Music
-
Sir Andrew Davis Conducts the New York Philharmonic
Susan Graham and Kent Tritle Solo Artists
By: - Jun 07th, 2010The evening's program of French music featuring Berlioz, Chausson and Saint Saens, belied conventional wisdom that the French style is cool. The early Berlioz was whipped to a frenzy, the Chausson songs were full of passion, and Saint Saens' improvisations at the end of the Third Symphony got a wild ride with organist Kent Tritle. Are we ready for a new definition?
-
New York Philharmonic at St. John the Divine
Alan Gilbert Conducts Annual Memorial Day Concert
By: - Jun 02nd, 2010Having brought Grygory Liget's Le Grand Macabre to New York for its premier just days beforehand, the Orchestra tamed down for their annual free concert at a Cathedral. The moral of the story is that this Orchestra is never tame, particularly under its conductor Alan Gilbert, who is winding up his first season. .
-
New York Philharmonic with Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre
Alan Gilbert Conducts as Doug Fitch Weaves His Magic
By: - Jun 01st, 2010It was a daring gambit, one that was not at all sure to capture New York. But move by move, through education and tease in equal measure, Alan Gilbert made his vision for an extended Philharmonic audience come alive. The only production which got the wildly enthusiastic response Le Grand Macabre received was the Met's "The Nose." Contemporary sounds accentuated and expanded by artful staging techniques, in this case magician Doug Fitch let loose in Avery Fisher Hall, created a bang up, popular work of high art.
-
Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas at Alice Tully Hall
Alondra de la Parra Conducts Splendidly
By: - May 26th, 2010Just five years ago, at 24, the brilliant young Mexican conductor, Alondra de la Parra formed the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas. In an encore performance at Alice Tully Hall, she conducted the music of mostly Mexican composers in honor of Mexico's bicentennial. The Orchestra now travels to their summer home in Stowe, Vermont.
-
Chris Smither Donates Performance
Event June 4 at Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls
By: - May 26th, 2010A benefit concert for the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School to take place at Memorial Hall, Shelburne Falls, Friday, June 4th. Benefit concert to help support the program with Chris Smither as the performer. This will be Chris’ last performance in this area this year. We reviewed his recent performance in Natick. This is an opportunity to hear a superb artist for a great cause.
-
Rusted Roof at the Colonial June 9
Band Has Sold 3 Million Albums
By: - May 25th, 2010Rusted Root will be at the Colonial on June 9 for one performance at 7:30PM. Rusted Root has sold more than 3 million albums worldwide since forming in Pittsburgh in the early ’90s. The band’s worldly style quickly charmed fans of roots music and world rock. Their 1994 album When I Woke went platinum and featured the hit songs “Send Me On My Way,†“Ecstasy†and “Martyr.â€
-
Chris Smither Performs at TCAN
A Packed House in Natick, Mass.
By: - May 23rd, 2010On Friday night in Natick there is no doubt where the hot ticket event is. TCAN, The Center for Arts in Natick is overflowing. Reviewers, promoters, fans all have labels for Chris. Many call him a Blues singer, some say folk singer, others, singer-songwriter
-
New York Philharmonic's Le Grand Macabre
Alan Gilbert To Conduct New York Premier
By: - May 20th, 2010The New York Philharmonic presents performances of György Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre by the composer who joined forces with Richard Strauss in the score of Space Odyssey:2001. Kudos for recent productions in London, Paris, Adelaide and Rome suggest the performances will be SRO. The work combines 15th century music, breadth of line, puppetry, adventures musical and otherwise.At Avery Fisher Hall on May 27, 28 and 29.
-
Met Opera Orchestra at Carnegie Hall
Pierre Boulez Debut at 85
By: - May 18th, 2010Red flags were raised. This was one tough program. The Metropolitan Orchestra performed at the opera house on Friday evening and twice on Saturday. Yet, on Sunday, the orchestra and its octogenarian conductor, Pierre Boulez, were fresh and sharp. They performed two difficult pieces to perfection.
-
Bearfoot Wows Eagle Hill Audience
Ends Season with Panache
By: - May 16th, 2010Despite changes in personnel, Bearfoot delivered a solid performance and made many new fans. As the band breaks into a country tune, Odessa Jorgensen starts to sing, and all the elements fall into place. Though this opening number and the second piece, the traditional, Single Girl, feel just a little bit rushed, by the third number the pace is settled and feels in the groove. The audience as well has fallen into the wavelength and each number is received with growing applause.
-
Berg's Lulu at the Metropolitan Opera
Fabio Luisi Conducts Brilliantly
By: - May 15th, 2010Frank Wedekind who wrote the two plays Alban Berg used to create his opera, Lulu, one of the most important operas of the 20th century, traveled with the circus. The opera opens with a circus trainer introducing his animals. The last and most prized is Lulu, the subject of the opera. She is not Eve,the temptress, but rather the snake. This all happens before the curtain rises.
-
Mass MoCA Adds to Wilco Festival
Mega Event Planned August 13-15
By: - May 12th, 2010A diverse array of musical guests have been added to the line up of Wilco's first SOLID SOUND FESTIVAL, a three-day festival of music, art, comedy, film and interactivity which takes place at MASS MoCA on August 13 - 15. Joining the Chicago band are Sub Pop's Avi Buffalo and Vetiver; guitarist Sir Richard Bishop; Bennington, VT trio Mountain Man; Portland, ME indie-rockers Brenda; North Adams, MA duo The Books; and Chicago's jazz combo the Deep Blue Organ Trio.
-
Cleveland Rocks
Birth Place of Rock ‘n’ Roll
By: - May 11th, 2010Cleveland claims to be the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll. It is the site for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. It is a global destination for every true rock fan. But yet again I Can't Get No Satisfaction.
-
Passim's Good Lovelies Boston Debut
With Teddy Goldstein, May 14th
By: - May 09th, 2010The Good Lovelies may be quirky and irreverent. They are rock solid musicians with brilliant harmonies and clever arrangements. Their songs fit comfortably into the folk tradition and they are attracting new fans with each performance.
-
Freihofer Saratoga Jazz Festival
Mario Abney New Talent to Perform
By: - May 08th, 2010Freihofer Saratoga Jazz Festival Artistic Director and Co-Producer Danny Melnick loves discovering great new jazz talent. Last spring when he was working backstage at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, he heard a young trumpeter named Mario Abney and was “knocked out†by Mario’s playing, music and band.
-
Launching 125th Season of Boston Pops
Keith Lockhart Acknowledges a Great Tradition
By: - May 07th, 2010For 125 years the Boston Pops has been bringing musical enjoyment to everyone. For 125 years people from all walks of life have reveled in top musicians playing a variety of the music that we all love. As someone who has frequented the Pops through conductors Fiedler, Williams and now Lockhart. The gala opening night concert is always a greatly anticipated event.
-
Ballad Singer Bonnie Dobson
Looking Back a New CD
By: - May 07th, 2010Bonnie Dobson, ballad singer and songwriter from Ontario was a feature in folk clubs and folk festivals all across the USA and Canada in the '60s. When she resettled in the UK to take up philosophy, her performances here became rare. Her new CD on Biber Records is a treat.
-
Eagle Hill Cultural Center : Bearfoot
Concert May 15 at Hardwick, Mass.
By: - May 05th, 2010Lovers of Folk, Country and/or Bluegrass music in this area will get their first chance to experience live, this up and coming critically acclaimed band. Originally named Bearfoot Bluegrass, within two years of their formation they were designated Telluride Bluegrass Band Champions. This band originated in Alaska, not the first locale most of us might associate with Bluegrass.
-
Flying Dutchman at Metropolitan Opera
Lori Phillips Makes a Remarkable Debut as Senta
By: - May 04th, 2010The Metropolitan Opera production of the Flying Dutchman is a visual treat-- water, water, everywhere. Readers who appreciate Henry James "The Ambassadors" will see some of the same themes at play here -- the redemption of a man by a woman. The man's failure however to connect in human terms and the ultimate dissolution of his world. Without any knowledge of the plot, the music is transporting. There are performances May 6, 10 and 14.
-
Stravinsky Festival at the New York Philharmonic
Valery Gergiev Conducts
By: - Apr 30th, 2010Stravinsky's music is unimaginably compelling as Valery Gergiev conducts the New York Philharmonic. Oedipus Rex was a new form of musical theater when it was first produced and continues to seem as fresh and vibrant as ever in this performance.
-
Evaluating The Met's Appointment of Fabio Luisi
Warm Welcome from the Opera Community
By: - Apr 29th, 2010James Levine has given so much joy and musical pleasure during his tenure at the Metropolitan Opera. A musician of the highest order, we have all appreciated his insights. No one can replace him. But Fabio Luisi, a classically trained conductor who started as a pianist and accompanist, clearly can convey composers' intent and musicians' best efforts. He will start his new position at the Met this fall. Berkshire Fine Arts has covered him this season.
-
Fabio Luisi Principal Guest Conductor at the Met
An Insurance Policy for Ailing James Levine?
By: - Apr 27th, 2010Is it more than just a coincidence that the Metropolitan Opera has named Fabio Luisi as Principal Guest Conductor? The continuing health issues of artistic director James Levine have raised uncertainties for whether he will return next season. And if so just how much of a role will he assume. There are similar questions being asked at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. And for the coming season at Tanglewood.
-
Freihofer Saratoga Jazz Festival
Al Jarreau and Gladys Knight Headline June 26 & 27
By: - Apr 27th, 2010Freihofer Saratoga Jazz Festival announces the schedule for June 26 and 27. The "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight, jazz singer Al Jarreau & the George Duke Trio, legendary blues icon Taj Mahal, guitarist extraordinaire Al Di Meola and two piano legends â€" Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal are some of the great artists appearing at this year’s two-day jazz extravaganza.
-
Tosca Triumphs at the Metropolitan Opera
Racette, Terfel and Kaufmann Score
By: - Apr 26th, 2010The reviews of Tosca in the fall don't whet the appetite for the new production of Tosca at the Met. But those who braved bad notices and looked forward to a new cast, are richly rewarded by Luc Bondy's new production. Turns out he was not at fault in the fall, except perhaps in thinking he had actors on the set. His ideas sprang into flower and action in April....
-
De Niro, Freeman and Harris at the Pops
Film Stars Narrate Kennedy Tribute May 18
By: - Apr 26th, 2010Acclaimed actors Robert De Niro, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman give life to the words of John, Robert, and Edward Kennedy, respectively, when they join conductor Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus for the world premiere performance of The Dream Lives On: A Portrait of the Kennedy Brothersâ€"the centerpiece of the Boston Pops 125th anniversary season celebrationâ€"on May 18, at 8 p.m. (repeated on May 19), at Symphony Hall in Boston, MA
<< Previous Next >>