One Direction singer Liam Payne dead at 31 after falling from Buenos Aires balcony

By Eliana Raszewski and Agustin Marcarian

October 17, 2024

BUENOS AIRES, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Former One Direction singer Liam Payne was found dead outside a hotel in Buenos Aires after the 31-year-old fell from his third-floor room balcony, Argentine police said on Wednesday.

Liam Payne, formerly of Boy Band One Direction. (Photo: Divulgação)

In a statement, the capital police said they were called to the hotel in the capital's leafy Palermo neighbourhood where they were notified of an "aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol."

The hotel manager said he heard a loud noise at the back of the hotel, and when police arrived they found that a man had fallen over the balcony in his room, the statement said.

Emergency workers confirmed the death of the British singer, who was reportedly found in the hotel's interior patio.

"I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me," American singer Charlie Puth said on Instagram. "He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone."

U.S. music channel MTV, streaming service Spotify and the BRITs British music awards all expressed their grief on social media, sending their condolences to his family and loved ones.

Payne had a son named Bear with British TV personality and Girls Aloud singer Cheryl in 2017.

Neither Payne's record label Republic Records, nor its owner Universal Music Group, could immediately be reached for comment.

Police had received a call from a worker at the hotel requesting urgent help with an intoxicated guest, according to audio related to the case obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry.

"When he is conscious he is destroying the entire room and we need you to send someone," the worker said, adding that the guest's life was at risk because their room had a balcony.

Emergency responders removed the body from the hotel to take to the morgue, while fans and onlookers who had gathered through the early evening, some hugging each other and crying, burst into applause.

CROWD GATHERS TO MOURN BOY BAND STAR

Liam Payne, formerly of Boy Band One Direction. (Photo: Divulgação)

The "For You" singer rose to global fame as part of the since-disbanded pop band One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.

The boy band got its start after finishing third on the British version of the X Factor music competition show in 2010, but the group broke up in 2016 as its members pursued different projects including solo careers.

One Direction was ranked the third greatest boy band of all time by Entertainment Weekly in 2024. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Payne's One Direction and solo career helped garner him a net worth of some $70 million.

Reuters reporters at the scene saw crowds gathering outside the hotel, where dozens of police and emergency services teams had cordoned off an area as night fell on the city.

Local news outlet Todo Noticias TV interviewed Hernan Palazzo, who works near the hotel in Palermo, who said, "The neighborhood is very shaken up ... There's a lot of police, some fans arriving. It is very sad."

One Direction fan Violeta Antier told Reuters she had come straight away after he sister told her Payne had died.

"I saw him two weeks ago at a Niall (Horan) concert, another One Direction member. He was there, I saw him," she said. "He was ok."

Payne had on Oct. 2 attended the Buenos Aires concert of his former bandmate Niall Horan on the Argentine leg of a Latin American tour that spanned Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Colombia. The two had posted videos together and with fans.

The musician has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and using alcohol to cope with the pressures of fame.

Last year he published a video to fans on his YouTube channel in which he spoke about having given up alcohol and thanked supporters for sticking with him through difficult times.

Earlier on Wednesday, Payne had appeared to post on Snapchat about his trip in Argentina, talking about riding horses, playing polo, and looking forward to returning home to see his dog.

"It's a lovely day here in Argentina," he said in the video.

Reporting by Sarah Morland, Brendan O'Boyle and Anthony Esposito in Mexico City, Eliana Raszewski, Agustin Marcarian and Adam Jourdan in Buenos Aires and William James in London; Editing by David Alire Garcia, Chris Reese and Sonali Paul

First published at Reuters, October 17, 2024

31 Frocks in 31 Days! Canberra’s Rose Higgins brings to life women’s fashion from the mid 20th century, and ovarian cancer research is the beneficiary.

by Tony Magee

Canberra fashion identity Rose Higgins has initiated a fascinating and important project - 31 Frocks in 31 Days.

Conceived as a fundraiser for ovarian cancer research and awareness, the Frocks are a fabulous collection of vintage garments, showcasing both women’s formal wear and casual wear.

The designs, styling and patterns reflect 1950s, 60s and 70s Australian women’s dresses in a collection of stylish photographs with Higgins herself modelling them.

Today, October 15, is pretty much the halfway point in the daily posts, with another 16 to go.

Anyone who still has a collection, or even just one or two (as I do) of The Australian Women’s Weekly and probably Vogue magazine as well, from these eras, will know exactly the styles being showcased.

Higgins' unique collection, many discovered in the treasure troves we all know and love - Op Shops and St Vincent De Paul - is a rare chance to see these exciting and glamorous garments from days gone by.

And who knows, it could even be the catalyst for a fashion revival!

Visit Rose’s Facebook page to see the collection so far, and follow her page to see the daily updates.

Here are some highlights:

Day 15, (Photo supplied)

Day 13, (Photo supplied)

Day 11, (Photo supplied)

Day 8, (Photo supplied)

Day 6, (Photo supplied)

And a trip down Memory Lane!

 The Australian Women’s Weekly, Feb 1959 (Photo: Public Domain)

Advertisement showcasing Venet of Paris, Australian Women’s Weekly, Sept 1969 (Photo: Public Domain)

Australian Womens Weekly, March 1970 (Photo: Public Domain)

Bucharest events: Concert featuring Martha Argerich scheduled to open 2024-2025 season of George Enescu Philharmonic

October 14, 2024

This is Martha on the eve of Yom Kippur visiting the beautiful synagogue that now serves as the Jewish Musem in Bucharest.

Martha Argerich visiting the Jewish Museum in Bucharest, 2024. (Photo courtesy SlippeDisc)

First published at Slippedisc by Norman Lebrecht, October 14, 2024

Martha Argerich. (Photo: Adriano Heitman)

by Simona Fodor

17 September 2024

The 2024-2025 Chamber Season of the George Enescu Philharmonic is scheduled to open on October 2 with an extraordinary recital by the celebrated pianist Martha Argerich, the institution announced.

She will perform alongside violinist Géza Hosszu-Legocky.

The program of the evening includes Robert Schumann's Sonata No. 1, in A minor, for piano and violin, op. 105, César Franck's Sonata in A major for piano and violin, Ludwig van Beethoven's Sonata No. 9, in A major for piano and violin, and Béla Bartók's Six Romanian Dances.

Piano legend Martha Argerich has performed and recorded with leading artists and orchestras worldwide. At an early age, she won several competitions, including the International Chopin Piano Competition and the Ferruccio Busoni Competition. A promoter of young musicians, she became artistic director of Japan's Beppu Festival. In 1999, she founded in Buenos Aires the International Piano Competition and the festival that bears her name, in 2002 - Progetto Martha Argerich in Lugano, and in 2018, the Martha Argerich Festival in Hamburg.

Violinist Géza Hosszu-Legocky began studying music at the Vienna Academy of Music at six years old. At the age of nine, he won the first prize at the Prima la Musica International Competition. A year later, François Gérard invited him to play in the film The Red Violin alongside the actor Samuel L. Jackson. At the age of 12, he attracted enthusiastic applause on the stage of the Verbier Festival, alongside Ida Haendel and Vadim Repin.

 

His ensemble, The 5 DeViLs, performed at the Progetto Argerich festival in Lugano, and the concert was nominated for the Grammy Awards.

The recital is organized in collaboration with the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania.

First published at Romania-Insider, September 17, 2024

Inside the Red Hill monastery for sale after almost 50 years

by Lucinda Garbutt-Young (edited version)

October 15, 2024

A grand house used as a monastery for almost than 50 years has come on the market, giving Canberrans a unique look inside for one of the first times in decades.

The property has lovely gardens and a well-kept interior. Picture supplied

Located on Canberra's golden mile, 28 Mugga Way has been used as a place of reflection and worship.

But, like most historic Red Hill properties, that doesn't preclude it from beauty.

The eight bedroom, six bathroom home is made of brick, with dark timber features throughout.

Tudor-style panelling on the walls, ornate fire places and diamond lead-light windows are markers of this historic space.

The property was used as a monastery by Canberra's Carmelite Sisters from 1975 until earlier this year.

Carmelite nuns practised a life of contemplation and prayerfulness in the monastery.

A reading room towards the centre of the house is evidence of this, as is a simple chapel, which was added to the building after it was turned into a monastery.

The chapel is a unique feature of the property. Picture supplied

The house has history dating back even before the Carmelite nuns moved in.

It was built by journalist Joe Alexander in 1936.

Former prime minister William Hughes sold Alexander - who was known as the king of the press gallery - the land to build on.

Alarmingly, in the right circumstances, the house may be demolished to make use of the land.

First published at The Canberra Times, October 15, 2024

Read the full article here (click this link):

Spectacular technique and compositional style from Anton Wurzer

Music / Anton Wurzer Akkordeon concert

At Wesley Music Centre

October 9, 2024

Akkordeonist Anton Wurzer at Wesley. (Photo: Tony Magee)

Reviewed by Tony Magee

Anton Wurzer took his first music lessons at age 10 from his late father Josef who was a button akkordeon player.

“I always dare to be different and consider myself a unique Akkordeonist. I also use my own spelling for the word Akkordeon,” says Anton.

Delving into the international spelling of the word, I discover two more variants - Accordeon is frequently used throughout Europe, whilst Accordion is usual for the UK, USA and Australia.

For his concert at The Wesley Music Centre, Wurzer played a selection of seven of his original compositions, varied in style, played with incredible skill and suitably spiced with informative introductions as to the musical thought behind them as well as the inspiration and demographic influences, truely international repertoire.

Without hesitation, I would describe Wurzer as a world class player with a spectacular technique, on what is a complex instrument.

His right hand covered the entire range of the substantial keyboard section of the instrument in dazzling arrays of vivace melodic runs, scales, arpeggios and chords.

His left hand controlled the vast array of buttons, which can actually be used for melody, but mostly serve as a solid orchestral or big band foundation and accompaniment.

But the audience also saw and heard the incredible dynamic swells that a third part of the instrument delivers - the bellows - which swell in and out almost mimicking an oceanic wash.

Opening with Waves of Mallorca, the piece is a contemporary style composition with Spanish influences. Beginning in 6/8 time, the piece moved to slower and then accelerated 3/4 time, conjuring up street scenes.

Madrid to Paris is a French style Musette, but came across more as a romp through Europe, with clear Spanish influences, and a finale evoking Viennese style ballroom scenes.

Red Samba Beans, as the name suggests is a Samba. I could almost see the great statue, Christ the Redeemer, towering over Rio De Janeiro. The South American rhythms came not just from the music itself, but also percussive slaps and hits on the body of the instrument aided by finger snaps, which the audience soon cottoned on to, adding a considerable element of fun in participation.

Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio De Janeiro. Photo courtesy Wonders of the World

Inspiration sometimes comes from strange places. Wurzer explained that Ein Jazz Walzer was conceived whilst cooking an evening meal. It was jazzy and bluesy, including a swinging improvisation.

I should mention that none of these pieces are written out. Everything Wurzer played was straight from the heart and the mind and I got the feeling that none are ever played the same way twice.

Left hand bass riffs and motifs from the button side of the instrument served as the foundation for Groovy Man Walkin’, with substantial bellow washes creating a huge dynamic range, all serving as a fascinating accompaniment to melodic jazz phrases from the keyboard section of the instrument. Oh, and the “groovy” part was clearly evident, perhaps a gentle homage to Simon and Garfunkel.

Mia Samba, which translates to My Samba evoked images of the Brazilian Mardi Gras style, showcasing traditional Latin American themes, both rhythmical and lyrical.

Rem Zelker closed the program. Some audience members, this reviewer included, teared up when Wurzer explained that the piece was dedicated to the 283 passengers and crew who lost their lives when Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Eastern Ukraine in July 2014, including 38 Australians.

Opening with a haunting but suitably respectful funeral march, the piece finished with an air of hope for peace, reflected in a Klezmer style 2/4 march of brighter demeanour.

Canberra audiences will remember with fondness the many seasons played by the Wilf Jones Trio at Queanbeyan’s School of Arts Cafe during the 1990s. With Wilfred on violin, the trio included George Urbaszek on double bass and Anton Wurzer himself on accordion. Great days and great music.

Wurzer received enthusiastic applause from the audience, for what was one of the more unusual but fascinating Wesley lunchtime concerts and was called back for an encore, which he introduced as Song for my Father.

First published at Canberra Critics Circle, October 11, 2024

Aurora australis makes stunning return to southern Australian skies

by Hanan Dervisevic, Jess Scully and Adriane Reardon

Clive Lohrey said it was a "spectacular night" taking this image in Goshen, Tasmania. (Photo: Clive Lohrey via Facebook)

Early risers have been treated to a spectacular light show, with the aurora australis visible once again in Australia's southern states on Friday morning.

Caused by large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona, the phenomenon has wowed stargazers and photographers multiple times this year.

Overnight, coronal mass ejection (CME) activity provided pink, red, yellow and purple hues in the night sky.

Stargazers across Europe and the US also had a glimpse at the aurora borealis (northern hemisphere).

Here's a look at some of the incredible photos.

A dance of pink and red

Merimbula life-long resident Carol Spencer only took up photography five years ago, but has become addicted to spotting auroras along the far south coast of NSW.

She said Friday morning's aurora was more brilliant than the one spotted in May, and could even be seen with the naked eye.

"This aurora was so strong," she said.

"We call her 'The Lady' and she dances across the sky. She did exactly that.”

Carol Spencer said it was worth staying up all night to catch a glimpse of the aurora australis. (Photo: Carol Spencer)

The aurora was visible in Wollongong, NSW. (Photo: Michael Hatte)

The view from Yass, New South Wales. (Photo: Tom O'Dea via Facebook)

And one from overseas. (Photo: Kenny Spann, Alaska)

Read the full article here, plus 14 more spectacular shots from Australia and the US.

Article first published at Canberra City News, October 11, 2024