Hai-Ye Ni, the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, has carved an extraordinary path in the world of classical music. Born in Shanghai, Ni began her musical journey at the tender age of six, guided by her mother. Initially experimenting with various instruments, she found her true calling in the cello, captivated by its warm, human-like tones. Her early exposure to legendary cellists like Pablo Casals through recordings deeply influenced her passion for the instrument. At just nine years old, Ni was accepted into the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where her structured training laid the foundation for her future success. At 13, she moved to the United States to join her father, a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. Ni’s international education included studying under renowned mentors such as Irene Sharp, Joel Krosnick, and William Pleeth. Her career skyrocketed after winning first prize at the Naumburg International Cello Competition in 1990, followed by a celebrated debut at Alice Tully Hall in 1991. In 2006, she became the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, an institution with a storied history of fostering US-China cultural ties. Ni’s illustrious career includes collaborations with luminaries like Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Joshua Bell, as well as performances at iconic venues such as the Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Despite her global acclaim, Ni remains deeply grateful for her roots, crediting her family, teachers, and mentors for her success. On November 23, she will perform at Carnegie Hall alongside pianist Li Jian and violinist Siqing Lu in a concert titled ‘An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor.’ Reflecting on her journey, Ni humbly acknowledges the support that has shaped her career, stating, ‘I had a lot of help to have a career like what I have now.’
分类： entertainment
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Eurovision changes rules after Israel voting controversy
The Eurovision Song Contest is implementing significant changes to its voting and promotional rules following widespread controversy surrounding Israel’s performance in the 2025 competition. Israel’s Yuval Raphael secured the highest public vote but ultimately finished second overall after jury votes were factored in. This outcome sparked concerns among participating countries, leading to a comprehensive review of the contest’s regulations. Starting next year, fans will be limited to casting 10 votes each, down from 20, and juries will be reintroduced for the semi-finals to ensure musical quality and diversity. Additionally, contestants and broadcasters will be prohibited from engaging in promotional campaigns supported by third parties, including governments, amid allegations that an Israeli government agency funded ads and used state social media accounts to influence voting. Eurovision director Martin Green emphasized the need to maintain the contest’s impartiality and neutrality, stating that the changes aim to address disproportionate promotional activities that undermine the event’s spirit. The presence of Israel at Eurovision has also faced opposition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with countries like Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands considering a boycott if Israel participates in 2026. Green expressed hope that the new measures would reassure broadcasters and preserve Eurovision as a celebration of music and unity. The final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, marking the city’s third time hosting the event.
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Child’s play
The Shanxi Grand Theater in Taiyuan recently hosted a vibrant open day event designed to introduce children to the captivating world of Chinese opera. Titled ‘Passing on Loyalty and Righteousness: Various Ways to Explore Guan Gong,’ the event seamlessly blended traditional opera performances with interactive modern elements, creating an engaging experience for young audiences. Guan Yu, or Guan Gong, a legendary figure from the late Eastern Han Dynasty, served as the central theme of the event. Known for his tales of loyalty and bravery, Guan Gong is a beloved character in Chinese opera and a household name across the country. The event featured children dressed in elaborate opera costumes, complete with makeup, performing alongside professional artists. This initiative aimed to foster an appreciation for traditional Chinese culture among the younger generation, ensuring that the rich heritage of Chinese opera continues to thrive. The Shanxi Grand Theater’s innovative approach to cultural education highlights the enduring relevance of traditional arts in contemporary society.
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BBC faces new woes over discredited Diana interview
The BBC is once again embroiled in controversy following the release of a new book that delves into the discredited 1995 interview with Princess Diana. Titled ‘Dianarama: The Betrayal of Princess Diana,’ the book by former BBC journalist Andy Webb exposes the deceptive tactics employed by reporter Martin Bashir to secure the landmark interview. Bashir allegedly fabricated bank statements to convince Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, that the princess was under surveillance, further asserting that her life was in danger. This manipulation led Diana to distance herself from trusted allies, including her private secretary Patrick Jephson. The interview, which drew a record 22.8 million viewers, saw Diana candidly admitting to adultery and famously stating there were ‘three people’ in her marriage to Prince Charles. While initially hailed as a journalistic triumph, the interview’s credibility unraveled when Bashir’s unethical methods came to light. The BBC has since apologized and paid damages to those affected, including Jephson and a whistleblower. The book’s release coincides with the resignation of the BBC’s director-general amid unrelated controversies, further tarnishing the broadcaster’s reputation. Webb’s work also draws a chilling connection between the interview and Diana’s tragic death in 1997, suggesting the fallout from the interview had ‘lethal’ consequences.
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Tears, walkouts and drama: New Miss Universe to be crowned as chaotic season ends
The 74th edition of Miss Universe, held in Bangkok, Thailand, concluded amidst a whirlwind of controversies and organizational turmoil. The event, which has been a global staple since its inception in 1952, faced unprecedented challenges this year, including contestant walkouts, judge resignations, and allegations of rigging. These issues have highlighted the cultural and strategic differences between the pageant’s Thai and Mexican owners, raising questions about its future direction. The pageant, traditionally a platform for women to advocate for global causes like HIV/AIDS awareness and children’s education, has also been a launchpad for international celebrity status. This year, Thailand’s Praveenar Singh emerged as a fan favorite, with hopes of becoming the country’s third Miss Universe. However, the event was overshadowed by a series of incidents that began with Thai media mogul Nawat Itsaragrasil’s public reprimand of Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, leading to a walkout by several contestants. The Miss Universe Organisation condemned Nawat’s actions as ‘malicious,’ and international executives were brought in to oversee the competition. Further complicating matters, two judges resigned, with one accusing organizers of pre-selecting finalists. Despite these challenges, the pageant continues to evolve, transitioning from a once-a-year television spectacle to a media brand embracing social media platforms like TikTok. The leadership transition has been rocky, with former CEO Anne Jakrajutatip’s resignation and the subsequent appointment of Guatemalan diplomat Mario Bucaro. Jakrajutatip, who acquired the pageant in 2022, had made significant strides towards inclusivity, allowing transgender women, married women, and women with children to participate. However, her entertainment company JKN filed for bankruptcy in 2023, adding to the pageant’s financial woes. As the Miss Universe brand navigates these turbulent waters, former queens like Catriona Gray continue to use their platforms to promote charitable causes, underscoring the pageant’s potential for positive impact. Despite the controversies, the event remains a significant cultural phenomenon, though its future will depend on its ability to reconcile its diverse leadership and maintain its core values of empowering women.
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Watch: Chadwick Boseman posthumously honoured with Hollywood star
In a poignant ceremony, the late Chadwick Boseman, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Marvel’s Black Panther, was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Boseman, who tragically succumbed to cancer in 2020 after a private struggle, was celebrated for his profound impact on the film industry and his enduring legacy as a cultural icon. The event, attended by family, friends, and colleagues, highlighted his contributions to cinema and his role in breaking barriers for Black representation in Hollywood. Speakers at the ceremony praised Boseman’s dedication, humility, and the inspiration he continues to provide to audiences worldwide. His star, now a permanent fixture on Hollywood Boulevard, serves as a testament to his remarkable career and the indelible mark he left on the entertainment world.
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Why Booker winner Banu Mushtaq refuses to ‘internationalise’ her language
Banu Mushtaq, a celebrated writer, activist, and lawyer, has carved a unique space in the literary world with her unwavering commitment to truth and resistance. As the winner of the 2025 International Booker Prize for her work ‘Heart Lamp,’ Mushtaq’s journey from Karnataka’s Bandaya Sahitya movement to global recognition is a testament to her profound empathy for the marginalized. Emerging from a radical wave of writers in the 1970s and ’80s, she has consistently challenged caste, class, and gender hierarchies through her evocative storytelling. Her years as a journalist with Lankesh Patrike further honed her political consciousness and her ability to capture the essence of ordinary lives. Mushtaq’s writing, deeply rooted in regional idioms and everyday experiences, resonates with a global audience, offering a powerful lens into the struggles and resilience of the marginalized. In an exclusive interview, she reflects on her evolution as a writer, her politics of empathy, and the transformative power of language. Mushtaq’s work, spanning six short story collections, a novel, essays, and poetry, has earned her numerous accolades, including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy and Daana Chintamani Attimabbe awards. ‘Heart Lamp,’ her first full-length English translation, has brought her poignant narratives to a wider readership, with one story even featured in The Paris Review. Mushtaq’s journey underscores the importance of authenticity in literature, as she continues to write with a fierce love for the marginalized, refusing to ‘internationalize’ her language. Her stories, drawn from the lives of farmers, Dalits, migrants, and women, illuminate the extraordinary within the ordinary, reminding us of our shared humanity. Mushtaq’s voice, both rebellious and contemplative, remains a beacon of hope and resistance in a fractured world.
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Dubai: AR Rahman, Arno Krimmer announce film on Rumi
In a captivating event at Dubai’s Noor Royal Gallery, celebrated composer AR Rahman and Hollywood producer Arno Krimmer announced their collaboration on a groundbreaking film about the life and teachings of the 13th-century Sufi poet, Rumi. Hosted under the patronage of Sheikha Somayeh Noor, the evening celebrated the unifying power of art, emphasizing Rumi’s timeless philosophy of unity and non-judgment. The gallery, renowned for its collection of masterpieces by artists like Picasso and Monet, provided a fitting backdrop for the announcement. Rahman described Rumi’s work as profoundly soul-satisfying, highlighting its universal appeal and spiritual depth. Krimmer, who has dreamt of this project for over two decades, drew parallels to Richard Attenborough’s successful Gandhi biopic, expressing confidence in the film’s global resonance. The event underscored art’s ability to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, uniting humanity through shared creativity.
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Halsey’s Dubai concert called off ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’
American singer Halsey’s highly anticipated Dubai concert, originally scheduled for December 6, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena, has been abruptly cancelled. Ticket holders in the UAE were notified via email on Thursday, November 20, 2025, that the event would no longer take place. The email cited ‘unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Artist, organizer, and venue’ as the reason for the cancellation. Refunds will be processed automatically to the payment method used for the purchase, with a processing time of up to 21 working days. The Coca-Cola Arena has since removed the event from its list of upcoming shows, and Halsey has yet to publicly address the cancellation. The concert was set to mark her Dubai debut and was intended to kick off the 2025–2026 Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the world’s longest-running retail festival. The announcement of the cancellation has left fans disappointed, as the event had been eagerly awaited since its announcement in October 2025.
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Zootopia in the air
China Eastern Airlines has introduced a Zootopia 2-themed aircraft, transforming air travel into an enchanting adventure for passengers. The inaugural flight took off on November 19, 2025, from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport. In collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, the airline has curated a fully immersive Zootopia experience, extending from check-in to the entire journey. Passengers are greeted with themed decorations, imagery, and elements inspired by the beloved animated film, creating a unique and memorable travel experience. This initiative marks a creative fusion of aviation and entertainment, offering travelers a delightful escape into the world of Zootopia. The themed flight is expected to attract both Disney enthusiasts and families, further enhancing the airline’s appeal in the competitive aviation market.