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Paralyzed concert pianist makes triumphant return to the stage thanks to new technology
Paralyzed concert pianist makes triumphant return to the stage thanks to new technology

CTV News

time13-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • CTV News

Paralyzed concert pianist makes triumphant return to the stage thanks to new technology

A concert pianist who became paralyzed and lost the ability to play the piano for many years was thrilled to make his return to the stage with the help of a technology he helped develop. Riccardo Baldini is a pianist who came to Edmonton from Italy in 2017. Six years ago, he woke up paralyzed from the chest down due to a spinal cavernoma burst. In order to play the piano, you need to use the foot pedals to change the sound being produced. 'As you get to a more advanced and professional level, it's your entire body that's (being used) …it's like a self awareness of where your body is to create certain sounds, create certain effects,' Baldini said. He didn't give up hope and dreamed of being able to play the piano again, the instrument he devoted himself to for decades. Working with engineers and the Glenrose Hospital Foundation's research and innovation department, he helped develop Resonate, a tool that lets him control the foot pedals using his mouth. 'It's a huge win for music, and it's a huge win for accessibility music and equality of opportunity,' Baldini said. '(Now), people with disabilities have the potential for performing on stage and on a professional level, which is something that has never been done before. 'The few images that we captured, the videos, are going to be the start of something that maybe could inspire some kids with disabilities to pursue musical careers.' Resonate was actually named after the right of the three piano pedals, known as the sustain, damper or resonance pedal, which is required to play the majority of classical music, according to Baldini. It keeps the notes playing after a musician's fingers are taken off the keys. The stage beckons Last December, Baldini went to the Winspear to see if a performance like this would be possible, if he could wheel onto the stage and if Resonate would work with the piano. A few months later, he was asked if he would be interested in playing in some shows with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO). ESO The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's Anime in Concert show. (Edmonton Symphony Orchestra) The three concert performances for Anime in Concert over two days in June were the largest crowds Baldini had played in front of since Resonate was developed. 'It's been a dream come true for me to be able to perform with a full symphony orchestra on stage after my injury in my wheelchair,' said Baldini. 'I had an incredible feeling, It went really well. 'The audience responded not as at a classical concert where the audience is more composed, which made the energy coming from the audience amazing.' When he wheeled out onto the stage, he started playing, not saying anything until after the first song, once the audience had a chance to question how he could play while in a wheelchair. 'The focus was music, not disability,' Riccardo said. 'The stigma about disability should disappear from the concept. I'm there performing like anyone else.' Baldini performed One Summer's Day from Spirited Away and Kanashikute Yarikirenai from In This Corner of the World. 'Growing up, I watched a lot of anime and I love it. I think there's so much depth into these Japanese productions that I always enjoyed,' Baldini said. 'I was very much pleased to play the music from these movies.' He said the other performers and staff at the Winspear were very accommodating and encouraging, 'like a big family.' Music is what matters Resonate in its current form has been ready since 2024, as the first prototype was 'too loud' according to Baldini and having it be unobtrusive was important to him. 'It's not about you, it's about the music and conveying some emotions, and I think we achieved that throughout the concert, and hopefully also shared a good message with my performance,' he said. He hopes to be able to perform with ESO again and would like the opportunity to play in other venues to showcase what he can do now. Carnegie Hall is on his bucket list, and he also said he would like to be able to perform with the Vancouver and Toronto symphonies. One of the pieces he hopes to be able to perform in front of an audience again is Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 31 Op. 110, a technically challenging 20-minute piece. 'It's a bit of a journey of music that goes through a deep dive into depression … it's almost a lament, like crying,' Baldini said. 'Then from there, when you hit rock bottom, you are coming back out of that with a huge, major conclusion, which is a triumph of the Ode to Joy. 'I really resonate with (the piece) because of my life experience.' Resonating around the world Baldini has received inquiries about Resonate from all over the world from people in a similar situation like him and people with disabilities interested in learning the piano. They did presales for the device and are moving into the manufacturing phase for the first production run. 'The stories that come with each individual are so unique and it really warms my heart every time, because I understand … when I first got injured and looked out there, and there was nothing that would have helped me to go back and play the piano, and nobody was doing it, it really crushed me,' Baldini said. Resonate was designed for pianos, but Bandini said people have asked about potential uses in other instruments in the future, like drums, and for things outside of music like sewing machines and pottery wheels. His advice for people who find themselves suddenly unable to do what they love because of injury or illness is to 'keep moving forward in uncertainty.' 'You will go through a grieving period and some pain and some mental work that needs to be done, but at the same time, you don't want to waste your time and waste your life,' Baldini said. 'There is so much more that can come and you can do despite whatever situation and whatever cards you are dealt by life. Just be creative and don't give up.'

Resonate Releases Q3 Consumer Trends Forecast
Resonate Releases Q3 Consumer Trends Forecast

Yahoo

time13-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Resonate Releases Q3 Consumer Trends Forecast

New Data Reveals Deepening Economic Anxiety Among U.S. Consumers, Driving Significant Spending Shifts RESTON, Va., June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latest data from the Consumer Trends Report released today by Resonate, the leader in AI-powered predictive consumer intelligence, reveals that economic uncertainty is no longer just a hypothetical concern for American households; it is now having a noticeable and growing effect on personal finances and spending habits. The latest data indicates a sharp increase in financial fears and a resurgence of cost-saving behaviors, fundamentally reshaping consumer expectations and purchasing decisions: Soaring Financial Fears: Worries about a stock market crash surged by 52.6% in the last three months, with over a quarter of Americans (25.5%) now fearing this event. Concerns about a U.S. economic slowdown or recession also dramatically increased by 17.5%, with 46% of consumers expressing worry. Personal Financial Struggles: The percentage of consumers feeling "somewhat worse off" sharply rose by 24% to 22.2% from March 2025. Consumers who feel the same about their personal finances as six months prior plummeted by 8.5% to 48.1% (from 52.6% in March 2025). Purchase Delays and Cancellations: Consumers are increasingly postponing or canceling vacations, major household purchases, vehicle acquisitions, and even home sales. This trend extends to subscriptions, with the number of Americans canceling some or all subscriptions rising by 8.6% to 29% in just three months. Return to Core Cost-Saving Strategies: Time-tested strategies from past inflationary periods are back in force. 48% are opting for cheaper store or alternative brands (a 6% increase), and 36.2% are cutting non-essential purchases (an 8.7% increase). Politics Influencing Consumers: Politics are increasingly influencing consumer shopping behavior, with 16% of Americans being less inclined to shop with a brand supporting left-leaning groups, while 31% being less inclined to buy from a company openly supporting right-leaning groups, reinforcing the need for brands to understand the psychographic and value-driven nuances of their target audience. This data underscores the urgent need for businesses to adopt advanced consumer intelligence solutions that provide actionable insights on consumer behavior and intent in order to navigate the turbulent economic landscape effectively. Resonate's Consumer Trends Report cuts through the noise, delivering essential, data-driven insights into the actual sentiments, motivations, and behaviors of Americans, powered by the most recent predictive data and intelligence. Access the full report HERE. About Resonate Headquartered in Reston, VA, Resonate is the leader in predictive consumer intelligence, delivering proprietary, privacy-safe consumer and voter data for insights, analysis, and activation. The Resonate data set includes more than 15,000 rich, relevant, real-time data points that holistically describe more than 250 million U.S. consumer profiles. Resonate's AI-powered data is readily available for delivery and activation where marketers need it most, offering unmatched flexibility and integration across the marketing ecosystem. This data can be accessed directly through top demand-side platform (DSP) providers, data append and licensing, the Resonate Ignite platform, and Resonate Managed Media Services. Marketers can leverage this data to enrich their first-party information, activate media across all channels, and install it to power predictive models, clean rooms, or data lakes, enabling comprehensive consumer insights and targeted marketing strategies. Hundreds of companies and campaigns use Resonate to drive more effective marketing strategy and execution fueled by a comprehensive and continuously updated understanding of their audience that extends beyond traditional demographics, psychographics and behavioral data to uncover why people choose, buy, or support certain brands, products, candidates or causes. View original content: SOURCE Resonate 登入存取你的投資組合

Americans' Fears of Stock Market Crash Skyrocket
Americans' Fears of Stock Market Crash Skyrocket

Newsweek

time13-06-2025

  • Business
  • Newsweek

Americans' Fears of Stock Market Crash Skyrocket

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Americans' fears of the stock market crashing are skyrocketing as the economy remains uncertain and President Donald Trump's tariffs take effect, according to a report by predictive consumer data company Resonate. Nearly 26 percent of the population worries that Wall Street might hit rock bottom, says Resonate, and concerns of a broader economic slowdown have increased by 17.5 percent to 46 percent. Why It Matters Widespread tariffs and stock market upheaval have characterized Trump's second presidency, and in March he said the U.S. was facing a "period of transition," as opposed to a recession. An American flag sits on a desk at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening bell on June 13, 2025, in New York City. An American flag sits on a desk at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening bell on June 13, 2025, in New York City. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images What To Know Growing anxiety over the future of the U.S. stock market has intensified in recent months, driven by political uncertainty and volatile policy shifts. Market turbulence in the wake of recent government actions, especially under Trump's administration, has led to heightened fears about the stability of both Main Street and Wall Street. "People are naturally concerned about the next market crash and this time is different," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "Most of the people at or near retirement explicitly remember how they felt in 2008-09, and do not want an occurrence of that magnitude." Alongside stock market crash fears, personal finances are slipping as well, the report found. The number of people feeling "somewhat worse off" financially rose 24 percent from March, while financial stability sentiment dropped by 8.5 percent. The public's apprehension is further complicated by the administration's ambitious trade policy shifts. More than 100 days into Trump's second term, the White House has attempted to reassure supporters amid fears of recession and rising prices. Trump and his aides have alternately denied the likelihood of recession, blamed predecessors, and warned that economic pain may precede recovery. Trump's endorsed and House-passed Big Beautiful Bill Act would add $2.4 trillion to the U.S. debt, sparking concern among economists and everyday Americans alike. Polls have shown significant partisan divides, most Republicans expressing continued confidence in Trump's approach, despite broad public concern regarding the risks posed by tariffs and mounting international uncertainty. Consumers have reacted by pulling back on big purchases, whether it's home or vehicle sales, the report found. Even subscription cancellations rose to 29 percent. And 45 percent of consumers said they weren't planning to travel this fall amid the economic uncertainty. Shoppers have also turned to cheaper brands, with 48 percent of survey respondents saying they had chosen more affordable options, up 6 percent. Roughly 36 percent also said they had reduced nonessential purchases. What People Are Saying Trump told reporters in March: "Our country had to do this. We had to go and do this. They've taken away, other countries have taken away our business, they've taken away our jobs. I did it initially very strongly against as you know China and some others in the first term." Drew Powers, the founder of Illinois-based Powers Financial Group, told Newsweek: "We have seen some incredible volatility in 2025, so it is no surprise people are worried. We already saw a 20 percent drop in just 6 weeks earlier in the year. We see the markets dip every time tariffs are brought up or when there is an especially violent day in Ukraine or Israel. The world is interconnected, and the 24-hour news cycle is practically inescapable." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Fears are valid, regardless of what the market pundits may say. We are running a deficit that needs to be addressed yet ignored. Will the market continue to trudge along its merry path? Perhaps, but we have "never" been confronted with deficits expanding this much and being this high." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Concern over the stock market is more than likely down from the highs of two months ago, when initial tariff announcements were met with a monumental decline in the span of just a few days. However, that doesn't equate to worry being completely mitigated; many investors are still fearful if trade talks between the United States and other countries aren't productive, it could trigger those steep falls to return. Pair that with many Americans feeling financially 'tapped out,' and you can understand the pessimism." What Happens Next The reality of a stock market crash in the near future is not yet clear, experts say. Much of that depends on international trade and corporation developments. "The reality of many of these factors is it's too soon to tell. From tariffs to company performances, the next few months will give a better understanding of whether the future is indeed dark or more full of light than some expect," Beene said.

French indie-pop duo, Newfoundland rockers and comedy stars highlight our Departure Festival picks
French indie-pop duo, Newfoundland rockers and comedy stars highlight our Departure Festival picks

Toronto Star

time10-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Toronto Star

French indie-pop duo, Newfoundland rockers and comedy stars highlight our Departure Festival picks

MUSIC Lee's Palace 529 Bloor St. W. Noeline Hofmann (Sat., 7 p.m.) The 20-year-old Hofmann, hailing from southern Alberta, brings her plains-inspired country and Americana to the Bloor Street staple. Sully Burrows and Noah Derksen round out the bill. Papooz (Sun., 7 p.m.) French indie-pop duo Papooz, of 'Ann Wants to Dance' fame, who have been likened to fellow countrymen Tahiti 80 and Phoenix, stop over on their Resonate tour. British singer-songwriter Cornelia Murr opens. Rivoli 332 Queen St. W. Showcase (Sat., 7:30 p.m.) Five new Canadian artists — Pacific Estate, Fionn, Jenny Palacios, the Flamingos Pink and Dopamine Dream — take over the revered Queen West spot. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Horseshoe Tavern 370 Queen St. W. Nick Earle & the Reckless Hearts (Sat., 8 p.m.) The Newfoundland band headlines a night of rock, featuring Propter Hawk, Tomboy and Richard Tichelman. The Garrison 1197 Dundas St. W. Pan Arcadia and Cab Ellis (Sun., 6:30 p.m.) Anthemic New York rockers Pan Arcadia share a bill with jazz-fueled New Yorkers Cab Ellis, fronted by Connor Abeles. Caroline Rhea, here attending the Los Angeles premiere of the Hulu series 'Mid-Century Modern,' performs at the Comedy Bar on Queen Elizabeth Theatre 190 Princes' Blvd. Pete Holmes (Sat., 7 p.m.) The creator and star of the HBO series 'Crashing' and the host of the 'You Made It Weird' podcast and author of 'Comedy Sex God' — all one person — performs standup. Comedy Bar 2800 Danforth Ave. Caroline Rhea (Sun. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.) The veteran standup, talk show host and actress ('Sabrina the Teenage Witch') headlines the east-end comedy hot spot.

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