Surprise! Violinist Shaham gets Avery Fisher Prize

In this image released by the Avery Fisher Artist Programme, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, left, presents 2008 Avery Fisher Prize to friend and colleague violinist Gil Shaham during a PBS broadcast performance, Live From Lincoln Center, in New York. - AP pic

NEW YORK, Nov 21 - The last time they shared a Lincoln Center stage, violinist Gil Shaham wielded the big smiles as Gustavo Dudamel made his conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic.

last night, it was Dudamel's turn.

At the end of Shaham's nationally televised performance on PBS's "Live From Lincoln Center," Dudamel suddenly appeared in the audience and greeted Shaham as the violinist walked toward an exit.

"Stop!" Dudamel called out. "My friend. Nice to see you. I have the honor to tell you that you have won the Avery Fisher Prize for 2008."

The 37-year-old Shaham took two steps back to catch his breath.

The prize, named for the man who invented the transistorized amplifier and helped fund the landmark West Side arts complex, is worth $75,000 (RM262,000).

It was established in 1974 and has been awarded to 19 other musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, Emanuel Ax and most recently Joshua Bell.

"The prize is for people who have really reached the pinnacle of their career," Nathan Leventhal, chairman of the Avery Fisher Artist Program, told the 150-member audience after the TV cameras went off the air.

"Oh my God," Shaham said.

The violinist had just finished performing works by the Spanish composer Pablo de Sarasate, who died 100 years ago this fall, when the 27-year-old Dudamel made the surprise announcement at Lincoln Center's Kaplan Penthouse.

During the Venezuelan conductor's debut last November with the New York Philharmonic, Shaham maintained a huge grin while playing the Dvorak Violin Concerto as his friend led the musicians through a triumphant performance.

Shaham was born in Champaign-Urbana, Ill., to Israeli parents. When he was 7, he and his family moved to Israel, where he studied violin. Three years later, he began studying at The Juilliard School and at the Aspen Music School in Colorado.

His career got a big boost in 1989, when as a late substitute soloist for an indisposed Itzhak Perlman, the then-high school junior turned in highly praised performances with the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.

The following year, Shaham won an Avery Fisher Career Grant, an award to help young musicians start their careers.

"My father loved surprises," Nancy Fisher said. "He loved calling musicians to tell them they had won."

"Twenty years ago he called me," Shaham said. "I'm just dumbfounded." - AP

Surprise! Violinist Shaham gets Avery Fisher Prize

In this image released by the Avery Fisher Artist Programme, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, left, presents 2008 Avery Fisher Prize to friend and colleague violinist Gil Shaham during a PBS broadcast performance, Live From Lincoln Center, in New York. - AP pic

NEW YORK, Nov 21 - The last time they shared a Lincoln Center stage, violinist Gil Shaham wielded the big smiles as Gustavo Dudamel made his conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic.

last night, it was Dudamel's turn.

At the end of Shaham's nationally televised performance on PBS's "Live From Lincoln Center," Dudamel suddenly appeared in the audience and greeted Shaham as the violinist walked toward an exit.

"Stop!" Dudamel called out. "My friend. Nice to see you. I have the honor to tell you that you have won the Avery Fisher Prize for 2008."

The 37-year-old Shaham took two steps back to catch his breath.

The prize, named for the man who invented the transistorized amplifier and helped fund the landmark West Side arts complex, is worth $75,000 (RM262,000).

It was established in 1974 and has been awarded to 19 other musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, Emanuel Ax and most recently Joshua Bell.

"The prize is for people who have really reached the pinnacle of their career," Nathan Leventhal, chairman of the Avery Fisher Artist Program, told the 150-member audience after the TV cameras went off the air.

"Oh my God," Shaham said.

The violinist had just finished performing works by the Spanish composer Pablo de Sarasate, who died 100 years ago this fall, when the 27-year-old Dudamel made the surprise announcement at Lincoln Center's Kaplan Penthouse.

During the Venezuelan conductor's debut last November with the New York Philharmonic, Shaham maintained a huge grin while playing the Dvorak Violin Concerto as his friend led the musicians through a triumphant performance.

Shaham was born in Champaign-Urbana, Ill., to Israeli parents. When he was 7, he and his family moved to Israel, where he studied violin. Three years later, he began studying at The Juilliard School and at the Aspen Music School in Colorado.

His career got a big boost in 1989, when as a late substitute soloist for an indisposed Itzhak Perlman, the then-high school junior turned in highly praised performances with the London Symphony Orchestra and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.

The following year, Shaham won an Avery Fisher Career Grant, an award to help young musicians start their careers.

"My father loved surprises," Nancy Fisher said. "He loved calling musicians to tell them they had won."

"Twenty years ago he called me," Shaham said. "I'm just dumbfounded." - AP

MJ converts to Islam, says British tabloid

LONDON, Nov 21 — Michael Jackson has become a Muslim — and changed his name to Mikaeel. The skint superstar, 50, donned Islamic garb to pledge allegiance to the Quran in a ceremony at a pal’s mansion in Los Angeles.

Jacko sat on the floor wearing a tiny hat after an imam was summoned to officiate — days before the singer is due to appear at London’s High Court where he is being sued by an Arab sheikh.

A source told last night how Jacko, brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness, decided to convert as he used a studio at the home of his chum to record a new album.

The star — whose hits include “The Way You Make Me Feel” — was spotted looking “a bit down” by a producer and a songwriter who had both embraced Islam.

The source said: “They began talking to him about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea.

“An imam was summoned from the mosque and Michael went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief.”

Mikaeel is the name of one of Allah’s angels.

“Jacko rejected an alternative name, Mustafa — meaning ‘the chosen one’”.

British singer Yousef Islam, 60 — who was called Cat Stevens until he famously converted — turned up to help Jacko celebrate.

It was his pals David Wharnsby — a Canadian songwriter — and producer Phillip Bubal who counselled Jacko.

The pair’s new names are Dawud Wharnsby Ali and Idris Phillips.

Jacko now prays to Mecca after the ceremony at the Hollywood Hills home of Toto keyboard player Steve Porcaro, 51, who composed music on the singer’s Thriller album.

Jacko, who rarely ventures out without a mask, is due to give evidence on Monday in a £4.7million (RM25 million) lawsuit brought by Prince Abdulla Al-Khalif of Bahrain.

The sheikh claims he bankrolled the singer’s lavish lifestyle in exchange for an exclusive recording contract. The billionaire sent songs for him to record but claims he was blanked.

He told the court yesterday: “Many times he confirmed to me he would pay me back.” — The Sun

MJ converts to Islam, says British tabloid

LONDON, Nov 21 — Michael Jackson has become a Muslim — and changed his name to Mikaeel. The skint superstar, 50, donned Islamic garb to pledge allegiance to the Quran in a ceremony at a pal’s mansion in Los Angeles.

Jacko sat on the floor wearing a tiny hat after an imam was summoned to officiate — days before the singer is due to appear at London’s High Court where he is being sued by an Arab sheikh.

A source told last night how Jacko, brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness, decided to convert as he used a studio at the home of his chum to record a new album.

The star — whose hits include “The Way You Make Me Feel” — was spotted looking “a bit down” by a producer and a songwriter who had both embraced Islam.

The source said: “They began talking to him about their beliefs, and how they thought they had become better people after they converted. Michael soon began warming to the idea.

“An imam was summoned from the mosque and Michael went through the shahada, which is the Muslim declaration of belief.”

Mikaeel is the name of one of Allah’s angels.

“Jacko rejected an alternative name, Mustafa — meaning ‘the chosen one’”.

British singer Yousef Islam, 60 — who was called Cat Stevens until he famously converted — turned up to help Jacko celebrate.

It was his pals David Wharnsby — a Canadian songwriter — and producer Phillip Bubal who counselled Jacko.

The pair’s new names are Dawud Wharnsby Ali and Idris Phillips.

Jacko now prays to Mecca after the ceremony at the Hollywood Hills home of Toto keyboard player Steve Porcaro, 51, who composed music on the singer’s Thriller album.

Jacko, who rarely ventures out without a mask, is due to give evidence on Monday in a £4.7million (RM25 million) lawsuit brought by Prince Abdulla Al-Khalif of Bahrain.

The sheikh claims he bankrolled the singer’s lavish lifestyle in exchange for an exclusive recording contract. The billionaire sent songs for him to record but claims he was blanked.

He told the court yesterday: “Many times he confirmed to me he would pay me back.” — The Sun

Madonna, Ritchie on London divorce docket today

The High Court will formalise Madonna’s and Ritchie’s divorce today. — AP pic

LONDON, Nov 21 — A judge will likely grant Madonna and Guy Ritchie an initial divorce decree today, according to the schedule for London’s High Court.

The court lists “Ciccone M L vs Ritchie G S” as one of 17 cases for “matrimonial and civil partnership causes for pronouncement of decree”. That means a judge is to grant the couple a preliminary divorce decree, or decree nisi.

After six weeks and a day, the couple will probably be granted a decree absolute and the divorce will become final.

It is unusual for the couple to attend court in such cases.

British media reported yesterday that the celebrity pair had reached a settlement which would see the pop superstar keep the majority of her estimated £300 million (RM1.5 billion) fortune and share custody of two of her children with her film-director husband.

A report in the Evening Standard newspaper said Ritchie had refused to take any of Madonna’s assets, while the Times of London said Madonna would hold on to the bulk of her fortune.

The papers said the couple had also reached a deal regarding their two children: Rocco, 8, and David Banda, 3, who was adopted from Malawi in 2006.

The two boys would split their time between Britain and the United States, the papers said, while Lourdes — Madonna’s 12-year-old daughter from a previous relationship with personal trainer Carlos Leon — will live with her mother in the United States.

Neither paper cited a named source for their reports and requests for comment from representatives for the couple were not immediately returned.

An agreement between the two would avoid an ugly, public and expensive courtroom battle like the one between former Beatle Paul McCartney and model Heather Mills. Mills has said the media coverage of the rancorous divorce had pushed her to the brink of suicide; McCartney compared the process to going through hell.

Madonna and Ritchie, director of “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”, married in December 2000 at Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands.

In recent years, however, the relationship was dogged by rumours that the pair had fallen out over Madonna’s plans to adopt a second child from Malawi. Media reports over the summer — denied by Madonna — linked the singer to the breakup of New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez’s marriage to his ex-wife Cynthia.

Madonna and Ritchie announced last month they were divorcing after almost eight years of marriage. They own homes in London, Los Angeles and New York, and a 1,200-acre retreat in Wiltshire, England. — AP

Madonna, Ritchie on London divorce docket today

The High Court will formalise Madonna’s and Ritchie’s divorce today. — AP pic

LONDON, Nov 21 — A judge will likely grant Madonna and Guy Ritchie an initial divorce decree today, according to the schedule for London’s High Court.

The court lists “Ciccone M L vs Ritchie G S” as one of 17 cases for “matrimonial and civil partnership causes for pronouncement of decree”. That means a judge is to grant the couple a preliminary divorce decree, or decree nisi.

After six weeks and a day, the couple will probably be granted a decree absolute and the divorce will become final.

It is unusual for the couple to attend court in such cases.

British media reported yesterday that the celebrity pair had reached a settlement which would see the pop superstar keep the majority of her estimated £300 million (RM1.5 billion) fortune and share custody of two of her children with her film-director husband.

A report in the Evening Standard newspaper said Ritchie had refused to take any of Madonna’s assets, while the Times of London said Madonna would hold on to the bulk of her fortune.

The papers said the couple had also reached a deal regarding their two children: Rocco, 8, and David Banda, 3, who was adopted from Malawi in 2006.

The two boys would split their time between Britain and the United States, the papers said, while Lourdes — Madonna’s 12-year-old daughter from a previous relationship with personal trainer Carlos Leon — will live with her mother in the United States.

Neither paper cited a named source for their reports and requests for comment from representatives for the couple were not immediately returned.

An agreement between the two would avoid an ugly, public and expensive courtroom battle like the one between former Beatle Paul McCartney and model Heather Mills. Mills has said the media coverage of the rancorous divorce had pushed her to the brink of suicide; McCartney compared the process to going through hell.

Madonna and Ritchie, director of “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”, married in December 2000 at Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands.

In recent years, however, the relationship was dogged by rumours that the pair had fallen out over Madonna’s plans to adopt a second child from Malawi. Media reports over the summer — denied by Madonna — linked the singer to the breakup of New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez’s marriage to his ex-wife Cynthia.

Madonna and Ritchie announced last month they were divorcing after almost eight years of marriage. They own homes in London, Los Angeles and New York, and a 1,200-acre retreat in Wiltshire, England. — AP

Britney Spears craves freedom amid career upswing

Britney says she gets lonely sometimes. — AP pic

NEW YORK, Nov 21 — Britney Spears is craving more freedom — and less of the "control" that's stabilised her personal life and reinvigorated her career over the last several months.

In an upcoming behind-the-scenes documentary, the 26-year-old pop star says: "If I wasn't under the restraints that I'm under right now, with all the lawyers and doctors and people analysing me every day and all that kind of stuff ... I'd feel so liberated, and feel like myself."

The 90-minute film, "Britney: For the Record," airs on Nov 30 on MTV and the LOGO network. She is shown backstage at the MTV Video Music Awards; recording her new album, "Circus"; dodging the paparazzi; and goofing off with her father Jamie, who controls her personal and financial affairs.

While her career takes a positive turn, Spears says she's sad and feels her life is "too in control."

"There's no excitement, there's no passion, there's no nothing. It's just like `Groundhog Day' every day, you know? So I'm really bored," she says, getting teary.

The mother of two young sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline says she "used to be a cool chick," but the paparazzi has made it impossible for her to be out and about. In the documentary, which was executive produced by Spears' manager Larry Rudolph, her security staff discusses hiring a decoy to fool the cameras.

Spears' turnaround kicked into high gear in September when she nabbed three VMAS, including video of the year. Now on the comeback trail, she has a hit song, "Womanizer," and is releasing "Circus" next month.

She talks about her two-year downward spiral, which included a divorce, a custody battle, public meltdowns and a sluggish performance at last year's VMAs, when she barely made it through a dance number of "Gimme More."

"I've been through a lot this year — well, actually the past two or three years," she says. "And my trust has really been battered. I've definitely grown up — big time. And I'm very weary of a lot of things. Very protective of myself."

She says sometimes she gets lonely.

"You're guarded," she says. "You have to be that way, otherwise you get taken advantage of and get in situations like I did the past year. I totally lost my way. I lost focus, I lost myself, I had that type of nature within me that wanted to rebel out.

"I never wanted to become one of those prisoner people — I always wanted to feel free and get in my car and go and not let people make me feel like I have to stay in my home. I think that was always the part of me that kinda got me in trouble," she says.

Spears dishes on Federline and ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake in the film.

"With Justin, he was a part of the magnitude of what I'd become," says Spears, who ended a three-year relationship with Timberlake in 2002. "So then when he was gone, I was like, `What am I supposed to do with myself?' ... I would go out just to keep my mind busy, just to keep going."

While she was devastated over her breakup with Timberlake, she says she handled that better than her separation from Federline in November 2006.

"With Kevin, because I had two children with him, I did not know what to do with myself," she says. "I had built my dream home in Malibu, a huge house and a pool and a huge yard for the kids and I did everything for them. And just my world was that."

She says she married Federline for the wrong reasons instead of following her heart. As a result, she went down a "weird path."

She says her marriage disintegrated when Federline began concentrating on his rap career.

When it ended, "I felt so alone. I didn't really want to think about the reality of it. It was like, `I'm OK.' ... But I never really faced it, and I just ran," she says. — AP