune of ‘Jerusalem’.

The Prince and The Composer

Hosted by Martin Scorsese with insight from church parishioners and comedian Jim Gaffigan (along with his wife and his five kids), The Oratorio is a documentary about the roots of opera in New York City.

Hosted by Martin Scorsese, The Oratorio is a documentary about the roots of opera in New York City.

The Oratorio: A Documentary with Martin Scorsese

Tony Palmer's film was the first major exploration of the life and career of the great American soprano, Renée Fleming - for many the epitome of the modern-day diva. Share an intimate visit with Renée behind the scenes, at home and on stage as she rehearses and performs in Verdi's Otello and Requiem, and sings Strauss, Mozart, Dvorák, Korngold, Ellington, Gershwin, Puccini, Massenet, and Rachmaninoff.

ony Palmer's film was the first major exploration of the life and career of the great American soprano, Renée Fleming

Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Renée Fleming

Watch a rarely-seen Amy Winehouse concert, plus extended interviews with the singer and archival footage of Winehouse’s greatest musical influences. 

In 2006, a young Amy Winehouse accepted an invitation to play perform in Ireland's annual Other Voices festival. She made her way to Dingle's St James's church to play a short set for a small audience that left a big impact on a small town. Everyone in attendance remembers ‘The Day She Came to Dingle.’ 

Watch her full performance interspersed with intimate, extended interviews with And Other Voices presenter John Kelly, in which Amy talks about her musical influences, career aspirations, and her life before fame. This is a gentle and fascinating portrait of one of music’s most extraordinary talents.

Setlist:
Back to Black
Tears Dry on Their Own 
You Know I’m no Good
Love is a Losing Game
Rehab
Me & Mr. Jones

Watch a rarely-seen Amy Winehouse concert, plus extended interviews with the singer from The Day She Came to Dingle.

Amy Winehouse: Other Voices

A Zen master or an expert on chance? A specialist in mushrooms or a per­formance artist? The inventor of new sounds or a cook? An author or an anarchist? John Cage was all of these things. This documentary by Oscar-winner Allan Miller and Emmy-winner Paul Smaczny pays tribute to the most fascinating American avant-garde composer John Cage. Shot in America, Germany and Japan, the program presents rare archival footage and features interviews with Yoko Ono, David Tudor, Christian Wolff, Steffen Schleiermacher, Irvine Arditti, Toshio Hosokawa, Mayumi Miyata, Calvin Tomkins and many others.

This documentary by Oscar-winner Allan Miller and Emmy-winner Paul Smaczny pays tribute to the fascinating American avant-garde composer John Cage.

John Cage: Journeys in Sound

The film explores what it takes to turn eight individuals into one formidable dance company and follows the process from first auditions, through bootcamp training and creating work - right up to our recent performance.

Documentary capturing the rise of all-male dance company, BalletBoyz from first auditions to a performance in Addis Ababa City Hall, Ethiopia.

BalletBoyz: Next Generation

Former principal of The Royal Ballet and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell knows all too well what it takes to make it as a prima ballerina. In A Ballerina's Life (part 2 of this fascinating two-part collection) she gives an illuminating account of her own career from its earliest days. Accompanying clips, which include some of Bussell’s most lauded performances, provide a feast for the senses and make this a must-watch for enthusiasts.

Darcey Bussell gives an illuminating account of her own career from its earliest days.

Darcey Bussell: A Ballerina's Life

In this documentary the effervescent mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli takes us behind the scenes at some of the most prestigious, brilliant spectacles in which she has starred in Europe’s most renowned theatres. She is accompanied by artistes of the calibre of Barenboim, Dudamel, Pappano, Argerich and Jaroussky with whom she has forged a relationship based not only on great professionalism, but also on friendship and empathy, regaling the public with engaging, outstanding performances.

Mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli takes us behind the scenes at some of the most prestigious, brilliant spectacles in Europe’s most renowned theatres.

The Pianist of Yarmouk

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