Philip Glass' Akhnaten Rises at the LA OperaAbove: John Holiday as Akhnaten and Sun-Ly Pierce as Nefertiti in LA Opera's 2026 production of Akhnaten. Photo credit: Cory Weaver

It's been four days since this writer attended the LA Opera's production of Philip Glass' Akhnaten at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on a Sunday afternoon in March, and still, more time is needed to process it all. The music, the visuals, everything is so wonderfully overwhelming and absolutely breathtaking, some reflection is required to fully appreciate the whole event.

John Holiday in the title role of LA Opera's 2026 production of Akhnaten. Photo credit: Cory Weaver

In our recent feature Opera for All, Akhnaten director Phelim McDermott explained that, "There is a theory that Akhnaten was the first monotheist. In ancient Egypt, there’s all these different gods, and he said, ‘No, no, enough of that. Enough of the multi-God stuff. There’s just going to be one God, and it’s the sun.’ So he replaced all the other gods with this idea that the sun is the God and that he was the embodiment of this. God on earth. He had this reign of, I think it was only 14 years where he built this whole city, and then they got rid of him, and then Tutankhamun came in. So the opera is about ideas. They’re about musical meditations on the idea."

Yuntong Han as the High Priest of Amon in LA Opera's 2026 production of Akhnaten.  Photo credit: Cory Weaver.

"Musical meditations on the idea" is a great way of looking at this, and for anyone expecting a standard narrative in a traditional storytelling format, Akhnaten might prove heavy going. As is the case with much of Glass' work, you have to let it happen to you. It's possible that lovers of David Lynch movies will catch on quickly; you have to experience the art rather than follow it with a proverbial finger under the line.

Countertenor John Holiday, in the role of Akhnaten himself, told us that, "I would think that one of the most beautiful things that they would experience, but they may not be looking for, is that this is a type of music that is very transcendental. It transcends the current time. It transcends what they’ve been used to, because there are so many patterns in it. One can be kind of low in it. It becomes very meditative. And what I, as a singer, have to remind myself is that you can’t phone it in. You have to pay attention. And because there are so many patterns, people can, it also lends itself to ear worms. But I think that people are going to find that there is a meditative aspect of it, and I, as a singer, really love that."

There are, of course, themes. There is a story. Akhnaten was a very real Egyptian Pharaoh who, during his 17-year reign, created the first monotheistic religion. Up until then, the Egyptians worshipped multiple gods and, after Akhnaten, they went back to that system of worship. But for those 17 years (which were subsequently, swiftly, swept under the rug), Akhnaten implemented a one-god system.

The opera is the story of his life, but it's not easy to follow the political and theological through-lines. That said, you really don't need to. Sit back, buckle up, open your mind, and enjoy.

So Young Park as Queen Tye and Zachary James as Amenhotep III in LA Opera's 2026 production of Akhnaten. Photo credit: Cory Weaver

The music is gorgeous. Hypnotic, and certainly meditative. The orchestra is impeccable. The juggling is, perhaps surprisingly, captivating. And the scenery is spectacular. All in all, a glorious production.

Photos by Cory WeaverThe post Philip Glass' Akhnaten Rises at the LA Opera first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

MBW just launched Music Business Worldwide Magazine. Have you subscribed yet?To celebrate the launch, we're offering 50% off the first year of all new MBW+ subscriptions
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Chance the Rapper vs. Pat the Manager trial: Seven revelations from the courtroom so farThe civil trial between Chancelor Bennett (Chance the Rapper) and his former manager Patrick Corcoran is underway
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New Music Critique: Claudia HoyserContact: maggie@milestonecollective.comWeb: claudiahoyser.comSeeking: Label, BookingStyle: Indie-Country

According to her bio, Claudia Hoyser “began in her parents’ basement, singing into a karaoke machine she ‘sang into until it died.’” Now that’s commitment—and, clearly, she hasn’t lost that drive. She’s already shared the stage with Country legends like Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert and it’s clear she belongs in that company. Her “fingerprint voice” and her natural knack for sultry Country storytelling is evident on tracks like “Tides Gonna Rise,” a song that could easily already be on your playlist or soundtracking the likes of Yellowstone. For fans of Country: remember the name.The post New Music Critique: Claudia Hoyser first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Symphonic Launches Fifth Annual Women Empowered+ Mentorship ProgramSymphonic, the leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, announced this week that it is "celebrating Women’s History Month by opening applications for its annual Women Empowered+ mentorship program. Mentees can apply today through March 23 to be paired up with established professionals in their area of focus."

Mentors participating in this year’s program include:

Kassandra Robinson, Associate Manager, Label Partnerships, Spotify

Sarah Davis, Director, Global Client Services & In-House Forensic Musicologist, Downtown Music Publishing

Mayra Vargas, VP, Publishing Sync, Concord Music Publishing

Bianca Alarcon, VP of Content Development, Spanish Broadcasting System

Juliette Leparrée, Business Development Manager, Music Story

Bilarys Ramirez, Comptroller (Accounting), Rimas Publishing

Ellen Truley, Chief Marketing & External Affairs Officer, The MLC

Isabel Echeverri, Strategic Partner Manager, Music Label Partnerships, Meta

Laurie Jakobsen, Founder & President, Jaybird Communications

According to a statement, "Additional mentors are also participating from companies including Audiomack, Chartmetric, Cinq Music, FUGA, M for Montreal, Sony, We Make Noise, and more."

"Now in its fifth year, the Women Empowered+ mentorship program has already welcomed 1,011 total participants, connecting 306 mentors from companies across the music industry with 705 mentees spanning 181 cities and 46 countries across the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, South America, Europe, Canada, Asia, and Africa."

"The Symphonic Women Empowered Mentorship Program has been an incredible experience. I’m so grateful to have been paired with my mentor, Maria, who’s shared invaluable advice from both her career and life experiences," Stephanie Falvo Liang, Senior Manager, Artist Relations, Business Development, told MC. "She’s truly gone above and beyond to support me and help shape my next steps. I’m excited to continue our mentor-mentee relationship."

“Having Maya Brown as my mentor has been an incredible experience and a perfect match,” said Patrice Ware, a Music Supervision & Licensing Manager and a mentee in last year’s program. “She’s challenged me with real-world mock assignments in sync, helped me sharpen my critical thinking, and taken the time to walk through new concepts while answering all my questions. I’m grateful to be part of this program and hopeful it opens new doors for me in the music business.”

“Mentoring for Symphonic’s Women Empowered+ mentorship program was honestly one of the best parts of my year,” said Stephanie Santiago-Rolón, Chief Executive Officer at Elevated Music Industries and a mentor in last year’s program. “Sitting with brave, ambitious women and cutting through the noise to talk about real strategy and real doubt felt grounding and energizing. Watching them refine their vision and step more boldly into leadership reminded me why community matters so much in this industry. This program creates space for honest conversation and meaningful growth. I walked away inspired and even more certain that when women support women, everything changes.”

“Five years into running this mentorship program, I am incredibly proud of the meaningful connections we’ve been able to facilitate across the music industry,” said Janette Berrios, VP of Corporate Marketing at Symphonic. “What started as an idea that Ana Maria Gamboa and I launched together has grown into a global community of women supporting one another through mentorship, guidance, and shared experience. The feedback we receive each year reinforces how important it is to continue expanding the program and advocating for female empowerment.”

Those who are interested in applying as mentors or mentees can read more about the program requirements and submit their application at symphonic.com/women-empowered.The post Symphonic Launches Fifth Annual Women Empowered+ Mentorship Program first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Universal Music Nordics restructures, unifying units in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Baltics under ‘One Nordic’ modelBig news today from Universal Music Nordics, a division of Universal Music Central Europe, which has unveiled a new operational structure.
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Is Billy Corgan an Underrated Guitarist?In his new book, I Am One: The Smashing Pumpkins Story, 1988-1994, author Greg Prato proposes that Billy Corgan was one of the top guitarists to come out of the '90s alt-rock world, with evidence from The Frogs' Jimmy Flemion, Blind Melon's Christopher Thorn, Matt Pinfield, and more.

beatBread makes run of new appointments, including ex-Spotify and CD Baby execsNew hires from CD Baby, Spotify and Countsy bring finance, operations and AI expertise to the music funding company’s leadership team.
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Live Review of TwiceKia Forum Inglewood, CA

Contact: greg.cortez@42west.comWeb: twice.jype.comPlayers: Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Mina, Momo, Nayeon, Sana, Tzuyu

With 10 years under their belts, it’s no surprise that TWICE is one of the best-performing girl groups in K-pop. The group (who graced the cover of Music Connection in 2024) is currently touring across North America for their 2026 THIS IS FORWorld Tour and stopped by the Kia Forum in Inglewood for four sold-out shows. The tour is different from any other tour they’ve done before. It’s more ambitious thanks to the 360-degree setup with the stage extending throughout the entire floor. 

Marking the start of the show on January 22nd, the venue lights dimmed as the words “TWICE THIS IS FOR” dramatically appeared on the screens. The screens then lowered down as the opening visuals showcased Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Mina, Momo, Nayeon, Sana, and Tzuyu. It was fun seeing fans cheer with their glowing candybong light stick for their favorite member when they appeared onscreen. As the video montage ended, the screens raised to reveal the group on stage. TWICE aptly began their performance with “This is For,” from their fourth Korean studio album of the same name. This was the perfect song to start the night as the opening verse from Momo is meant to energize fans, “This is for all my ladies who don’t get hyped enough / If you’ve been done wrong, then this your song, so turn it up.”

With a discography of over 200 songs, it’s no surprise that the setlist leaned heavily on their biggest hits. The first act started off strong with fan-favorite songs, including “SET ME FREE” and “I CAN’T STOP ME.”The stage setup allowed the group to freely move around with their dance routines, switching sides throughout the songs. Unfortunately, Dahyun sustained an ankle injury and remained seated for the entire show. That didn’t stop her as she participated by doing the dance routines with her hands. Most K-pop acts sing with a backing track, but that wasn’t the case for TWICE, as they had a live band performing alongside them. Each girl has a distinctive vocal tone that complements the others very well. The R&B track “Gone” specifically stands out for highlighting the group’s strengths. Jiyho, Jeongyeon, and Naeyon have powerful vocals with dynamic vocal ranges. Momo, Chaeyoung, and Daeyon have great rhythm and rapping delivery, while Mina, Sana, and Tzuyu have softer and breathier vocals. 

The group saved the best for last as the fourth act of the show included all their biggest hits, including “FANCY,” “What is Love?,” ”YES or YES,” ”Dance the Night Away,” and “ONE SPARK.” After a short break, the girls returned on stage dressed in their own merchandise for a very casual encore. The post Live Review of Twice first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Book Store: "Descenes and Discords: An Anthology" By Howard WuelfingAny fans of Washington D.C. punk rock and hardcore need, genuinely need, to own this incredible anthology of work originally published in the two separate fanzines Descenes and Discords during the 1970s and ‘80s. Industry vet Howard Wuelfing is the cat responsible, and the joy here is that he’s retained the DIY feel of the ‘zines, so it feels like we’re in some ragged, ink-stained time capsule. There have been similar anthologies of the likes of Sniffin’ Glue and Touch & Go, and this is right up there with them. Ian MacKaye pops up right at the start, and there’s a foreword by Mark Jenkins. 

(Paperback) $38The post Book Store: "Descenes and Discords: An Anthology" By Howard Wuelfing first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Lucy Dickins, long-time agent for Adele and Mumford & Sons, to exit WME after seven yearsCurrent Co-Head Kirk Sommer will continue to lead WME's Contemporary Music division.
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UMG puts US listing plans on holdCompany confirmed the decision as part of its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings announcement on March 5
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Harmonica Pocket's Keeth Apgar Wins ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children's Music AwardNews broke this week that, "Singer-songwriter-educator Keeth Apgar, founder and frontman of the Pacific Northwest-based The Harmonica Pocket, has won the prestigious ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award for a body of work that spans nearly 30 years."

"Equal parts silly and sweet, The Harmonica Pocket is a young-at-heart band bursting with thoughtful, fun-loving songs for 'ages zero to Grandma' that inspire spontaneous family dance parties wherever they’re played," a statement reads. "The band makes the case for blurring the lines between children’s and grown-up music, elevating 'kids’ music' into something meaningful, moving, and joyful. Kids can handle rich, nuanced subjects!"

"I believe in finishing things," says Apgar. "Even writing bad songs is part of my practice - The last song I wrote is called 'Stupid Song.' You can’t pick up a guitar and order a timeless classic, but you can sit down and finish a tune. Emphasizing quantity over quality eventually leads to better songs."

"A song is a puzzle," he adds. "You can study the picture on the box and build the border first, or you can start by fitting together small pieces without knowing what you’re making. Once the song has some shape, you enter a new phase - making the natural rhythm of words line up with rhyme. It’s fascinating, challenging, and maddening — and beautifully rewarding when the pieces finally lock."

According to the press release, "The ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award was established in 2010 by Joe Raposo’s family to honor his legacy. Raposo, one of the creators and longtime musical director of Sesame Street, wrote music for diverse talents such as Kermit The Frog, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Dr. Seuss, Barbra Streisand, and Cookie Monster. His songs like “Sing,” “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green,” and the “Sesame Street Theme” paved the way for him to receive five Grammys and multiple Gold and Platinum albums."

The Harmonica Pocket's "Imperfection is a Gift" is out now.

The post Harmonica Pocket's Keeth Apgar Wins ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children's Music Award first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

South Korea’s music industry unites to declare ‘war’ on AI copyright infringementSix music rights organizations have formed a coalition, declaring a "state of emergency" and making what they describe as a "declaration of war" against AI copyright infringement.
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Legendary Drummer Thomas Lang to Rock DW London on March 19

London’s drum community just got an early spring surprise: legendary Austrian drummer Thomas Lang will be kicking off the launch of DW London with a live performance that promises to shake Denmark Street. The event takes place on Thursday, 19th March 2026, from 18:00 to 21:00 at the brand‑new DW showroom inside the Roland Store London, and best of all, it’s free to attend.

Lang isn’t just another face behind the kit. He’s earned global respect for his jaw‑dropping technique, musical versatility, and decades of session work spanning pop, rock, jazz fusion and more, having played with artists from George Michael and Robbie Williams to Robert Fripp and Tina Turner. What makes him especially exciting for this opening gig is how he bridges the worlds of elite playing and education—a drummer’s drummer who truly understands what it takes to bring out the best in both talent and gear.

“I am excited to be playing live at the opening off the new DW London showroom,” Lang said, adding with his trademark enthusiasm, “Every drummer knows you can’t beat going to a real drum shop and trying an actual kit to truly begin to understand exactly what drums you really want to play! This is an exciting place for drummers to visit." That sentiment—about feeling the sticks in your hands and hearing drums resonate in the room—captures the spirit of this launch.

The DW London showroom, set in the historic musical hub of Denmark Street, will house the largest selection of DW Drums in the U.K., including Slingerland and PDP lines. Designed as a hands‑on space, it aims to help drummers explore shell configurations, woods, finishes and hardware firsthand—a haven for pros, educators, collectors, and anyone serious about how a drum feels and sounds.

Roland Store London manager Jueze Phoenix emphasises that this isn’t just a retail space, but a place to collaborate and experiment: “Here at Roland Store London, we’ve created a space where you can come in, explore, and build the DW kit you’ve always wanted. Our expert team is here to share our experience and help you get exactly what feels right. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, there’s something here for every drummer.”

Whether you’re aiming to audition the latest DW shells, chat with gear experts, or simply catch a master at work, this launch night is shaping up to be one of the year’s must‑attend rhythm events in the U.K. Mark your calendar, grab your (free) ticket, and come hear why DW is touted as The Drummer’s Choice.

Find out more about DW Drums at dwdrums.comThe post Legendary Drummer Thomas Lang to Rock DW London on March 19 first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.