Tag Archives: music

Eurovision 2022

Posted on May 15, 2022 by mkmswain

I live-blogged a very eventful Eurovision 2022 final – catch up on all the action! Read my full Telegraph article here

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Did the Culture Recovery Fund actually work?

Posted on April 5, 2022 by mkmswain

Yes, on the whole – if you’re a large institution… Read my full Telegraph report here

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Eurovision has long been a battleground between Russia and Ukraine

Posted on February 26, 2022 by mkmswain

Eurovision has tried to remain apolitical, but with Russia now booted from the contest, it has finally succumbed to long-simmering discord. Read my full Telegraph article here

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The BBC’s A-List attempt to fix Britain’s Eurovision problem is doomed

Posted on October 21, 2021 by mkmswain

There are few constancies in our turbulent world, but one certainty, cemented over the past decade, is that the UK will always bomb at Eurovision. Read my full Telegraph article here

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West End musicals that celebrate great musicians and pop music

Posted on October 16, 2021 by mkmswain

From the new Bob Marley musical to the return of Jersey Boys. Read my full London Theatre article here

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‘Justin Bieber has been so supportive of the NHS’: the Covid nurse aiming for a Christmas number one

Posted on December 20, 2020 by mkmswain

Five years ago, pop star Justin Bieber faced surprising competition in the race for the Christmas number one: a choir formed of doctors, nurses and staff from the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Bieber eventually threw his weight behind their … Continue reading →

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How are Britain’s cathedral choirs preparing for a Covid Christmas?

Posted on December 20, 2020 by mkmswain

For many, the official sound of Christmas is a cathedral choir in full voice, leading us in traditional music and favourite carols. But it’s been a tough year for choristers, with lockdowns and tier restrictions hampering their work. Three leading … Continue reading →

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Beverley Knight: ‘I’m a black Fairy Godmother, for all the little girls who look like me’

Posted on December 5, 2020 by mkmswain

Beverley Knight is already the Queen of British Soul. This year, she’s set to add the title of Queen of Christmas. Read my full The i Paper interview here

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‘The vaccine is a start, but it’s not a magic wand’

Posted on December 5, 2020 by mkmswain

Is the very welcome news that the Pfizer vaccine could be available next week, following UK approval, the light at the end of a long tunnel for the decimated arts industry? A swift vaccine roll-out might mean that venues could reopen earlier … Continue reading →

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Meet the doorstep carol singers determined to get the nation wassailing

Posted on November 29, 2020 by mkmswain

As coronavirus restrictions threaten to steal Christmas cheer, carol singing has been at the forefront of people’s minds this week. An open letter sent to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, signed by heavyweights like composer John Rutter, singer Aled Jones, violinist … Continue reading →

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