The 21st century has produced a wealth of significant choral works, some of which have already become widely popular. This feature looks at new large-scale choral works by composers from around the world, pieces that look like they could go on to become classics.

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In one of the most rockstar-worthy injures in recent memory, Bloc Party guitarist Russell Lissack was rushed to a hospital in South Africa last month after being bit by a lion. ?(!!) Bloc Party had flown to the area to play with the Parlotones in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and the band visited a wild animal sanctuary during one of its days off. Lissack was playing with one of the sanctuary's lion cubs when the animal attacked, leaving a nasty wound and prompting an immediate trip to the hospital. He has since recovered. [Spinner.com]

Roger Waters' new stage show has caused some controversy amongst his Jewish fans, who claim that some of the stage projections used during his nightly performances of "Goodbye Blue Sky" are antisemitic. The projections, which can be viewed here, consist of a series of symbols and logos that are dropped like bombs from airplanes, including dollar signs, Stars of David, crosses, Islam's crescent moon, the Mercedes icon. Waters' partner, Laurie Durning, rejected the claims of antisemitism, which are being spearheaded by the Anti-Defamation League. [Guardian.co.uk]

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Smack dab in the middle of the decade, 1975 was the polyester peak of the '70s, the year that captured all the glorious excesses of the Me Decade. Elton John presided over the pop charts -- his pull so powerful he could help give Neil Sedaka, that old pro who last topped the charts in the years before the Beatles, not one but two number ones -- and he ruled a year that saw Morris Albert sing about his feelings, a year where Captain & Tennille preached that "Love Will Keep Us Together," a year where Glen Campbell was a "Rhinestone Cowboy," and a year where everybody was "Kung Fu Fighting." It was such a gaudy, glitzy surface that it seemed like nothing might exist underneath, which is naturally the time that a lot of interesting things are happening.

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