Music

The 11 Best Experimental Albums of 2022

In 2022, the greatest difficult-to-classify sounds encompassed microtonal rock jams, tender ambient, Egyptian ghosts and an epic synth symphony.
With a bold debut album, Julia Bullock curates an unconventional career

Tom Huizenga

The velvet-voiced soprano with a career on the rise chooses her projects, and the music on her debut solo album, with consummate intention.
Eliane Elias: Tiny Desk Concert

Suraya Mohamed

One of the most respected names in Latin jazz gives a commanding performance behind the Tiny Desk.
Sheldon Pearce's Top 20 Albums of 2022

Sheldon Pearce

In a year when the industry bet on fresh tech and virtual worlds, NPR's hip-hop and R&B editor found these albums powerfully immersive all on their own.
International

Ukraine is calling for a boycott of 'The Nutcracker.' Ballet companies aren't budging

Emily Olson

Ukraine's culture minister said his country's allies could stop Russia from weaponizing its culture by temporarily boycotting Russian artists, including The Nutcracker composer Tchaikovsky.
Arts & Culture

San Diego weekend arts events: 'Machine Music,' Shellie Zhang, 'Modern Women' and more

Julia Dixon Evans

This weekend in the arts: Experimental electronic music at Bread and Salt; Shellie Zhang at ICA San Diego North; "Modern Women" at San Diego Museum of Art; the San Diego Symphony's "Noel Noel"; "The Nutcracker" in Balboa Park; and The New Pornographers at the Belly Up.
National

Céline Dion was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome. Here's how it affects people

Emily Olson

The singer repeatedly postponed performances in the past year because of severe muscle spasms. In a tearful Instagram post, she revealed she has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder.
The 10 Best Classical Albums of 2022

Tom Huizenga

Discover a broad spectrum of this year's most compelling classical music, from booby-trapped string quartets and chilled-out piano to full-throttle percussion, electric guitars and high-flying vocals.
Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason celebrates his eclectic inspirations

Olivia Hampton

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason speaks with NPR's Rachel Martin about growing up in a house filled with music, playing at Harry and Meghan's royal wedding and performing some of his favorite pieces.
The 20 Best R&B Albums of 2022

In 2022, R&B rediscovered its place in the club, pushed into the outer reaches of space, found and lost love (as always) and relished the beauty of the Black experience.