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France 24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
King's musical sage Errollyn Wallen blazes new path
The 67-year-old became the Master of the King's Music last year, a 400-year-old post and one of the classical world's top honours that involves composing works for landmark events and advising the king on musical matters for royal occasions. "He's very musical, which everybody's really thrilled about," Wallen told AFP. "He likes listening to music and he is curious about it -- he has broad tastes, which is really wonderful," added Wallen, who premiered her "funky" new composition "Elements" at the first night of the renowned Proms music festival in London on Friday. Charles showed a lighter side in March when he shared his favourite songs from around the Commonwealth in an Apple podcast, revealing a surprising appreciation of disco, reggae and Afrobeats and including hits from such artists as Kylie Minogue and Diana Ross. In a sign of his musical conviction, Charles sought advice from Wallen -- "but in the end the king chose his own" songs, she said. "It was important for him to choose tracks that brought back personal memories to him and that's the power of music," said the pianist, violinist and singer. "Think of the people he's met, all the great musicians. It's incredible," added the self-confessed cake fanatic. Teacher inspiration Wallen was born in the former British colony of Belize in 1958, and soon showed signs of a precocious talent. "My parents said that as a baby, I didn't cry, but I was always singing." She moved to London aged two and her mother and father then relocated to New York, leaving her and her siblings, one of whom is the jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen, in the care of her aunt and uncle. "I was always making up songs for any boring chore," she recalled. Wallen credits a junior school teacher for setting her on her current path. "I was very lucky that at school, all of us nine-year-olds were taught to read and write music, but also introduced to orchestral music." However, she received little encouragement to pursue a career as a composer. "I love my family, but I think there was the idea that you wouldn't step out of the ordinary," she explained. Another early memory is of a non-music teacher telling her "you know, little girl, classical music isn't for you". "These subtle messages going in that I might be good at music, but I wouldn't belong to that world. "But I was so curious and passionate about music... I think the negative messages didn't go in deeply." 'So shocked' Indeed, taking the road less travelled only strengthed her conviction and "led me into other paths of music making which has stood me in great stead". "I was a keyboard player and I played music in the community and care homes -- it opened my eyes to how music can touch people." It was at boarding school that the classical bug really took hold, and it was later nurtured at Goldsmiths', King's College London and King's College, Cambridge. Wallen also appeared as a backing artist for the 1990s girl group "Eternal" and performed as a tap dancer, having trained as a dancer in London and New York. She had her own recording studio, and her work includes 22 operas and a range of orchestral, chamber and vocal compositions. Her arrangement of Hubert Parry's "Jerusalem" was performed at the Last Night of the Proms in 2020, and she also composed a piece for the Paralympics Opening Ceremony in 2012. But she still admitted to being "so shocked" when the palace called last July, generating headlines about her being the first black woman to assume the role. "I had to remind the palace, I'm the first black person, full stop. There's never been a person of colour in this role, since 1626." Charles I created the role to take charge of his personal band, but today it mainly entails advising and composing. "I wrote something for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey earlier in the year... and I did say to the palace my main objective is to be a kind of music ambassador," she said, adding that "children are my priority".
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
DJ Alok reveals his dream collaboration after teaming up with Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding
HE has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding. And now DJ Alok is eyeing up a collaboration with Coldplay. 6 DJ Alok is eyeing up a collaboration with Coldplay Credit: Getty 6 The Sun's Jack Hardwick with Alok in Malta for Isle of MTV Credit: Supplied But the Brazilian star fears the British band will call it quits before he can get them into the studio, after frontman Chris Martin confirmed last year that their 12th record will be their last. Speaking exclusively to Bizarre's Jack backstage at Isle Of MTV in Malta on Wednesday, he said: 'I had two dreams for collaborations. One with the indigenous community. We did an album, it was amazing. The other is definitely Coldplay — they have such a good blend of electronic music. 'They have done a lot of songs that have amazing remixes and a lot of anthems.' Admitting time isn't on his side, Alok added: 'They are stopping soon, though, so maybe it would end up as just me and Chris.' READ MORE ON MUSIC Also on the bill for Isle Of MTV — an annual free concert in Malta's historic Il-Fosos Square — was Alok's previous collaborator The pair teamed up on Under The Sun in 2024, but, due to his globe-trotting schedule, which has seen him play everywhere from Las Vegas to Hong Kong, Alok hadn't previously met the singer in person. Alok explained: 'Sometimes people just meet and go into the studio, but it's been a while since I went into the studio with those international features. 'After the pandemic, everyone is really working on video calls. The industry is so tough for all of us. Most read in Bizarre 'The biggest challenge is how we are going to meet. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin stops show in Sydney to save young boy in heartwarming 'For example, even Kylie . . . I have not yet met her in person but that's OK. At least we could release our song, Last Night I Dreamt I Fell In Love. 'We could do phone calls, but because of my agenda I would rather do it online than have to leave my family to go somewhere.' Going all out for his headline set in Malta, which will be broadcast on MTV and streamed on Pluto TV from September 13, Alok was joined by more than 40 dancers, smoke cannons and more pyrotechnics than you'd see at Ibiza's superclubs. Alok revealed: 'Each set I do is different. First of all I want to understand the people where I am playing. 'It also depends if it is in the day or night-time, or if I am going to have lasers or lighting. 'Usually I know 25 per cent of what I am going to perform. The rest? I try to feel it.' And just like many of the music lovers at the bash who were well lubricated — including Laughing at Team Bizarre's favourite tipple being a classic supermarket vodka, Alok said: 'If it's a long set then I do like some champagne. Doing long sets, it's great to drink as you play.' And that, Alok, is probably why you woke up after the show with a clearer head than us fans. 6 DJ Alok has worked with Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding Credit: AFP He's the Man MANESKIN frontman The singer, who released debut solo album Funny Little Fears in May, said backstage: 'Funny Little Fears was my first solo project, so I really had a lot of space for experimenting and finding my own sound. The whole process was a lot of me trying different things. Right now, I'm working on my own headline tour.' 6 Damiano David wowed Isle Of MTV with a ridiculously high-energy set Credit: Shutterstock And it's clear Damiano was loving the nostalgia of the bash, adding: 'I remember watching music videos on MTV with my brother as a kid. It's very special for me and that generation to have the chance to collaborate with MTV.' Ella's fin-tastic ELLA HENDERSON joked her vocal warm-ups ahead of her performance at Isle Of MTV could see her mistaken for a dolphin. In a chat backstage, the Ghost singer said: 'My pre-show ritual is quite simple and very boring. 6 'My pre-show ritual is quite simple and very boring', says Ella Henderson Credit: Shutterstock 'Lots of honey, lots of ginger, lots of steaming vocal cords and lots of crazy dolphin noises during my warm-up.' After a storming set in Malta on Tuesday, Ella went on to gush over finding The One in her fiancé She will marry Jack in the coming months after he popped the question while the couple were on holiday in Mauritius back in 2023. Ella, whose new country-tinged single Me & You is out now, said: 'I've been very excited to do this style of music. 'It's about me finding love and finding my fiancé and him putting a ring on it.' Laughing, the self-deprecating star added: 'I don't know why, but he did – probably the biggest mistake of his life! 'I have been unlucky in love but this is very different.' Miriana is a 'vision in pink' SHE may have fallen short when it came to Eurovision 2025, but one of the biggest cheers of the night came for Malta's home-grown star The singer wore a pink latex leotard as she belted out her Eurovision entry Serving – grinding her way through her performance. 6 Miriana Conte wore a pink latex leotard as she belted out her Eurovision entry Serving Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And it's clear Miriana had a ball throughout the event, as she was spotted dancing and singing backstage as Ella Henderson performed.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
DJ Alok reveals his dream collaboration after teaming up with Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding
The DJ admits time isn't on his side with the artist he wants to make music with ALOK'S DREAM COLLAB DJ Alok reveals his dream collaboration after teaming up with Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding HE has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding. And now DJ Alok is eyeing up a collaboration with Coldplay. Advertisement 6 DJ Alok is eyeing up a collaboration with Coldplay Credit: Getty 6 The Sun's Jack Hardwick with Alok in Malta for Isle of MTV Credit: Supplied But the Brazilian star fears the British band will call it quits before he can get them into the studio, after frontman Chris Martin confirmed last year that their 12th record will be their last. Speaking exclusively to Bizarre's Jack backstage at Isle Of MTV in Malta on Wednesday, he said: 'I had two dreams for collaborations. One with the indigenous community. We did an album, it was amazing. The other is definitely Coldplay — they have such a good blend of electronic music. 'They have done a lot of songs that have amazing remixes and a lot of anthems.' Admitting time isn't on his side, Alok added: 'They are stopping soon, though, so maybe it would end up as just me and Chris.' Advertisement Also on the bill for Isle Of MTV — an annual free concert in Malta's historic Il-Fosos Square — was Alok's previous collaborator Ella Henderson. The pair teamed up on Under The Sun in 2024, but, due to his globe-trotting schedule, which has seen him play everywhere from Las Vegas to Hong Kong, Alok hadn't previously met the singer in person. Alok explained: 'Sometimes people just meet and go into the studio, but it's been a while since I went into the studio with those international features. 'After the pandemic, everyone is really working on video calls. The industry is so tough for all of us. Advertisement 'The biggest challenge is how we are going to meet. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin stops show in Sydney to save young boy in heartwarming 'For example, even Kylie . . . I have not yet met her in person but that's OK. At least we could release our song, Last Night I Dreamt I Fell In Love. 'We could do phone calls, but because of my agenda I would rather do it online than have to leave my family to go somewhere.' Going all out for his headline set in Malta, which will be broadcast on MTV and streamed on Pluto TV from September 13, Alok was joined by more than 40 dancers, smoke cannons and more pyrotechnics than you'd see at Ibiza's superclubs. Advertisement Alok revealed: 'Each set I do is different. First of all I want to understand the people where I am playing. 'It also depends if it is in the day or night-time, or if I am going to have lasers or lighting. 'Usually I know 25 per cent of what I am going to perform. The rest? I try to feel it.' And just like many of the music lovers at the bash who were well lubricated — including Geordie Shore's Nathan Henry — Alok says he isn't afraid to crack open a bottle on stage. Advertisement Laughing at Team Bizarre's favourite tipple being a classic supermarket vodka, Alok said: 'If it's a long set then I do like some champagne. Doing long sets, it's great to drink as you play.' And that, Alok, is probably why you woke up after the show with a clearer head than us fans. 6 DJ Alok has worked with Kylie Minogue and Ellie Goulding Credit: AFP He's the Man MANESKIN frontman Damiano David wowed Isle Of MTV with a ridiculously high-energy set, proving beyond doubt he can go it alone without his Eurovision band. Advertisement The singer, who released debut solo album Funny Little Fears in May, said backstage: 'Funny Little Fears was my first solo project, so I really had a lot of space for experimenting and finding my own sound. The whole process was a lot of me trying different things. Right now, I'm working on my own headline tour.' 6 Damiano David wowed Isle Of MTV with a ridiculously high-energy set Credit: Shutterstock And it's clear Damiano was loving the nostalgia of the bash, adding: 'I remember watching music videos on MTV with my brother as a kid. It's very special for me and that generation to have the chance to collaborate with MTV.' Ella's fin-tastic ELLA HENDERSON joked her vocal warm-ups ahead of her performance at Isle Of MTV could see her mistaken for a dolphin. Advertisement In a chat backstage, the Ghost singer said: 'My pre-show ritual is quite simple and very boring. 6 'My pre-show ritual is quite simple and very boring', says Ella Henderson Credit: Shutterstock 'Lots of honey, lots of ginger, lots of steaming vocal cords and lots of crazy dolphin noises during my warm-up.' After a storming set in Malta on Tuesday, Ella went on to gush over finding The One in her fiancé Jack Burnell, a former Team GB swimmer, after years of being chronically 'unlucky in love'. Advertisement She will marry Jack in the coming months after he popped the question while the couple were on holiday in Mauritius back in 2023. Ella, whose new country-tinged single Me & You is out now, said: 'I've been very excited to do this style of music. 'It's about me finding love and finding my fiancé and him putting a ring on it.' Laughing, the self-deprecating star added: 'I don't know why, but he did – probably the biggest mistake of his life! Advertisement 'I have been unlucky in love but this is very different.' Miriana is a 'vision in pink' SHE may have fallen short when it came to Eurovision 2025, but one of the biggest cheers of the night came for Malta's home-grown star Miriana Conte. The singer wore a pink latex leotard as she belted out her Eurovision entry Serving – grinding her way through her performance. 6 Miriana Conte wore a pink latex leotard as she belted out her Eurovision entry Serving Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement And it's clear Miriana had a ball throughout the event, as she was spotted dancing and singing backstage as Ella Henderson performed.
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Neighbours legend 'signs up for new series of Strictly Come Dancing' just days after wrapping up filming for final episode of long-running soap
Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis has reportedly signed up to appear on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The actor, 66, has played the womanising and villainous Paul Robinson on the Australian soap for four decades, but finally wrapped up filming for the show's final episode on Friday. And now his time on Ramsay Street is over, he is reportedly taking the opportunity to show off his moves on the dancefloor. A source told The Sun: 'Stefan is a huge character on the soap and is sure to be a hit with Strictly fans. BBC bosses are confident Stefan will bring in the ratings. 'He has made no secret of the fact that he would love to star on Strictly and will put his all into the training.' MailOnline has contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Stefan for comment. Stefan was joined by his fellow cast for an emotional last day on set on Friday at Nunawading Studios in Australia, as they filmed the soap's finale. He has starred on Neighbours since it first debuted in 1985, going on to leave the show in 1992, but then returning in 2004. Expressing his gratitude for the soap that shot him to fame, he gushes that without it, he wouldn't have met the people and lived experiences of a lifetime. Stefan reflected: 'I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years.' Neighbours' impact is immeasurable and has produced household names like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie, to gain an unlikely cultural significance in Britain. The final episode is set to air on December 11, after fans have witnessed the drama be axed three times. Just two years ago, viewers were gearing up for what was then billed as the 'finale' before Amazon swooped in with a lifeline. Stefan's Strictly signing comes after reports this week that Vicky Pattison had also been offered a spot on this year's series. The reality TV star, 37, is said to have caught the attention of producers when she cheered on pal Pete Wicks from the audience during last year's series - and now bosses are keen to bring her centre stage. A source told The Sun: 'Vicky loved watching Pete on the series and was in awe of the detail that goes into every performance. 'She has great energy and will no doubt be a hit with the viewers. Vicky's done plenty of reality shows but is ready to be out of her comfort zone on the dance floor.' While last month, it was said that the BBC series was in talks with Paul C. Brunson to appear, with bosses convinced they could rely on the star not to fall victim to the show's infamous 'curse'. The so-called 'Strictly curse' has been a tabloid staple for over a decade - rooted in the idea that taking part in the show often spells trouble for contestants' relationships. Now, insiders reportedly claim producers are keen to sign clean-cut relationship expert Paul, who is known for his roles on Channel 4 's hit shows Married At First Sight UK and Celebs Go Dating. The American star, who now lives in London, is seen as a safe option - and potentially just what Strictly needs following two drama-filled series. A source told The Sun: 'Paul would be the ideal tonic to the dark clouds over Strictly as he's clean-cut, very intelligent and has no scandals to worry about. The reality TV star, 37, is said to have caught the attention of producers when she cheered on pal Pete Wicks (seen with his partner Jowita Przystal) from the audience during last year's series - and now bosses are keen to bring her centre stage 'They are now in discussion but he's met with producers a number of times. Everyone is hoping he'll sign on the dotted line and is keen to make it happen.' Gladiators star Nitro has also been rumoured to have signed up for this year's show after 'impressing' BBC producers on the Christmas special. The superhuman, 36, took part in last year's festive edition and was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu. And now Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines Aryeetey, has reportedly agreed to appear on the regular series this autumn. A show insider told The Sun how the ex-Olympian had been on bosses' wish list for some time now. The said: 'Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work. 'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing. 'The Gladiators' fanbase is growing and kids love them so he'll be a hit with younger viewers, too.' Nitro previously hinted at a role in the main series when he revealed he would be taking part in the Christmas special with an injury. He told The Mirror: 'I am carrying an injury to some degree. It's been quite tough. I'm not my full self. Hopefully that's taken into consideration. 'But at the same time, I'm just here for a good time. I can dance, I can enjoy myself, that's the most important thing. 'Although I think we're going to do well and although I think we're going to have fun with it, it would be nice to do myself 100% justice by competing another time on the main series. 'It would be good to be in a position where I can show my ultimate self. I've got the bug. If the opportunity arises… it's being in an arena and learning a new skill. If the opportunity arises, I would jump at it, literally because I'll be able to jump by then.' Earlier this year Strictly Come Dancing confirmed the professional lineup for 2025. Dianne Buswell, who lifted the glitter ball in December with Chris McCausland, will be joining Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal in returning to the dance floor this September. Amy Dowden, who pulled out in the opening weeks of last year's show due to a foot injury, will also be back on Strictly for 2025, as will Carlos Gu and Kai Widdrington, who didn't have a celebrity partner last year. Despite rumours that he might be making a return after missing out on last year's series, Giovanni Pernice will not be heading back to the ballroom this time around. Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said: 'The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.'
The Advertiser
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Neighbours revival ends with chance for 'new chapter'
Neighbours has seen its last day of filming on its two-year Prime Video revival, with producers saying there are "tantalising possibilities for a future chapter". The Australian soap will see its latest series finish in December after 40 years on TV, with the cast wrapping filming on Friday at Nunawading studios as producers remain hopeful for further episodes. Executive producer Jason Herbison said: "Neighbours is a special show and it's been a privilege to make the recent seasons for our loyal viewers around the world. "We have added 460 episodes to our legacy of over 9000 episodes, something we all feel proud of. "Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalising possibilities for a future chapter." The soap has followed the lives of those living and working in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough since 1985, and launched the careers of the likes of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Margot Robbie. Stefan Dennis, who first appeared in the soap as Paul Robinson in 1985, said: "I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years. "Without Neighbours I would not have met the people, been to the places and lived the experiences of a lifetime. Thank you all." Neighbours was dropped by the UK's Channel 5 in 2022 following failure to secure new funding, with a finale episode in July that year seeing an average audience of 2.5 million tune in, as a host of well-known characters returned to the show. The soap's return was announced in late 2022, with a social media clip featuring some of the soap's characters being told the news, but in February this year it was announced the soap would not continue after reports production company Fremantle Media failed to secure a deal with Amazon. Neighbours has seen its last day of filming on its two-year Prime Video revival, with producers saying there are "tantalising possibilities for a future chapter". The Australian soap will see its latest series finish in December after 40 years on TV, with the cast wrapping filming on Friday at Nunawading studios as producers remain hopeful for further episodes. Executive producer Jason Herbison said: "Neighbours is a special show and it's been a privilege to make the recent seasons for our loyal viewers around the world. "We have added 460 episodes to our legacy of over 9000 episodes, something we all feel proud of. "Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalising possibilities for a future chapter." The soap has followed the lives of those living and working in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough since 1985, and launched the careers of the likes of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Margot Robbie. Stefan Dennis, who first appeared in the soap as Paul Robinson in 1985, said: "I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years. "Without Neighbours I would not have met the people, been to the places and lived the experiences of a lifetime. Thank you all." Neighbours was dropped by the UK's Channel 5 in 2022 following failure to secure new funding, with a finale episode in July that year seeing an average audience of 2.5 million tune in, as a host of well-known characters returned to the show. The soap's return was announced in late 2022, with a social media clip featuring some of the soap's characters being told the news, but in February this year it was announced the soap would not continue after reports production company Fremantle Media failed to secure a deal with Amazon. Neighbours has seen its last day of filming on its two-year Prime Video revival, with producers saying there are "tantalising possibilities for a future chapter". The Australian soap will see its latest series finish in December after 40 years on TV, with the cast wrapping filming on Friday at Nunawading studios as producers remain hopeful for further episodes. Executive producer Jason Herbison said: "Neighbours is a special show and it's been a privilege to make the recent seasons for our loyal viewers around the world. "We have added 460 episodes to our legacy of over 9000 episodes, something we all feel proud of. "Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalising possibilities for a future chapter." The soap has followed the lives of those living and working in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough since 1985, and launched the careers of the likes of Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Margot Robbie. Stefan Dennis, who first appeared in the soap as Paul Robinson in 1985, said: "I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years. "Without Neighbours I would not have met the people, been to the places and lived the experiences of a lifetime. Thank you all." Neighbours was dropped by the UK's Channel 5 in 2022 following failure to secure new funding, with a finale episode in July that year seeing an average audience of 2.5 million tune in, as a host of well-known characters returned to the show. The soap's return was announced in late 2022, with a social media clip featuring some of the soap's characters being told the news, but in February this year it was announced the soap would not continue after reports production company Fremantle Media failed to secure a deal with Amazon.
