By Michelle Anne P. Soliman, Reporter

Whether it be a workout session, studying or working, or enjoying a good book, activities gain a different vibe when set to music. Here’s another list of artists – this time from across Europe – to consider adding to your daily routine playlists.

Artists and cultural organizations have also uploaded concerts on social media – films of previous big performances or new shows done at home in compliance with social distancing.

ALEXANDER RYBAK
Belarusian-Norwegian singer Alexander Rybak gained international popularity after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009 with the song “Fairytale.” Whether an upbeat dance tune, romantic ballads, or a children’s musical, his music and instrumental compositions are recognizably distinct with his violin solos. Listen to his songs “5,000 Letters” (2010), “Europe Skies” (2010), and “That’s How You Write a Song” (2018).

His latest music is found at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3LLNDXrxL4uxXtnUJS5XWM

LOREEN
Swedish-Morrocan singer Loreen (full name: Lorine Zineb Noka Talhaoui) first showcased her powerful and soulful vocals in the Swedish Idol in 2004. In 2012, she won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Euphoria” (listen to its various remixes at https://open.spotify.com/album/3UHGk8U4YfRrVzXvIQgi8H). As an introduction to the singer’s alternative pop infused with techno music, check out her live performances of “My Heart is Refusing Me” (2012), “Paperlight” (2015), and “Walk with Me” (2019).

Her latest album, Ride (2017), can be heard at https://open.spotify.com/album/1tNF8fGMGdCpHnZybCGW0R

OONAGH
German singer-songwriter Oonagh (full name: Senta-Sofia Delliponti) first appeared on the talent show Star Search in 2003. A huge fantasy fan, the singer’s musical style involves infusing J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish language in her songs along with ethno-pop sounds. She sings in German with the Elvish language usually sung in the chorus. Tolkien fans may find it interesting to listen to songs from her 2014 self-titled album such as “Oromë,” “Undómiel,” and “In den Gärten von Valinor (In the Garden of Valinor),” and discover the lyrical references to the novels.

Her latest album, Eine Neue Zeit (2019), can be found at https://open.spotify.com/album/2jHJBdpyARq1hJlBxAHTkO

ZAZ
The French singer Zaz (real name: Isabelle Geffroy) mixes jazz, pop, and soul in her tracks. Feel like you are walking in the streets of Paris while listening to her songs “Je Veux” (2010), “Éblouie par la nuit” (2010), and “On Ira” (2013), and her album Paris (2014) which features her versions of classic French songs.

Her latest album, Effet miroir (2018), can be heard at https://open.spotify.com/album/5aM8gkw3dJQ7XSc2Uq8g8a

Here’s a list of artists who regularly upload performances from home via social media during quarantine:

ANDREA BROCELLI’S MUSIC FOR HOPE
Listen to all the songs from Andrea Bocelli’s Easter Sunday show Music for Hope at the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy. Visit AndreaBocelli.lnk.to/MusicForHope1FP. Watch the concert at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huTUOek4LgU&t=738s

Josh Groban brings his concerts to your home via online streaming every Thursday on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/joshgroban). The second concert in the series Stages: Live (2016) premieres on April 30 (5 p.m. PT/ 8 p.m. ET). The singer has also included commentary throughout each film. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/JoshGroban/.

JOAN JETT
American rocker and 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joan Jett and the Blackhearts perform songs from their homes weekly in a series called Together Apart. The band has previously performed “Light of Day” (1987), “I Hate Myself for Loving You” (1988), and “Make It Back” (2013), To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCURhGCLPWhW4Ssy2bA0kbJg.

THE MET OPERA’S AT-HOME GALA
The Met Opera will livestream a free concert called At-Home Gala on April 25 (1 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. BST). The concert will feature Welsh baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, American soprano Angel Blue, and Latvian mezzo Elīna Garanča, as well as big names in opera such as Jonas Kaufmann, Anna Netrebko, and Renée Fleming. To watch, visit https://www.metopera.org/season/at-home-gala/

ONE WORLD: TOGETHER AT HOME
One World: Together At Home is a global broadcast and digital special organized by Global Citizen to unite the world and honor COVID-19 frontline workers. Held on April 18, the eight-hour concert features musicians such as Lady Gaga, Elton John, Taylor Swift, and the Rolling Stones. American TV personalities Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon hosted the show. To watch, visit https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/connect/togetherathome/#howtowatch.

WORLDWIDE CONCERT FOR OUR CULTURE
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s annual Spring Gala: Worldwide Concert for Our Culture is now available to stream online. The honorees of the event are Clarence Otis and Jacqueline L. Bradley (Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz) and Phil Schaap (Jazz at Lincoln Center Award for Artistic Excellence). Performers at the gala include: Wynton Marsalis, Cecile McLorin Salvant and Sullivan Fortner, Chucho Valdes, Nduduzo Makhathini, and Baqir Abbas. For more information, visit jazz.org/gala2020. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IjJbZetCvGw.

Related story: https://www.bworldonline.com/music-to-explore-during-quarantine/

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