Latest news with #TheSoundofMusic
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Generation ROC: 17-year-old musician shines bright on stages across Rochester
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A Jill of all trades and a master of more than one, 17-year-old Cora Flannery picks up one instrument, then another and another—going from piano to ukulele, guitar and trumpet, to singing and songwriting—all in pursuit of her greatest love: music. 'Everyone has a different way of expressing themselves, and I really find joy and peace, happiness (when) singing and writing music,' Cora explains to News 8's Mikhaela Singleton. Cora says her passion started young, watching The Sound of Music as a child then writing her very first song at the age of nine. 'I remember I ran downstairs to show my mom, and she was like oh my gosh! Just so excited for me and (my parents) said well we have to get her into music classes,' Cora remembers. 'The song is called 'I Was a Fool'. I didn't even spell 'dumb' write in the lyrics—that's how young I was,' she reminisces while flipping through her songbook which now holds more than 60 of her creations. Emblazoned on the cover to 'dream big', Cora shares she looks at the front of her songbook for inspiration and jots down any feeling she has that inspires her. Sometimes finding that inspiration in the most unusual of places. 'Voice memos are my savior, I use those a lot. I remember one time, there was some construction at my school and one of the big machines was backing up and I heard the 'beep, beep'. I recorded it on my phone, then went home and played it on the piano. It gave me this kinda spooky vibe and I just let myself freestyle,' she recalls. Once her parents enrolled her in classes at ROC Star Academy, Cora started trying a little bit of everything, including recording and stagework. The founder of the academy, world-renowned Daughtry bandmember Elvio Fernandes, and his talented staff of instructors encouraged Cora to branch out from going solo. 'Being in a band has kind of broken me out a little bit, and I was always really shy performing solo. After performing with a band behind you, it's a lot less pressure. Kind of loosening up. I've then loosened up when performing solo,' she explains. 'I also used to be very stubborn about my songs—like I wrote it this way, it has to stay this way—but I listened to their suggestions and ended up loving it.' Joining two performance bands through ROC Star Academy—Theory of Everything and Controversy—Cora took to the stage enthusiastically with her bandmates performing at Lilac Fest and several local events. Her blossoming confidence led her to open mic nights and her name began to spread through the music scene. It was ultimately a conversation in a grocery store between one of the open mic organizers and a local pro band performer that kickstarted Cora to be scouted for It's My Party—a 60's cover band that's been entertaining the Rochester community for more than 40 years. 'It's like the best feeling ever to be introduced to new artists because of something that I myself have achieved and allows me to work with other people,' Cora says. True to form, she's adding even more to her repertoire by forming a professional duo with a friend titled Cora and Liam, and performing some of Cora's original songs. She says she hopes to continue entertaining anyone who will love her music. 'I know music has a really big impact on people. Music has helped me through so many hard situations. I want people to have that uplifting feeling just by listening to one of my songs. That would really just complete my life,' she concludes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders star Kara Tointon, 41, undergoes double mastectomy
Former EastEnders star Kara Tointon has revealed she has undergone a double mastectomy. The actress found fame as Dawn Swann on the BBC soap, a role she played for four years between 2005 and 2009. Introduced alongside the wider Miller family, Dawn conned her neighbours out of money and being kidnapped by twisted Dr May Wright (Amanda Drew). Her exit story saw her sailing into the sunset (quite literally) with Gary Hobbs (Ricky Groves). After leaving Albert Square, Kara went on to win Strictly Come Dancing, and appear in ITV dramas The Bill and Mr Selfridge. She's also had a number of theatre roles, including a live version of The Sound of Music which was transmitted on television in 2015. Taking to Instagram today, she revealed that she's chosen to reduce her risk of cancer after discovering she's a carrier of the BRCA1 gene, which increases the chances of being diagnosed. Speaking in a video to her 151,000 followers, Kara explained that her mum passed away from ovarian cancer seven years ago. The star has has now undergone a double mastectomy and had her fallopian tubes removed. 'This is personal, but important,' she wrote alongside the clip. 'I am sharing with you my journey with the BRCA1 gene. It's about understanding, choices, and taking control. Hope this helps someone out there.' She goes on to explain: 'You may have heard of the BRCA genes type 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means that I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. 'Back in 2018 when my mum was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, I was asked to take a genetics test. 'There is a history of both cancers in my family but for various reasons including generational trauma of which I'll talk more about another time, we hadn't looked into it until that point.' Kara continued: 'But it was put to us, we took the test and it was confirmed that my mum and I both carried the gene. 'I was pregnant with my first child at the time, knew I wanted more children if possible so over the next couple of years I was invited to various meetings by the NHS to really become informed and to understand all my options. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 'Last year having had my second son in 2021 and deciding that our family was complete, I underwent two preventative surgeries. The first a double mastectomy and the second a two part protector study, a trial. 'They believe that ovarian cancer begins in the Fallopian tubes so by removing them first checking out you can remove the ovaries later.' More Trending Concluding her video, she added: 'I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made. I can now with hindsight talk about it properly. 'I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more.' Kara's EastEnders alter ego Dawn was referenced in the serial last year, when her on-screen brother Mickey (Joe Swash) made a surprise return. View More » Having separated from Garry, she was now operating an eco-friendly B&B business in the Cotswolds with her family. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: Hollyoaks star Paul Danan's death at 46 ruled misadventure MORE: Coronation Street fans convinced major star is returning MORE: Colson Smith lands 'exciting' new job after Coronation Street exit
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
WATCH: Nuns shock TV viewers with beatbox and dance skills
A pair of Brazilian nuns have gone viral after showcasing their unique beatboxing and dance skills on a catholic TV channel. Appearing on TV Pai Eterno on May 20, a Portuguese-speaking channel, the unassuming catholic servants enjoyed an interview with their two hosts before Sister Marizele began singing. Moments later, she proceeded to flex her vocal range and switched to beatboxing, with the nun's catchy tune prompting Sister Marisa to flaunt her fancy footwork as the pair found their groove. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Dressed modestly in white tops and jackets to match their blue skirts, the performance took viewers off guard and has subsequently made the pair internet sensations. 'That moment was very spontaneous, because with sister Marisa, if you start a beat, she will dance,' Sister Marizele Cassiano told Associate Press in an interview translated to English. 'And I'm used to singing, to beatboxing, so for us it was very simple, spontaneous and at the same time very surprising to see that it went viral even outside Brazil.' Online, fans have been quick to offer their nun puns in support of the performance. One person referred to the pair as a 'Sister Act', while American TV presenter Carson Daly labelled them 'Nun DMC'. 'Not even religious but this is a bop,' another user said. Others found the nuns' unorthodox antics reminiscent of The Sound of Music, with one asking, 'How do you solve a problem like Maria?'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Langholm Operatic and Dramatic Society changes name and seeks new talent
Langholm Theatre Group, previously known as Langholm Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, is looking for new talent to join their next musical production. Members of the group decided to change their name at an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting as it was felt that the word "operatic" was a factor in deterring potential members from joining the society. The group, which has been running for 102 years, has put on a range of musicals, plays, and concerts, including The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, and Calamity Jane. Annie Get Your Gun stars Leona Mason in the lead role (Image: Naomi House) Last year, the group staged a production of Annie Get Your Gun. They are currently seeking new members, including both those interested in acting as well as joining the production team. Anyone over the age of 14 is welcome to join. The group is also seeking a producer or director for their March 2026 show. President Jackie Beckett said: "It has been fantastic to see new members coming along to join the society in recent years, but we need more. "If anyone has ever wanted to be on stage, or even help in other ways, please get in touch. "You don't need to live in Langholm as we have members who travel from outwith the town. "And you will be made most welcome." People interested in joining can email for more information. The group's annual general meeting was held on Thursday, May 12, at Langholm Town Hall.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The History Of Sound' Review: Paul Mescal And Josh O'Connor Make Beautiful Music Together In Moving Love Story
On questionnaires for movie research screenings they always ask 'Choose words that best describe the film.' Okay, here are the words I would write down to best encapsulate the new film The History of Sound which had its world premiere tonight in competition at the Cannes Film Festival: Meditative. Beautiful. Musical. Reflective. Heartbreaking. Love. Quiet. Soothing. Life Affirming. Haunting. Tasteful. Adult. Unforgettable. The title makes it sound rather academic, but it certainly isn't that. Perhaps more pointedly it should have been called The Sound of Music, but I think somebody already had that. Okay, how about The Sounds of Music? Actually the title they have fits perfectly once you get to the end, but will it sell tickets? That is the problem for the distributor (Mubi in North America; Universal/Focus Features international), but the film itself, directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattock from his own short story, delivers. Hermanus also did the terrific remake of Kurosawa's Living, and he has made a quietly masterful love story here containing a wonderful lead performance from Paul Mescal and an equally fine supporting turn by Josh O'Connor. It simply envelopes you into its unique world and washes over you with a songbook of America, and a lyrically haunting gay love story at its center, one that describes that person who will always be your great love, no matter how much time you had with them. More from Deadline Josh O'Connor On 'The Mastermind', 'The History Of Sound', His Secret Spielberg Film & How Harris Dickinson Has Inspired Him To Direct Cannes Film Festival 2025: Read All Of Deadline's Movie Reviews Carla Simón's 'Romería' Gets 11-Minute Ovation In Cannes Debut Set in 1917, music students David (O'Connor) and Lionel (Mescal) find mutual love of folk music at the Boston Conservatory one night and it becomes the start of a beautiful friendship, and later love affair, when after serving in World War I David returns and summons Lionel to join him on what is called a 'Song Collecting' walk through Maine's backwoods in order to collect and preserve in cylinders unique folk songs that might not ever have been heard unless they went knocking on these rural households where authenticity lies. This relationship also finds them falling in love in a surprisingly casual way unusual for the times. It was meant to be and it was a life-altering trip, but after it was over both of their lives changed. Lionel went back to university in the UK, David stayed behind. Despite writing several letters and getting nothing back over the course of two or three years, Lionel would never hear from David again — or so he thinks. RELATED: In the meantime Lionel gets serious with a college student, Clarissa (a spirited Emma Canning), who encourages him to keep going at university. But when word reaches him that his mother (Molly Price) is dying he announces he is going back to Kentucky where he is from, and not coming back. Soon he will discover some startling truths as the music comes back into his life. Deliberately paced and gorgeously shot by Alexander Dynan, The History of Sound may unfold slowly but give it a chance and it will wrap you up and take you places movies don't often go these days. I realized watching this how few of these movies there are now in a time that doesn't want to finance films like Malick's Days of Heaven which is what this reminded me of in terms of visual sumptuousness and pace. Musically it is a wonder, with both O'Connor, and especially Mescal, proving they have the pipes to pull off a soundtrack of American folk obscurities that make this a must-have download. Lyrically the songs tell stories of everything from murder to love to morality to everyday emotions and feelings, and have been spectacularly arranged by famed recording artist Sam Amidon, who specializes in this area. 'Sweet Is The Day Of Sacred Rest,' 'Forked Deer,' 'The Unquiet Grave,' 'Fourteen Wildcat Scalps' and 'Across the Rocky Mountain' are just a sampling of titles, but the collective power of this music sweeps you away directly into this world of the road not taken. This may be Mescal's best work in films yet. You just ache for this guy who found the great love of his life only to let him slip through his hands without quite knowing it. His performance, like O'Connor's, whose character is ever-present even with far less screen time, is nicely understated and all the more effective for it. Both serve up haunting portrayals. Chris Cooper turns up near the end of the film to play a much older version of Lionel and is quite moving. Hadley Robinson also makes a strong impression in one key scene where a lot of revelations occur. Ultimately, The History of Sound belongs to Mescal and O'Connor, who both committed to it pre-pandemic well before either became Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning major stars. They stuck with it through all the delays and should be rewarded for their loyalty to Hermanus, who has made a film that will stay in your head for a very long time. It's that good. Producers are Lisa Ciuffetti, Hermanus, Andrew Kortschak, Sara Murphy, Thérèsa Ryan and Zhang Xin. Title: The History of SoundFestival: Cannes (Competition)Distributors: Mubi (North America); Universal/Focus Features (International)Director: Oliver HermanusScreenwriter: Ben ShattockCast: Paul Mescal, Josh O'Connor, Raphael Sbarge, Hadley Robinson, Emma Cannining, Molly Price, Tom Mills, Michael Schantz, Chris Cooper, Gary Raymond, Sam Breslin Wright, Stephanie FayermanRunning time: 2 hr 7 mins Best of Deadline Broadway's 2024-2025 Season: All Of Deadline's Reviews Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize Winners Through The Years Deadline Studio At Sundance Film Festival Photo Gallery: Dylan O'Brien, Ayo Edebiri, Jennifer Lopez, Lily Gladstone, Benedict Cumberbatch & More
