Basie Band Swings at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-09-06
Day two of the annual Tanglewood Jazz Festival. A change in the weather brought out a great crowd on the lawn for the afternoon concert. It headlined the Count Basie Orchestra with Eddie Daniels and Bob James featuring their Broadway Boogie. This closes the season in Lenox.
Kurt Elling at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-09-05
Grammy winner, and arguably the greatest jazz singer on the planet, Kurt Elling headlined the Saturday evening performance of the two day, Labor Day weekend Tanglewood Jazz Festival. There were sets by emerging artists, Brandon Wright and Kelley Johnson during dining sets in the Jazz Cafe. The packed Ozawa Hall enjoyed the afternoon live broadcast by John Pizzarelli and his clan.
Crosby Stills and Nash at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-09-02
When not collecting social security, or hanging out at the senior center shooting pool Crosby, Stills and Nash are out on tour. They brought their dino rock to Tanglwood last night to a sedate, not sedated, audience. Nice way to end a summer in the Shed.
The Center For the Arts in Natick
By: David Wilson - 2010-09-01
Concerts begin with Boston favorite Catie Curtis, Christine Lavin, Larry Carlton, and The Matt Haimovitz Trio
Met Live in HD at the Clark
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-30
In addition to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, in Great Barrington, the enormously popular Met Live in HD series of broadcasts has now been expanded to the Northern Berkshire Audience. The series, which is sure to sell out, as it has at the Mahaiwe for the past two seasons, will start on October 9 with Wagner's Das Rheingold.
Garrick Ohlsson Delivers Pitch-Perfect Performance
By: Adrian Hill - 2010-08-30
All I can say is WOW!
Kurt Masur Conducts Final BSO Tanglewood Concert
By: Adrian Hill - 2010-08-30
There's nothing like listening to Beethoven's Ninth at Tanglewood. Kurt Masur ended BSO season at Tanglewood. Indeed an Ode to Joy.
Ute Lemper Last Tango in Berlin
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-28
The remarkable singer, cabaret artist, actress, and painter, Ute Lemper, utterly captivated the audience last night at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. It was a rich and diverse global excursion as she performed in five languages; English, her native German, Spanish, French and even Yiddish. The material spanned Brecht/ Weil and Jacques Brel to lyrics by the beat poet Charles Bukowski. Out there.
2010 Tanglewood Jazz Festival
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-08-24
As the summer season of 2010 winds down it is time yet again to swing in the Wood. The a nnual Tanglewood Jazz Festival returns to Lenox for he last hurrah of summer on September 4 and 5. Get a groove on before heading back to school and work.
Dawn Upshaw at Tanglewood
By: Adrian Hill - 2010-08-21
Dawn Upshaw did her best, but still couldn't save the schmaltzy sherdherdesses. Descriptions of people engaging in such bucolic activities populate the “Songs of the Auvergne,” a selection of songs written by Joseph Canteloube and performed Friday night by Dawn Upshaw and the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood
Callithumpian Consort at ICA/Boston
By: Erica H. Adams - 2010-08-21
ICA/Boston Callithumpian Consort performs British composer Gavin Bryars's The Sinking of the Titanic. Audiences become passengers in a metaphor for our Post Crash Era.
Wilco Wraps Solid Sound Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-16
The total attendance for the weekend long Wilco Solid Sound Festival was about 10,000. But with weekend passes it is not clear just how many tickets were sold. Probably about half that figure. On an artistic level it was a great success. There was a nice mellow energy. With more advance planning and involvement from North Adams administration, merchants, vendors, artists and citizens it will surely be back bigger and better next year.
John Williams Salutes Steven Spielberg
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-15
The silver haired and silken tongued Robert Osborne of Turner Classic Movies was the host for the enormously popular John Williams Film night. The Tanglewood program entailed a tribute to collaborations with Steven Spielberg.
Contemporary Music at Tanglewood
By: Susan Hall - 2010-08-15
There is nothing hard-to-take about the music presented over five days im Osawa Hall at Tanglewood. Under the direction of Gunther Schuller, Oliver Knussen and John Harbison, 20th century composers sing and soar.
Wilco Update
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-15
Up to 5,000 attended the Wilco Solid Sound Festival at Mass MoCA on Saturday. The day ended with a two hour plus Wilco performance on Joe's Field. The three day event winds down this afternoon with an acoustic set by Wilco leader Jeff Tweedy.
Wilco Rocks Mass MoCA
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-14
Two and half years of planning went into the three day Solid Sound Festival that brought the rock band Wilco to Mass MoCA. If all goes well the museum director Joe Thompson hopes for their return. The experimental Festival will be a template for future events on a large scale. It got off to a great start on a glorious summer night in the Berkshires.
Herbie Hancock at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-10
Grammy winner of album of the year Herbie Hancock brought his Imagine tour to Tanglewood. The recent Imagine album took two years to record on location in seven countries with all stars representing eleven nations.
Silk Road Ensemble at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-09
Yo Yo Ma formed the Silk Road Ensemble in 1998. The performance last night at Tanglewood was quite different from what we experienced several years ago. There is more of an emphasis on commissioned works and arrangement's of traditional music some going back thousands of years. It was the exotic high point of a rich and diverse Tanglewood season.
Richard Goode at Tanglewood
By: Adrian Hill - 2010-08-07
On Friday night, pianist Richard Goode, with the assistance of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, gave the audience at Tanglewood a pitch-perfect performance of Mozart’s jewel-like Piano Concerto No. 14 in E-Flat, K-449. The piece for full orchestra sounds more like a chamber music work, probably because of Mozart’s precise, minute-like composition.
Tanglewood On Parade
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-05
It was a glorious summer evening for Tanglewood on Parade. The popular annual concert featured a tribute to the music of John Williams. This is his 30th season. Some special friends joined him on stage including Keith Lockhart, Stafan Asbury, Julian Kuerti, Yo Yo Ma and James Taylor. It ended with a big bang of 1812 Overture followed by fireworks.
Yo Yo Ma Silences the Wind
By: Adrian Hill - 2010-08-03
Few cellists – or musicians of any kind for that matter – have the power to entrance an audience, leave them speechless by playing just a few notes. Yo Yo Ma reminded the massive crowd attending Sunday afternoon’s performance at Tanglewood why he remains one of those gifted, magical musicians.
Ariadne auf Naxos at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-08-03
This season three of the Tanglewood Music Center Vocal Fellows who performed in Ariadne auf Naxos are headed for the Metropolitan Opera Company. Audrey Elizabeth Luna, a scampy temptress and comedienne, as the delicious Zerbinetta makes her Met debut as Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflote. Emalie Savoy who performed the role of Ariadne/ The Prima Donna joins the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Cecelia Hall, the mezzo-soprano as the Young Composer will make her Met debut as the Second Priestess in Gluck’s Iphigenie en Tauride.
Gilles Vonsattel Delivers at Tanglewood
By: Adrian Hill - 2010-07-26
Pianist Peter Sirkin was forced to cancel due to illness, but substitute virtuoso Gilles Vonsattel stepped up and delivered an enthusiastic performance of Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1 on Saturday at Tanglewood.
Bethel Woods, Celtic Woman and a Dancing Cat
By: Ien Nivens - 2010-07-26
“Collecting Woodstock” is an immersive work-in-progress. Less a collection of artifacts than of information, the multimedia exhibit documents a decade of civil discontent with the sights and sounds of celebration and anihilation, ascension and assassination, idealism and disillusionment. Nothing much has been sanitized, except inasmuch as time has distanced us from the immediate conditions of psychedelic squalor that characterized a generation and that necessarily prevailed when “we were half a million strong” and gathered in a field some 15 acres square.
Betty Buckley at the Colonial August 11
By: Uriah Pennington - 2010-07-21
Betty Buckley received her second Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a musical for her performance as Hesione in Triumph of Love, and an Olivier Award nomination for her interpretation of Norma Desmond in the London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, which she repeated to more rave reviews on Broadway.
The 2010 Festival of Contemporary Music
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-07-21
The 2010 Festival of Contemporary Music, August 12-16, will be the culmination of a season-long celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Tanglewood Music Center, the BSO’s renowned summer music academy for young professional musicians, with performances of works by the TMC’s distinguished composition faculty over the course of its history.
Audra McDonald at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-19
Broadway star and four time Tony winner, Audra McDonald is on the run. It took some 26 hours of travel time, including multiple delays in Mexico City, to reach a scheduled Tanglewood concert. From the stage of sold out Ozawa Hall she announced that she was about to perform for the Obama family. Despite all that jet lag she settled into a stunning and intimate evening of show tunes. The evening was a highlight of what is proving to be a sensational season in the Berkshires.
Michael Tilson Thomas at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-17
Stepping in for the ailing James Levine, the sprightly and masterful Michael Tilson Thomas is becoming a familiar presence at Tanglewood. For the second weekend he conducted Stravinsky and Mozart on Friday night and returns on Saturday with more Mahler. On Sunday afternoon Pops features Alec Baldwin and Arlo Guthrie as guest artists. In one of the most anticipated concerts of the season Audra McDonald appears in Ozawa Hall on Sunday evening.
Maureen McGovern: at the Colonial July 23
By: Heather Greenfield - 2010-07-14
This eclectic concert at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, on July 23, is an entertaining and introspective look at the songs that inspired Maureen McGovern before her Academy Award-winning hit “The Morning After.” Her repertoire includes selections of iconoclastic singer-songwriter material including “The Circle Game,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” “The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress,” “Imagine,” “Fire and Rain” and many others.
Opening Night at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-10
The opening night of Tanglewood saw the transformation of adversity into triumph. There was concern over the announcement that yet again maestro Jame Levine would miss the entire season due to chronic health issues. As the opening night of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 in C minor amply demonstrated Michael Tilson Thomas proved to be far more than a substitute. He brought his unique vision and passion to the complex, eclectic and visceral symphony. With this performance the season in Lenox has been launched with magnificent confidence.
Viva Quetzal at the Clark Art Institute
By: Heather Greenfield - 2010-07-08
Viva Quetzal, playing contemporary North American jazz and rock and the indigenous rhythms of Latin America, will perform on the lawn of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute on Tuesday July 27 at 6:00 pm. The public is invited to bring family, friends, lawn chairs and a picnic to this high-energy, multi-cultural concert. Barbeque fare is available for purchase and museum exhibitions Picasso Looks at Degas and Juan Muñoz are open until 6:00 pm. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the auditorium. Concert admission is free.
Tanglewood Season Opens July 9
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-07-06
Although Tanglewood had some 60,000 visitors last weekend for Pops followed by three sold out concerts by James Taylor and Carole King the season officially opens this weekend. Which means that the Boston Symphony Orchestra is in residence until the end of August. Michael Tilson Thomas will conduct the orchestra in the absence of the ailing James Levine. Thomas was a Tanglewood Music Fellow in 1968 and 69. He will be joined by two other TMC fellows soprano Layla Claire and mezzo soprano Stephanie Blythe.
James Taylor and Carole King at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-05
The Berkshire season was launched in a sensational manner with three sold out Tanglewood performances by James Taylor and fellow singer/ songwriter, the legendary Carole King. They shared music, memories and intimate moments during concerts that averaged two and a half hours. Fans who bought lawn tickets last winter were rewarded by a gorgeous summer evening under the stars.
Getting More Out of Tanglewood Concerts
By: Heather Greenfield - 2010-07-05
For the past few years I have been getting a lot more out of Tanglewood concerts by attending the lectures at the Lenox Library. On Friday and Saturday afternoons, from 2:30 to 4 PM, the music to be performed is discussed with recorded intervals by Professor Jeremy Yudkin. He brings zest, charm and enthusiasm to the experience. It allows me to listen more attentively and enjoy the concerts by a world class orchestra and its renowned conductors.
EnlightenNext Free Jazz Concert
By: Jaclyn Stevenson - 2010-07-03
A jazz concert headlined by Israeli guitarist Oz Noy and five-time Gibson
Female Jazz Guitarist of the Year Leni Stern - Noy wrote the soundtrack for
Tommy Chong's AKA Tommy Chong documentary, and Stern has a new album out
Now called sa belle sa ba. Berkshire-based Unfulfilled Desires will also perform
fresh off a Paris engagement at Sunset-Sunside.
Richie Havens at Mass MoCA
By: Ien Nivens - 2010-07-03
An often perplexed, if forgiving, crowd seemed relieved when he and his accompanist, Walter Parks (whom Havens never mentioned, whose presence he never acknowledged) negotiated their way back to coherence in the language of music. Richie Havens’ artistry has mellowed but not lost much of its power and none, really, of its sweetness. His rhythms drive like a locomotive through the mists and downpours of yesteryear, spanning a generation and, as it were, a continent, undergirded all the while with a steady and persistent optimism that charms even as it meanders, disengaged, from song to song.
Idina Menzel Sizzles with Pops
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-07-03
On Friday night of the Fourth of July weekend, with three sold out concerts by James Taylor and Carole King, Tanglewood got off to a slow start with Pops. There was a relatively sparse turnout. Too bad for those who missed the Tanglewood debut of the Tony Award winning singer Idina Menzel. She thrilled the audience with hits from Rent and Wicked. Doc Severinsen was typically attired in an outlandish outfit as he squeaked a few toots on trumpet. Keith Lockhart conducted a 125th anniversary salute to Pops.
Tom Rush at Natick Center for the Arts
By: David Wilson - 2010-07-01
Fifty years ago when he came to Cambridge to attend Harvard, the popularity of folk music was just blossoming and Tom began his involvement as host of a weekly show on the Harvard campus radio station, WHRB. It was wonderful to attend his sold out performance at the Natick Center for the Arts.
Rosanne Cash Packs the Colonial
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-30
Country music star, Rosanne Cash, the eldest daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash, utterly captivated the audience last night at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. In every sense, emotionally and artistically, Cash demonstrated how she has distanced herself from the dominance of the Country Music World in Nashville. Her easy, charming manner, memory gaps and screw ups, only further conveyed her charm, passion, humanity and vulnerability. It was a stunning evening.
Beeline Ramblers
By: Fran Mandeville and Lisa Burnstine Mandeville - 2010-06-27
Fran Mandeville and Lisa Burnstine Mandeville live in North Adams but they make sweet music all over the Berkshires. Here is a schedule of the Beeline Ramblers for the summer season. If you catch them at the Dreamaway Lodge in Becket be sure to enjoy dinner. Tell em we sentyah.
The New York Philharmonic in Lindberg and Beethoven
By: Susan Hall - 2010-06-26
Alan Gilbert, in his inaugural season with the Philharmonic has been daring and provocative is his programming. He has also conducted traditional repertory with great flare. He has made it clear that he is going to lead his audience into the 21st century and help us get there. But not without moving us. He shares Beethoven's expressed desire in the subtitle to the Missa Solemnis: This is for the heart, not the brain.
Roomful of Teeth
By: Ien Nivens - 2010-06-22
Roomful of Teeth is an ambitious work-in-progress with the stated intent of bringing the full range of human vocal potential to bear upon the aesthetic experience. Friday’s performance at Mass MoCA showcased works by Caleb Burhans, Caroline Shaw, Eric Dudley, William Brittelle, Judd Greenstein, Rinde Eckert and Avery Griffin. The play of a cappella sound waves against bone, tooth, beam and brick in a high-ceilinged, sold-out room pulsed with energies that seemed unearthly but were firmly rooted in the human.
The New York Philharmonic Blasts Off at Avery Fisher
By: Susan Hall - 2010-06-21
While onductor Gilbert declares that his penultimate program of the season is about Vienna, it was clearly all about the trumpet, in Wagner and Mozart and an end of the 20th century concerto for the trumpet by HK Gruber, a madman who deserves his own story. But this was trumpeter Hakan Hardenberger's evening, even though the composer saddled him with three horns. Saddled is a bit unfair. The audience was intimdated but the trumpterer wasn't. He even sang into his trumpet.
Simon and Garfunkel Cancel Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-17
The scheduled appearance by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel at Tanglewood on July 27 has been cancelled. Art Garfunkel continues to recover from a vocal paresis. The tour was originally planned to start in April. It was then shifted to July. Now it is postponed indefinitely. Garfunkel is expected to recover but not in time for the summer concerts. With James Levine out for the season this is the second Tanglewood cancellation in less than a week. There is speculation about how these cancellations will impact tourism and the hospitality industry.
Barbara Cook at Mahaiwe August 15
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-16
In a bit of musical chairs, Tony award winner Barbara Cook replaces a scheduled appearance by Elaine Stritch at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington. The much anticipated concert will occur on August 15. The Stritch appearance has been postponed because she is joining the Broadway cast of Sondheim's A Little Night Music. This season Cook appeared on Broadway in Sondheim on Sondheim.
The Metropolitan Opera Encore HDs
By: Susan Hall - 2010-06-15
If you missed some of the Met's wonderful HD broadcasts over recent seasons, this is a good time to catch up. A list of dates and times follows. We have included the Met's precis for each opera and excerpts from commentary which appeared on this site.
Mengelberg and Mahler by Daniel Klein
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-14
Berkshire based playwright Daniel Klein has collaborated with Emile Fallaux, who directs, on the the world premiere of Mengelberg and Mahler, a one person play, at Shakespeare & Company. It stars company veteran Robert Lohbauer. While Mahler fans may find much to like about this intimate performance it left us unmoved. The script while well crafted was not adequately conveyed by the actor. On opening night, however, Lohbauer was given a standing ovation by some of the audience.
James Levine Withdraws from Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-06-14
In April James Levine, the artistic director of Boston Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera, underwent back surgery. While he planned a season for Tangelwood he has now withdrawn from the program. It is hoped that he will recover in time for the fall seasons of the BSO and Met. This is a repeat of his absence from Tanglewood following surgery after the opening concerts in 2008. Given chronic health issues there is speculation about his long term role in Boston and New York. Renowned conductors will fill the vacant slots in Lenox this season.
TCAN - The Center for Arts in Natick
By: David Wilson - 2010-06-14
In 2003, having rescued from demolition, and renovated, a 19th century firehouse, they opened an intimate performance site with professional quality lighting and sound and seating almost 300. Within two years, the Massachusetts Historical Commission acknowledged their efforts with a Preservation Award.
Rosanne Cash at the Colonial June 29
By: Uriah Pennington - 2010-06-12
The genesis of Rosanne Cash’s new album The List dates back to a day in 1973 when Cash’s father, the incomparable Johnny Cash, discovered some gaps in her knowledge of American roots music. He spent the rest of the day making a list on a legal pad, and at the top he put “100 Essential Country Songs” handed it to her and said, “This is your education.” She will perform this material at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield on June 29.
A Cole Porter Tribute
By: Barbara Brilliant - 2010-06-11
.The music of Cole Porter bubbled like champagne at Symphony Hall. Keith Lockhart conducted in a thoroughly enjoyable evening of Pops. He was joined by Broadway stars including Kelli O’Hara, Jason Danieley and Matthew Anderson.
Stephanie Blythe Sings at Town Hall, New York
By: Susan Hall - 2010-06-10
Free concerts in New York with A list talent can be found if you look, and one of the best venues to scour is Town Hall's. Here on Sunday, for free, lucky listeners got to hear Stephanie Blythe accompanied by Warren Jones. Blythe opens Tanglewood's season in Mahler's Second Symphony on July 9th.
Sir Andrew Davis Conducts the New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2010-06-07
The 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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-06-02
Having 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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-06-01
It 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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-05-26
Just 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
By: David Wilson - 2010-05-26
A 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
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-25
Rusted 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.”
Chris Smither Performs at TCAN
By: David Wilson - 2010-05-23
On 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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-05-20
The 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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-05-18
Red 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
By: David Wilson - 2010-05-16
Despite 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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-05-15
Frank 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
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-12
A 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
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-05-11
Cleveland 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
By: David Wilson - 2010-05-09
The 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
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-05-08
Freihofer 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
By: Barbara Brilliant - 2010-05-07
For 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
By: David Wilson - 2010-05-07
Bonnie 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
By: David Wilson - 2010-05-05
Lovers 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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-05-04
The 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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-04-30
Stravinsky'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
By: Susan Hall - 2010-04-29
James 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.
Freihofer Saratoga Jazz Festival
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-04-27
Freihofer 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 – Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal are some of the great artists appearing at this year’s two-day jazz extravaganza.
Fabio Luisi Principal Guest Conductor at the Met
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-04-27
Is 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.
Tosca Triumphs at the Metropolitan Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2010-04-26
The 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
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-04-26
Acclaimed 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 Brothers—the centerpiece of the Boston Pops 125th anniversary season celebration—on May 18, at 8 p.m. (repeated on May 19), at Symphony Hall in Boston, MA
Cantilena Chamber Choir & Berkshire Lyric Theater
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-04-26
The Cantilena Chamber Choir and Berkshire Lyric Theater will present a Russian Choral Music Weekend of concerts and lectures on May 15 and 16. Special guest performers will be New York City Opera tenor Konstantin Stepanov and, from St. Petersburg, Russia, The Konevets Quartet with Igor Dmitriev, Director.
The Breeze and I - Champian Fulton
By: David Wilson - 2010-04-24
Champian Fulton once again gives satisfaction with a collection of classics made new again. As is the custom of other recordings released by Gut String Records "The Breeze and I" was recorded live, the musicians playing together and listening to the mix without headphones
Met's Armida by Rossini Live in HD May 1
By: Susan Hall - 2010-04-22
Torquato Tasso wrote "Jerusalem Delivered" in the16th century and it has been used as the jumping board for more art than any other underlying property in history--except the Bible. It took 193 years for Armida, Rossini's take on the poem, to arrive at the Met. The opera will be broadcast Live in HD on May 1 in a movie theater near you.
Janis Ian and Karla Bonoff At the Colonial
By: David Wilson - 2010-04-19
Few in the audience were ineligible for Social Security. Enthusiasm belied their age as the singer/ songwriters, Janis Ian and Karla Bonoff, ignited a trove of treasured memories.
Randy Weston at Berkshire Museum May 29
By: Edward J. Bride - 2010-04-16
Jazz pianist Randy Weston has Berkshire roots. He started as a dishwasher at the legendary Music Inn where owner Stephanie Barber discovered him, Weston will perform at the Berkshire Museum on May 29. Ed Bride, the founder of Berkshires Jazz also announces highlights of the annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival October 8-21.
Carolina Chocolate Drops at Mass MoCA
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-04-16
This Carolina Chocolate Drops, comprising Robinson plus banjo-player Rhiannon Giddens and multi-tasker Dom Flemons, bring their toe-tapping versions of traditional tunes to North Adams for a memorable Memorial Day weekend concert on Saturday, May 29, at 8 PM with opener The Duke & The King. NPR's Weekend Edition calls the Carolina Chocolate Drops "the hottest thing to hit the old-time music community in decades."
Handel at the New York City Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2010-04-14
When Handel was in Rome,the Pope banned opera. After countless performances in 18th century England, Handel operas were as dead as the opera seria form in which he wrote. The New York City Opera helped revive not only Handel, but the hot show biz style he mounted.
BSO's 2010-2011 Season
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-04-12
On paper the Boston Symphony Orchestra has planned a full and ambitious season. October 2, when
James Levine leads an all-Wagner program with Bryn Terfel on opening night, we will know whether this is wishful thinking. The health of the 66 year Levine impacts not just the BSO but the Metropolitan Opera and the coming season at Tanglewood. For the past three years there has been a scramble to find conductors for concerts he has dropped out of. This grueling schedule assumes his full recovery from yet another surgery,
Tanglewood Loosens Up
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-04-12
Roll Over Beethoven. Yes, rock is coming back to Tanglewood this summer. Well, kindah, with Crosby, Stills and Nash on September 1. Mid season jazz pianist Herbia Hancock will appear on August 9.
Joshua Bell and the New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2010-04-09
Two galvanic classical musicians appear at Avery Fisher Hall. They may resemble rock stars, but they wield violin and baton, rather than the electric guitars of a performance at Madison Square Garden. Antonio Pappano, a conductor of opera, is referred to as "electrifying." Joshua Bell routinely sells out venues. Can this be classical music?
Boston Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2010-04-07
The Boston Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall performed Mendelssohns glorious oratorio, Elijah. It was presented with a cast worthy of Cecil B. de Mille. It featured the orchestra, a chorus of 110 voices, four principal soloists and five ensemble soloists. The musician count does not itself make a memorable evening, but this one surely did.
Maestro de Burgos, substituted for an ailing James Levine.
Wilco to Rock Mass MoCA
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-04-07
Rock fans in the Berkshires just got a shot in the arm. Wilco, the Chicago band that blew the roof off of Tanglewood two summers ago, will give two performances at Mass MoCA during the Solid Sound Festival from August 13-15. Far out. The weekend of music, art, and interactive events will feature Wilco's only East Coast performance this summer.
George Wein on New York Jazz Clubs
By: George Wein - 2010-04-05
Back in the day, George Wein, a recent graduate of Boston University, ran a legendary jazz club Storyville in Copley Square. When the club folded he went on to become a founder of the Newport Jazz Festival. Now in his 80s George reports on the thriving jazz club scene in New York and Brooklyn.
Radvanovsky and Hvorostosky at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Halll - 2010-04-02
Two glorious human instruments were on display at Carnegie Hall, whose acoustics displayed all the nuances of musical sound from a luminous orchestra and great voices. Perfect for Bravissimo! the Opera Gala.
The Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, August 2-17,
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-04-01
The Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, August 2-17, will be a Farewell Celebration Season for Music Director Chantal Juillet who founded the program in 1991 and who will mark her final season in that role in 2010. Over the past two decades, the renowned violinist has built the program into a highly acclaimed, innovative showcase for chamber music repertoire performed by renowned and emerging classical artists.
AXIOM Gallery: Composer/Percussionist Lukas Ligeti
By: Erica H. Adams - 2010-03-31
On a nationwide solo tour, at Axiom Gallery, Ligeti improvised and played selections from CD Afrikan Machinery [Tzadik] cited as 2008 -50 Records of the Year by The Wire magazine. Concerts in Brooklyn and Boston, then Montreal and Toronto will be followed by many art spaces including Museum of Contemporary Art, in Ohio.
Tom Rush and Roger McGuinn at the Colonial
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-29
Tom Rush is on the road promoting his first new studio CD in 35 years "What I Know." It has been named Best Folk Album of the Year. He also has a four million hit You Tube clip "The Remember Song." He combined with Byrds founder, Roger McGuinn for a laid back, charming, three hour evening at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield.
San Francisco Symphony at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-27
The San Francisco Symphony presented the premier of Post-Scriptum by Victor Kissine, which brought the house down. This was followed by Christian Tetzlaff playing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major with intelligence and passion.
Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC August 4 to 21
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-03-25
Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced the 2010 summer season of The Philadelphia Orchestra presented by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., August 4 21. Led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Charles Dutoit, the three-week program of classical and contemporary masterpieces includes major works by Stravinsky, Beethoven, and Brahms, a special guest appearance by Alec Baldwin who will narrate Prokofiev's classic Peter and the Wolf, a "Farewell Concert" with Charles Dutoit and Chantal Juillet, renowned soloists including Yo-Yo Ma, Sarah Chang and Garrick Ohlsson and "Cirque de la Symphonie.
The Metropolitan Opera Presents Hamlet
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-25
With such praise preceding him, Simon Keenlyside might have a tough time living up to expectations, but as he inhabits the role of Hamlet, it is clear he belongs there, as a baritone of beauty and range, and a consummate actor worthy of any stage in the world, straight theater or opera. His performance is an event not to be missed. Yet Jennifer Larmore as his wicked mother almost upstages her son.
Janis Ian and Karla Bonoff at the Colonial
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-03-25
Songs of a Generation is a celebration of song, featuring two of the most influential songwriters of the �60s through the �90s. Janis Ian�s hit songs include �Society�s Child,� �At Seventeen,� �Jessie,� and many more from her 27 albums. Karla Bonoff has written numerous million selling songs including �Someone To Lay Down Beside Me,� �Home,� �All My Life,� �Personally� and �Tell Me Why.�
New York City Opera's L'Etoile
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-23
The greed of a theater owner buried L'Etoile, a huge hit in its Paris premier, and for reasons no one can quite figure out, this enchantingly silly piece wasn't mounted again for almost a hundred years. The New York City Opera stages a charming and funny revival, featuring Can-Can girls, a Chaplinesque King and a guillotine the likes of which you've never seen before. The score is a masterpiece of comic music, as brilliant as the Barber of Seville.
Tom Rush & Roger McGuinn at Colonial March 27
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-23
There will be an evening of folk music on Saturday, March 27, at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. Two legends of the 1960s, Tom Rush and Roger McGuinn, will perform in what should be a delightful evening.
Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-03-22
Saratoga Performing Arts Center will present the 33rd annual Freihofers Saratoga Jazz Festival on June 26 and 27. Highlights include Gladys Knight, jazz singer Al Jarreau & the George Duke Trio, blues icon Taj Mahal, guitarist Al Di Meola and pianists Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal. There will be more than 20 performances over the weekend.
BSO Conductor James Levine Withdraws
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-03-22
Chronic back pain will cause Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor and artistic director, James Levine, to end his season in Boston. This year he has been absent for 22 performances or 60 % of his schedule. Jayce Ogren will lead the world premiere of Peter Lieberson's Songs of Love and Sorrow March 25, 26, and 27. The following week, April 1, 2, and 3 in Boston, and April 5 at Carnegie Hall in New York, Rafael Frhbeck de Burgos will conduct Mendelssohn's Elijah.
The conductor for the world premiere of John Harbison's Double Concerto for violin and cello on a program with Mahler's Seventh Symphony, April 8, 9, and 10, will be announced.
New York City Opera's Madam Butterfly
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-22
For its spring season, the New York City Opera has revived a wonderful production of Madama Butterfly featuring Shu-Ying Li as Cio-Cio-San and presenting exciting debut performances by baritone Quinn Kelsey and mezzo Nina Yoshida Nelsen.
Dawn Upshaw and Emanuel Ax at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-19
The soprano Dawn Upshaw, first vocalist to win a MacArthur genius award for her promotion of new composers, and the infinitely apt pianist Emanuel Ax performed Chopin, Schumann and former poet laureate Billy Collins Piano Teacher poems set to music by Stephen Prutsman. They brought extraordinary musicality to this performance.
The New York Philharmonic: Riccardo Muti
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-11
Two one of a kind compositions by Beethoven and Cesar Franck were combined in a stunning program at Avery Fisher Hall. Riccardo Muti is interpreting Beethoven's only concerto for the violin, the D Major. Cesar Franck's seldom performed Symphony in D minor, is presented in the second half of the program. The compositions are both in D modes, and modality is explored creatively by both composers.
Shostakovich by a Nose at the Met
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-08
Peter Gelb,in a brilliant stroke, brings together Dimitri Shostakovich and William Kentridge at the Metropolitan Opera. The Nose had sixteen productions in Russia and then vanished. One critic noted a new musical language based on rhythm and timbre, rather than arias and cantilenas, everyday speech is set in music.
Riccardo Muti: The New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-05
Brahms, Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15 opened the program for the New York Philharmonic. Second up on the program conducted by Riccardo Muti was a symphony composed by Paul Hindemith, composed for Serge Koussevitsky during Tanglewood's first season.
Lauren Flanigan at the Graduate Center, CUNY
By: Susan Hall - 2010-03-03
Lauren Flanigan, among the most dramatic sopranos singing today, presented an evening of songs accompanied by Miriam Charney on the piano, and joined by actress Ellen Lauren and jazz singer Annie Ross with Tardo Hammer.
The Mount: Edith Whartons Parisian Salon
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-03-02
On Saturday, March 13, at 4:00 p.m., The Mount will present a special performance of Edith Whartons Parisian salon, featuring the Cantilena Chamber Choir. The concert is similar to those given by Edith Wharton in her Parisian salon to raise money for the Belgian war relief effort in World War I.
Riccardo Muti and Attila Debut at the Met
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-28
Several debuts were made at the Metropolitan Opera this week. Riccardo Muti, one of the world's great conductors, made his first appearance at the Met. He chose to conduct the Met's first production of Attila by Verdi. Miuccia Prada designed the costumes. The Pritzer-award winning Swiss architects, Jacques Herzog & Pierre deMeuron, created the sets.
CareFusion Jazz Festival New York
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-26
The legendary jazz producer, George Wein, the founder of the Newport Jazz Festival is returning to New York with the CareFusion Jazz Festival. There will be 45 concerts at 20 venues. On June 23 there will be a free concert on the Central Park Summer Stage.
George Wein Talks About CareFusion Festival
By: George Wein - 2010-02-26
Legendary jazz promoter, George Wein has been checking out clubs including crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. What he has heard will be featured in the upcoming events in June. Wein informs us that "We announced the schedule for the Care Fusion New York Jazz Festival a few days ago and after 60 years of producing jazz events I can still get excited; actually, more than usual."
Michael Tilson Thomas National Medal of Arts
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-25
Last summer Michael Tilson Thomas made an acclaimed return to Tanglewood. The Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, Founder and Artistic Director of the New World Symphony, Americas Orchestral Academy, and Principal Guest Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, has been awarded the National Medal of Arts, the nations highest award for artistic achievement. The award will be presented by President
Barack Obama at a ceremony at the White House.
Richie Havens at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-23
Richie Havens has kept on truckin' since Woodstock. Although that event was defining, he is as current today as he was then. His gravelly baritone still thrills.
The Real McCoy
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-23
Seeing a visibly aged McCoy Tyner recently at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center made me reach into the vault for notes and images of an afternoon together in October, 1979. It evoked memories of a life in the arts.
McCoy Tyner at the Mahaiwe
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-22
McCoy Tyner was barely twenty when for four years he played piano in "The Classic" John Coltrane Quartet. He appeared last night at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington. It was a powerful but too brief set by his trio that left the audience hungry for more.
Avery Sharpe Toured with McCoy Tyner
By: Tom Reney - 2010-02-22
The bass player, Avery Sharpe, fell by the Mahaiwe to catch a set by McCoy Tyner. He joined Tom Reney of WFCR at the Castle Street Cafe to discuss the music of Tyner. Reney has graciously allowed us to post the liner note essay for his 2009 recording Autumn Moonlight on JKNM Records.
125th Season of Boston Pops
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-02-20
In a great Boston tradition the Pops will open its 125th season at Symphony Hall on May 4. Keith Lockhart will conduct. A richly varied program continues through June 20. An evening of Pops will launch the Carole King James Taylor Tanglewood love in on Friday, July 2. A number of concerts have already sold out.
The Enchanted Pig at the New Victory Theater
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-19
The intimate theater that once housed Minsky's follies and triple X films, presents fabulous fare for children of all ages. The current production enchants.During school vacation week Susan Hall took her young companion Tanner for an outing in Times Square.
Adriadne auf Naxos at the Metropolitan Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-16
A difficult opera by Richard Strauss is brought to life with wonderful staging and mighty singing by Nina Stemme.
2010 Tanglewood Jazz Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-15
In what has become a season ending Labor Day Weekend event the 2010 Tanglewood Jazz Frestival will wail in Lenox on Saturday and Sunday, September 4 & 5. John Pizzarelli, his Dad, Bucky, and wife Jessica Molaskey will kick it off at 2 pm with a live broadcast of their popular "Radio Deluxe." Perhaps like last year, Kurt Elling will fall by to scat with John. He is featured that night.
Alan Gilbert Leads the New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-14
The New York Philharmonic presented two Mozart pieces sandwiching a new composition by Christopher Rouse, which turned out to be a Valentine. The putative Mozart Sinfonia Concertante that opened program was lovely in conductor Alan Gilbert's hands.
Tanglewood Tickets on Sale February 14
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-11
The 2010 Tanglewood season will start with a blokbuster Fourth of July weekend featuring Keith Lockhart and the Pops on Friday, with James Taylor and Carole King on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. And that's just the beginning. Tickets go on sale February 14
Tanglewood Adds Another Show on July 5
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-02-08
There is something magical about James Taylor and Tanglewood. But add his pal, Carole King, and wow. With the Pops on Friday, and three concerts by the dynamic duo, Tanglewood is set to draw some 60,000 visitors on the Fourth of July Weekend. Talk about fireworks. Zowie.
Elixir of Love: Chicago Lyric Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-03
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is presenting Donizetti's Elixir of Love throughout the month of February. The moment the curtain rises on a small southern Italian village, we meet Nemorino (Filianoti) who is passionately in love with Adina (Cabell), a coquette who is fickle as a breeze, flitting from man to man. She quickly recommends finding a new love each day as the solution to anyone's amorous issues.
A Noble Simon Boccanegra at the Met Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2010-02-02
Placido Domingo, singing the title role at the Metropolitan Opera, provides a stunning figure in Simon Boccanegra. It will be performed Live in HD, with James Levine conducting, at US and Canadian movie theaters on February 6th.
Tosca Tantalizes Chicago's Lyric Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2010-01-31
Tosca has been performed at all the American opera houses this season, and surely the production at the Lyric is one of the best.
James Levine & Met Orchestra at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2010-01-28
Taking on two symphonic war horses, the Schubert Unfinished and Beethoven's Fifth, James Levine helps you hear them as new. The program was performed on January 24.
BSO To Perform Elliott Carter's Flute Concerto
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-01-28
James Levine and the Boston Symphony Orchestra will give the American premiere of Elliott Carters Flute Concerto, featuring BSO principal flutist Elizabeth Rowe in her Symphony Hall solo debut, on February 4, with repeat performances on February 5 and 9. The program also features Brahmss Symphony No. 4 and the Overture and Entractes from Schuberts incidental music to the 1823 play Rosamunde.
BSO Concerts at Carnegie Hall
By: Ariel Petrova - 2010-01-27
For the 2010-11 Carnegie Hall season, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Music Director James Levine present a concentrated three-program series, Tuesday, March 15, Wednesday, March 16, and Thursday, March 17, 2011, at 8 p.m., as part of Carnegie Halls Great American Orchestras and Concerto Series.
Colonial Hosts Haiti Benefit Feb. 14
By: Bob Fowler - 2010-01-25
A benefit evening at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield on February 14 will feature performances by Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, The Mammals, Bobby Sweet, Vetiver, Tift Merritt, Meg Hutchinson, Kris Delmhorst, The Guthrie Family and special guests.
Champian Fulton at Eagle Hill Cultural Center
By: David Wilson - 2010-01-22
There will be a sweetheart of a concert by Champian Fulton on Valentine's Day at the Eagle Hill Cultural Center in Hardwick, Mass. Recently she was awarded the American Harvest Music Society for 2009 Best Jazz Vocalist & Pianist.
James Taylor Adds Second Show Jan. 22 & 23 at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington, Mass.
By: Charles Giuliano - 2010-01-18
Tickets to the James Taylor Haitian Relief benefit concert at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Cehter in Great Barrington sold out in just 90 minutes. With Kim and James Taylor matching ticket sales that raised $300,000 so far. Taylor has generously added a second show on January 23. Act fast.
Verdi's Stiffelio at the Metropolitan Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2010-01-17
Stiffelio, Verdi's mid career opera which had been banned when it was first produced, arrives at the Met. Placido Domingo conducted the magnificent Sondra Radvanovsky.
A Bold, Erotic Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD January 16
By: Susan Hall - 2010-01-13
This Carmen mounted by award-winning director Richard Eyre and conducted by Yannick Neret-Seguin, both making their Met debuts,is sure to thrill at your local Cineplex, live in HD, on Saturday, January 16th.
Der Rosenkavalier: Soars at the Met
By: Susan Hall - 2010-01-08
Recently the Metropolitan Opera came to your local theater in HD with Der Rosenkavalier. One cannot imagine a better cast or more compelling production.
Celebrating a New Year with Alan Gilbert & The New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2010-01-02
The Philharmonic celebrated New Year's Eve with an all American concert featuring Thomas Hampson, Baritone. The program included
Appalachian Spring, Aaron Copland, Old American Songs, Aaron Copland, Medley of Cole Porter songs, An American in Paris, George Gershwin.
James Levine Conducts the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
By: Susan Hall - 2009-12-22
James Levine conducted a beautiful program at Carnegie Hall on Sunday. Mezzo soprano, Stephanie Blythe, an elemental force, sang "Sea Pictures" Of course, being able to hear the details in Mahler is important, and Carnegie has one of the best acoustic environments in the world.
Fabio Luisi Conducts Hansel and Gretel at the Metropolitan Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2009-12-18
Last night the Metropollitan Opera presented "Hansel and Gretel," and a measure of the production's success is that every role is wonderfully sung, enhancing a gorgeous score. It completely absorbed and enchanted our reviewer's six year old companion.
Yo Yo Ma at Symphony Hall Jan. 6-12
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-12-16
Dutch early music specialist Ton Koopman leads a program of 18th- and 19th-century works by Haydn, C.P.E. Bach, and Schubert January 6-12. In addition to conducting the BSO from the podium, Mr. Koopman leads the orchestra from the harpsichord in a performance of Haydns Symphony No. 98, which features harpsichord obbligato. One of Mr. Koopmans close collaborators, Yo-Yo Ma, joins him and the orchestra as the soloist in Haydns Cello Concerto No. 1.
Strauss' Elektra at the Metropolitan Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2009-12-16
Elektra had its season premier at the Metropolitan Opera on December 10, with Susan Bullock in her Met debut in the title role. The opera as tone poem was conducted by Fabio Luisi with passion and clarity. The score is unrelenting, powerful, but also vulgar and unembarrassed. That was how it was played. It was a thrilling evening.
Hark the Herald: The NY Philharmonic Brass
By: Susan Hall - 2009-12-14
The Philharmonic Brass has offered a holiday festival since 1995, with invited guests. Sunday they were joined by the West Point Concert Band Brass.
Bazaar Productions at Mass MoCA
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-12-12
Bazaar Productions, in collaboration with MASS MoCA, will present a work-in-progress showing of The Waypoint, a play that began development during the EarlyStages Program at The Berkshire Fringe in 2008. After a two-week residency with the original ensemble The Waypoint will be performed on Saturday, February 6, at 8 PM in Club B-10 as part of MASS MoCA's Alt Cabaret series.
The Cultural Center At Eagle Hill, Hardwick, MA
By: David Wilson - 2009-12-10
The Cultural Center At Eagle Hill is ambitious, original and offers a model we fervently wish would be adopted by other communities.
Arlo Guthrie Performs at Shakespeare & Company
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-12-06
A near capacity audience braved the first storm of the winter to attend a benefit, solo performance by a Berkshire neighbor, Arlo Guthrie. It was a great evening at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox.
Boston Pops At Symphony Hall
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-11-30
In a great Boston tradition Keith Lockhart will conduct the Boston Pops in all of the Holiday favorites. The fun begins on December 9 at Symphony Hall. There will be 35 performances through December 27. Followed by a New Year's Eve gala.
Music Museum of New England
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-11-28
The Music Museum of New England is dedicated to preserving the musical heritage of the region. Currently operating a website, its long-term goal is to build an archive and open a visitors center. Many area musicians will celebrate the season in a benefit for MM/ONE on December 13 at the
Regent Theatre in Arlington, Mass.
Karita Mattila as Katya Kabanova at Chicago's Lyric Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2009-11-27
Karita Mattila performs the title role in Leos Janacek's Katya Kabanova with her glorious voice on full display. The production at the Lyric Opera is peerless. Janacek is recognized with Benjamin Britten as one of the two great operatic composers of the 20th century.
Jerry Corbitt's CD Along for the Ride
By: David Wilson - 2009-11-25
Reviewing a new country flavored CD by Jerry Corbitt was an opportunity to reflect on a friend. Wilson managed him before Corbitt joined the Youngbloods and a career as solo performer,writer, producer and sideman. Recently they reconnected through Facebook.
Arlo Guthrie at Shakespeare & Company
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-11-24
A Berkshire legend, singer songwriter, Arlo Guthrie, will perform a special benefit concert for Shakespeare & Company in Lenox. The performance followed by a dessert reception will occur on December 5. He will perform an acoustic set in the Founders Theatre. Arlo will perform at Symphony Hall in June and with the Pops this summer at Tanglewood.
Riccardo Muti Conducts the New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2009-11-22
Both orchestra and audience eagerly await the arrival of Riccardo Muti at Avery Fisher Hall. The program on November 19th progressed from Liszt, to Elgar,to Prokovief's ravishing "Romeo and Juliet."
James Taylor and Carole King at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-11-21
The Berkshires will be booked solid for the Fourth of July weekend. On Friday night Keith Lockhart will lead the Pops in its 125th anniversary concert. On Saturday and Sunday the legendary song writers James Taylor and Carole King will bring their world tour to Tanglewood.
Tanglewood Announces 2010 Season
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-11-21
Once again the Boston Symphony Orchestra has scheduled a full, rich and diverse season for Tanglewood 2010. Many of the most beloved composers and conductors will be featured.
On the Road with the Boston Pops
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-11-16
America's Orchestra, the Boston Pops, conducted by Keith Lockhart will launch its annual Northeast Tour on December 5 in Storrs, Connecticut and end in Providence on the 19th. These appearance will coincide with Symphony Hall performances from December 9 to 27. Yo, ho, ho.
Cantilena Chamber Choir: World Favorite Carols
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-11-14
There will be a combination of rarities, surprises as well as familiar favorites during the special Holiday concert "The Worlds Favorite Carols." Cantilena Chamber Choir and Trinity Church Youth & Adults Choirs will perform at Trinity Church in Lenox, on Sunday, December 6, at 3 p.m. Deck the halls.
Jazz Funk Trio Medeski Martin & Wood at MASS MoCA November 12
By: Caleb Hiliadis - 2009-11-09
Arriving with a full head of steam, Medeski, Martin & Wood are expected to pack Mass MoCA's Hunter Center in a SRO performance as part of their Radiolarians project. Like its microscopic organism namesake, Radiolarians is new music in the jazz funk realm that inverts the natural order of all things musical.
Esther at the New York City Opera
By: Susan Hall - 2009-11-09
On November 6, the New York City Opera presented "Esther" a haunting and beautiful opera by American composer Hugo Weisgall It was performed in the renovated concert hall in a renovated concert hall, the David H. Koch Theater of Lincoln Center.
BSO About to Announce Tanglewood Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-11-07
The overall Tanglewood attendance was up some 20,000 last summer. But subtract the 61,198 for the five day sellout of James Taylor and Friends and Tanglewood would have been down some 40,000 with an overall loss even greater than the $3 to 4 million reported by the Berkshire Eagle. Will there be any surprises when the coming season is announced on November 20?
Thomas Hampson at the New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2009-11-06
The New York Philharmonic, under the baton of famed Estonian conductor Neeme Jarvi performed Beethoven, Mozart and Zemlinsky last evening at Avery Fisher Hall. The program is repeated on November 6 and 10.
Lise Lindstrom Triumphs in Turandot
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-11-03
It was a classic example of "A Star Is Born." Because of a flu for soprano Maria Guleghina at the last minute Lise Lindstrom, who is known for her Turandot, made her Met debut to thunderous applause. It was an evening of enchanting fantasy in the magnificent Franco Zeffirelli production. It comes to a theater near you live in HD on November 7.
Eclectic ETHEL Debuts Original Score at Williamstown Film Festival
By: Caleb Hiliadis - 2009-11-02
New Yorks eclectic string quartet ETHEL created an original score for the Mexican Sci-Fi film La Nave de los Monstruos ("Ship of Monsters."). The group delivered a perfect melding of strings and sound effects to accompany the B-Film classic. While the film and performers were lighthearted and campy, the music had a surprising depth, performed with an ear for improvisation.
Lang Lang and Friends at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2009-10-28
Super pianist Lang Lang performed chamber music in the company of friends and presented future talents as part of a Festival celebrating Chinese culture.
Amanda McBroom's Cabaret Performances
By: Larry Murray - 2009-10-20
Last summer Amanda McBroom played two memorable SRO evenings at Barrington Stage 2. She was a sensation. This weekend she returns to meet the apparently insatiable thirst for genuine cabaret singers that exists in the Berkshires and surrounding hills. We talk to her about her two great talents, songwriting and singing powerful songs straight from the heart.
Dr. Dog Unleashes a Fun, Foot Stomping Evening at Mass MoCA
By: Caleb Hiliadis - 2009-10-19
During Open Studios Weekend, Philadelphia based Dr. Dog rocked Mass MoCA with a people pleasing blend of psychedlia, 7th chords and synchronized foot stomping. Northamptons Winterpills, who toured with Cake last fall, opened for them. It was the first appearance by both bands at Mass MoCA which once again found a younger audience much in evidence.
Christine Brewer Bewitches at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2009-10-15
Christine Brewer, a magnificent American soprano, performed a varied program accompanied by Craig Rutenberg. They performed works by Gluck. Strauss,Marx, Britten, Marx and Wagner.
Award Winner Hahn-Bin's Debut at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2009-10-12
What do Hahn Bin, Emanuel Ax, Ruth Laredo, Dawn Upshaw, Richard Goode, Pinchas Zuckerman and the Tokyo String Quarter have in common. They are all winners of the prestigious Young Concert Artists award. The Mohwk coiffed performer made his Carnegie Hall Award Concert debut before an appreciative audience.
Richie Havens at the Colonial in Pittsfield
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-10-11
The Woodstock film captured a clip of the legendary, three hour long set by Richie Havens which opened three days of music. It earned him a place in the Hippie Hall of Fame. There was an acid flashback for the fans last night at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. With an evocative opening set by Berkshire singer Meg Hutchinson.
Aida by Giuseppe Verdi Premieres at the Metropolitan Opera House
By: Susan Hall - 2009-10-05
Aida made its season premier on October 2 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. This beloved opera has everything -- a passionate love triangle, war between neighbors, father pitted against daughter (in a scene that rivals that of Brunhilde and Wotan), priests who rule under a ruthless God, and rulers who cannot accept either losses or victories as sufficient. The opera will be broadcast in the Live from the Met series on October 24 at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington.
Amanda Palmer Pops into New Year
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-10-05
The bad girl and lead singer of the Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer, promises to put some zing into the traditional New Year's Eve celebration at Symphony Hall in Boston. She will join Keith Lockhart for an evening of fun and games. My goodness.
Alan Gilbert Conducts the New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2009-10-01
On September 30,the New York Philharmonic presented EXPO, a new Magnus Lindberg work, two compositions by Charles Ives and a dynamic performance of Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto featuring Emanuel Ax.
Brahms and Schoenberg at the New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2009-09-26
It was exciting to be at Avery Fisher Hall as Alan Gilbert led the New York Philharmonic in the Brahms vioin concerto and Schoenberg's Pelleas and Melinsande.
A New Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York
By: Susan Hall - 2009-09-22
An eagerly awaited new production for Puccini's Tosca opened the Met for the 2009-2010 season, and will be broadcast Live in HD on October 10.
Fans Love Metropolitan Opera HD Screenings
By: Larry Murray - 2009-09-22
The Met's Live in HD opera presentations begins its fourth season of telecasts to the big screen on Saturday, October 10 with a
new production of Puccinis Tosca. Tickets are difficult to find, and at Great Barrington's Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, tickets for the first few telecasts were quickly gobbled up by Berkshire residents. Tickets remain at other venues, and we have the latest scoop on the entire season.
Maestro Alan Gilbert at New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2009-09-16
September 16, 2009,the day we have waited for. Maestro Alan Gilbert takes the podium at Avery Fisher Hall...
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Swings into the Berkshires
By: Larry Murray - 2009-09-12
The first stop on their national tour was the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy blew the roof off the venerable old hall at its opening concert. This legendary powerhouse proves that nothing comes close to the sound of a live big band.
Summer HD Festival in Lincoln Center Plaza - Part Two
By: Susan Hall - 2009-09-08
Although these opera broadcasts were encores, they seemed very present -- revealing the originals in a new and satisfying experience.
Tanglewood Jazz Festival 2009: Come Sunday
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-09-07
The Sunday program, ending the three day Tanglewood Jazz Festival featured blistering afternoon and evening programs of straight up jazz. It was a take no prisoners conclusion to a fabulous season of music in the Berkshires.
Regina Carter, Nnenna Freelon & Harolyn Blackwell at Tanglewood Jazz Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-09-06
Day two of the Tanglewood Jazz Festival was intense with programming from 2 PM through 11 pm. The afternoon featured a broadcast of John Pizzarelli's Radio Delux. The evening started magnificently with the Regina Carter Quintet. But ended poorly with the enervating "Dreaming the Duke" which combined the singers Nnenna Freelon and Harolyn Blackwell.
Paquito dRivera Opens Tanglewood Jazz Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-09-05
The nine time Grammy winner, Paquito d'Rivera, who defected from Cuba in 1981, kicked off the annual Labor Day Jazz Festival. He offered a stunning tribute to the original Mambo King, the bass player Israel "Cahcao" Lopez. It was a blistering evening of Latin Jazz.
Summer HD Festival Soars in Lincoln Center Plaza
By: Susan Hall - 2009-09-03
The economy made the traditional free concerts in New York City parks prohibitively expensive, but we've been treated to something even better. There were HD Metropolitan Opera broadcasts from Lincoln Center.
James Taylor: Sunday at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-31
For the Sunday afternoon concert at Tanglewood, ending the five day James Taylor marathon the sea of umbrellas out on the lawn offered shade from blazing late summer sun not shelter from the rain as on the previous soggy evenings. It was a glorious concert with JT backed by John Williams conducting the Boston Pops.
James Taylor: Fire and Rain
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-29
It was yet another sloppy evening for the plucky souls hunkered down on the lawn at Tanglewood. But James Taylor, with special guests, Yo Yo Ma and Sheryl Crow, just sizzled. He warmed the hearts of the thousands who braved yet another miserable evening during the Monsoon of 2009.
James Taylor at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-28
James Taylor has donated his $500,000 fee for a weekend of concerts at Tanglewood. Some 60,000 tickets have been sold for the unique season ending series. The event was launched last night at Ozawa Hall in a program that featured the band and four backup singers.
Tanglewood: Michael Tilson Thomas to Conduct Beethovens Ninth
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-21
Following the performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas on Sunday, August 23, the Boston Symphony Orchestra will end its Tanglewood Season. But next week, August 27-30, James Taylor will be featured in four, sold out performances. Followed by Labor Day weekend's Tanglewood Jazz Festival.
The Brave Encompass New Opera in New York
By: Susan Hall - 2009-08-16
On June 19 and 20 at the Gerald Lynch Theater in New York the indominatable Nancy Rhodes mounted a new opera by Louis Gioia
Kind of Blue at Lenox Library on August 17
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-15
It was 50 years ago, on August 17, 1959 that the renowned Miles Davis album "Kind of Blue" was released. It has come to be regarded as a jazz masterpiece. Musicolgist and author on Davis, Jeremy Yudkin, is hosting a tribute with live music at the Lenox Library in the Berkshires.
Karl Orffs Carmina Burana at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-11
This past weekend at Tanglewood presented an abundance of riches. Pops on Friday night feature guest artist Chris Botti. On Saturday the audience was thrilled by "Carmina Burana." Yo Yo Ma peformed on Sunday afternoon. The Festival continues with Andre Previn, Michael Tilson Thomas and Kurt Masur.
The Temptations and the Four Tops at Ravinia Festival
By: Susan Hall - 2009-08-10
After a rollicking Motown anniversary celebration where the Temptations and the Four Tops appeared in a battle-of-the-bands, the groups decided to go on the road together from time to time. On Friday August 7th they appeared together in a program at Ravinia in Chicago
Chris Botti at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-08
A capacity audience on a lovely summer night delighted in guest artist, trumpet player Chris Botti, appearing with Keith Lockhart. The program also featured a tribute to Benny Goodman, the King of Swing, who was born a hundred years ago. His solos were performed by Thomas Martin.
Rapturous Russia, Piano Concertos at Chicago's Ravinia Festival
By: Susan Hall - 2009-08-07
Billed as Rapturous Russia, the stage at Ravinia, summer home of the Chicago Symphony, was filled with glamorous ladies at the top of their game performing the first concertos of Shostakovich, Prokovief and Rachmaninoff.
Tanglewood: Sir James Galway, De Burgos' All Stravinsky
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-08-04
Sir James Galway, was in a Blarney mood anticipating his 70th birthday, December 8, but actually celebrating his anniversary. He was joined for flute duets by the stunning Lady Bonnie Galway. They made beautiful music. In another mood Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos conducted an all Stravinsky program.
Tanglewood on Parade
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-29
Fireworks blazed in a rousing climax to an epic performance of the "1812 Overture" with a massive orchestra. There was a gorgeous and all too rare summer night for the sold out annual "Tanglewood on Parade."
James Levine Conducts Don Giovanni
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-28
Despite a truly terrible night with torrential downpours a capacity audience turned out for one of the season's highlights. The maestro, James Levine, conducted a fully staged production in the intimate theatre barn of Mozart's "Don Giovanni." It was directed by Ira Siff with Elliot Madore as Don Giovanni and the magnificent Layla Claire, a rising star, as Donna Anna.
Tony Bennett Swings Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-22
Tony Bennett, now 83 years young, evoked a master's class on jazz and the American songbook at Tanglewood before a damp but delighted audience. It was a family affair with his daughter, Antonia, opening the program with several songs
James Levine at Tanglewood
By: Susan Hall - 2009-07-20
On Friday, July 17th, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with Leon Fleisher as piano soloist, performed Mozart's Piano Concerto in A Major and then took on the majestic Mahler Sixth Symphony under James Levine. It was yet another example of the Divine Levine.
John Williams at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-19
There was a sold out Shed and a crowded lawn for the annual Film Night conducted by the composer John Williams. He holds the record for Oscar nominations and has taken home five Academy Awards. He was joined by narrator Frank Langella in a tribute to Warner Brothers studio.
Tanglewood This Week: Mahler, Film Night
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-15
With all the cold and wet weather we are still waiting for summer to arrive in the Berkshires. It is amazing to realize that we are sliding into the third weekend at Tanglewood. On Friday night James Levine will conduct Mahler. And on Saturday one of the annual highlights of the season will feature John Williama in a Film Night tribute to Warner Brothers.
James Levine Conducts Rite of Spring
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-06
When Igor Stavinsky's ballet "Le Sacre du Printemps," with choreography by Vaslav Nijinski, premiered in Paris with the Ballets Russes on May 29, 1913 it provoked a riot. A light attendance for James Levine conducting at Tanglewood indicates that after almost a century it is still a hard sell. Judging by a standing ovation and encore it was clear that much of the audience had come to hear violinist Christian Tarzlaff perform Brahms.
Diana Kralls Tanglewood Cabaret
By: Charles Giulianp - 2009-07-05
Miraculously Diana Krall transformed a packed Shed and several thousand on the Lawn at Tanglewood into the most intimate cabaret. With sizzling jazz piano, a scorching quartet and torchy lyrics. Krall took time to chat about her husband, Elvis Costello, twin boys, and getting hugs from the Obamas during a recent visit to the White House. Ending with fireworks.
Keeping Up With Tanglewood
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-07-04
Coming into the second week of the Tanglewood season we greatly anticipate James Levine conducting Wagners Die Meistersinger on July 11. Later he will conduct Mozarts Don Giovanni. There is always so much going on that there is no time t take a breath during the dense season. On the occasion night off or when we have to be somewhere else friends invariably tell us what we have missed.
So get our your calendar and start planning ahead. The wonderful Tanglewood season always seems to go by in a blur. Between now and the Labor Day Jazz Festival, pack a basket, spread the blanket, open the wine and enjoy a glorious night under the stars.
James Levine Conducts Opening Night at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-04
Last night was the official launch of the Tanglewood season with James Levine conducting an all Tchaikovsky program. There will also be Tchaikovsky tonight in the Fourth of July celebration on the Esplanade in Boston conducted by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops. Tonight, there will also be fireworks following the performance in Lenox of Diana Krall. The summer music season has been launched full blast.
Bang on a Can at Mass MoCA
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-07-02
From Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, August 1, Bang on a Can and MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) will present the eighth annual Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival at MASS MoCA. The Festival is dedicated entirely to programming today's most innovative new music and includes public performances, workshops for participants in everything from Balinese music to improvisation, master classes, music business seminars, and more.
Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-07-01
The two day event Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival last weekend at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center was an artistic success that drew 12,027 visitors. In a tough economy that represents a slight increase over last year's attendance for the annual event. Highlights included Patti LaBelle, George Benson and Dave Brubeck.
Tanglewood Off and Running
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-07-01
The Tanglewood Music Festival kicks into high gear this week. The official gala opening of the season will be marked by James Levine conducting an all Tchaikovsky program on Friday, July 3. Followed by the traditional fireworks pop star Diana Krall appears on the Fourth of July. And on Sunday afternoon there will be a different kind of pyrotechnics when Levine leads the orchestra in Stravinsky's magnificent and visceral "Rites of Spring."
On the Silk Road with Yo Yo Ma
By: Susan Hall - 2009-06-12
Yo Yo Ma advances cultural diffusion with his extraordinary mix of East and West The Silk Road Ensemble performed at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center.
32nd Annual Freihofer Jazz Festival
By: Bob Fowler - 2009-06-11
Despite the poor economy tickets to the 32nd annual Freihofer Jazz Festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, June 27 and 28 are selling briskly. Jazz fans are advised to act quickly to avoid disappointment.
Chanteuse Barbara Cook Soars with the New York Philharmonic
By: Susan Hall - 2009-06-02
A luminous Barbara Cook, now 83, delivered "an evening for the records" at Avery Fisher Hall. This in turn brought the house down.
The New York Philharmonic at St. John the Divine
By: Susan Hall - 2009-05-26
The annual Memorial Day concert the New York PHilharmonic performs in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, honors the dead and inaugurates its free summer concert program.
Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) Enlivens Audiences and Completes 12th Season with Five World Premieres
By: Erica H. Adams - 2009-05-25
Friday, May 22nd, Boston Modern Orchestra Project's five premieres include final appearance of Composer-in-Residence Lisa Bielawa and New England based composers Geoffrey Gordon, Eric Moe, Lewis Spratlan and Thomas Oboe Lee.
Dickey Betts Rocks the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-05-21
In 2000, after some 30 years as a founding member, Dickey Betts was fired from the Allman Brothers Band. He now tours fronting Great Southern which played at the sold out Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. It was a great night of country blues.
Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) Completes 12th Season with Five World Premieres
By: Erica H. Adams - 2009-05-17
Final concert of 12th season, Boston Modern Orchestra Project present Five World Premieres. Lisa Bielawa's final appearance as Composer-In-Residence premieres In medias res.
Mahler's 7th Symphony at Carnegie Hall
By: Susan Hall - 2009-05-15
At Carnegie Hall in New York, the State Orchestra of Berlin under Daniel Barenboim performed Gustav Mahler's 7th Symphony and the Wayfarer songs, with Thomas Hampson. This was part of the larger series in which all the Mahler symphonies have been performed in order. It wasn't hard to see why this doesn't happen often as the work requires at least 80 musicians.
Boston Pops With Guest Artists Maya Beiser and John Pizzarelli
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-05-13
For the 124th season of the Boston Pops Keith Lockhart performed with guest artists, Maya Beiser, on cello, and the jazz quartet of John Pizzaerlli. While Pizarelli is a frequent peformer with the Pops this was the debut appearance for Beiser whom Lockhart described as the "Queen of Post Modern Cello."
Tanglewood Special Offers
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-05-04
The BSO and Tanglewood are making you an offer you cannot refuse. The season long Grass Pass offers admission to most events. The 45/45 combines two lawn tickets with two tickets to the Clark Art Institute. There are also hotel/ back stage and ticket offers. Check it out.
Pianist Nicki Denner Brings Latin Beat to Mass MoCA
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-04-22
The Latin jazz pianist Nicki Denner will perform at the Hunter Center of Mass MoCA on Friday, May 1. With the easing of travel restrictions for Americans with family in Cuba this is a call for celebration with a night of music and dance.
Boston Symphony Orchestra 2009-2010 Season
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-04-17
The complete Beethoven Symphonies will be among the 15 programs that James Levine will lead during the 2009-2010 season of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In addition to Mahler, Mendelssohn, Mozart and Renee Flemming performing the Four Last Songs of Strauss there will be premieres by Carter, Harbison, Leiberson and John Williams.
John Harbisons Opera Winters Tale
By: Erica H, Adams - 2009-03-24
The 70th birthday of esteemed America composer John Harbison (b. 1938) was celebrated in Jordan Hall, where Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) staged the first complete performance of Harbisons first opera, Winters Tale (1974, revised 1991). Opera is Harbisons favorite medium. He won a 1987 Pulitzer Prize for his cantata Flight into Egypt.
Renee Fleming as Rusalka at the Metropolitan Opera
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-03-23
Antonin Dvorak's opera "Rusalka" premiered in Prague in 1901. It took 92 years before its first performance at the Metropolitan Opera. The diva, Renee Fleming performed the lead role in 1997 and 2004. Her recent performance as the water spirit who falls in love with a human was utterly enchanting.
Tanglewood 2009 News Updates
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-03-20
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is going all out to make the 2009 season a boffo hit for Tanglewood. Jazz singer Tony Bennett has been added on July 21. Sheryl Crow will join James Taylor. The Clark Art Institute will join Tanglewood for a special twofer ticket promotion. This is just a sample of the exciting news.
Tanglewood Sold Out for James Taylor Performances
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-03-18
For the coming season the ever popular annual appearance by Berkshire native, James Taylor, has been shifted from the Fourth of July weekend to close the season, August 27-30, and anticipate the annual Jazz Festival on Labor Day weekend which falls late this year. The BSO announces that other than lawn tickets the Taylor concerts have sold out.
Bellinis La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
By: Charles Giuliano - 2009-03-18
On Saturday, March 21, there will be a live HD broadcast in American movie theatres of a new Metropolitan Opera production of Vincenzo Bellini's 1831 Bel Canto masterpiece "La Sonnambula." The opera stars the soprano Natalie Dessay in the demanding role of Amina and the tenor Elvino, Juan Diego Florez, who rejects her for alleged infidelity the night before their wedding.
Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) Celebrates 70th Birthday of composer John Harbison
By: Erica H. Adams - 2009-03-14
Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) celebrates the 70th birthday of composer John Harbison (b.1938) one of America's most prominent artistic figures. BMOP presents the first complete performance of Harbison's revised version of "Winter's Tale" his first opera, on Friday, March 20th, 8:00 PM, at Jordon Hall.
BSO and James Levine Release First Major Recordings
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-02-20
The Boston Symphony Orchestra releases its first major recordings with Music Director James LevineRavel's complete Daphnis and Chlo, Brahms's A German Requiem, Mahler's Symphony No. 6, William Bolcom's Eighth Symphony, and Bolcom's Lyric Concerto for flute and orchestraavailable on the orchestra's own BSO Classics label through its website at bso.org.
The Metropolitan Opera Announces 2009-2010 Season
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-02-11
Music Director James Levine conducts a new production of Tosca on Opening Night as well as four other operas Many of the worlds greatest singers are featured in new roles. Debuts include conductors Pierre Boulez, Riccardo Muti, Andris Nelsons, Yannick Nzet-Sguin, and Esa-Pekka Salonen; directors Pierre Audi, Luc Bondy, Patrice Chreau, Richard Eyre, and William Kentridge; designers Herzog & de Meuron, Rob Howell, Richard Peduzzi, and Miuccia Prada In its fourth season, The Met: Live in HD series will include nine live transmissions to more than 35 countries around the world
Boston Pops 2009
By: Ariel Petrova - 2009-02-05
Barbara Cook will kick off the 2009 season of the Boston Pops on May 9. For the 15th year Keith Lockhart will conduct. Overall there is a great Pops tradition which is now 124 years old. The Pops will debut material from its new Red Sox CD. Other higlights include tributes to Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Benny Goodman.
Eulogy for the Berkshire Opera Company
By: Larry Murray - 2009-01-26
It appears that as it reaches its 25th Anniversary, there could be a funeral instead of a celebration for the Berkshire Opera Company. Its fate will be decided at a crucial board meeting in the near future.
Claremont Trio Honors Kirchner's 90th Birthday
By: Erica H. Adams - 2009-01-17
Composer Leon Kirchner is honored on his 90th birthday by New York based Claremont Trio and others at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Show and Tell (and Play) with Philip Glass at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
By: Larry Murray - 2009-01-17
On the coldest night of the Berkshire winter, Philip Glass was welcomed back to the Hunter Center at Mass MoCA with the warmth and love that only a family of admirers can provide. For two hours he chatted amiably with Boston Phoenix critic Gerald Peary about the films he has scored, and entertained the audience by playing several excerpts from his work.
Tanglewood Jazz Festival 2009
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-12-18
In the span of the past few years the Tanglewood Jazz Festival has quickly become established as a Labor Day Weekend tradition in the Berkshires. For 2009 it will come following an extra week of programming featuring James Taylor. So the Second Line will rock and goove home titubating the last gasp of summer.
Ozawa Conducts Queen of Spades
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-12-15
For the first time since his debut in 1992 Seiji Ozawa returned to the Metropolitan Opera to conduct "The Queen of Spades" by Tchaikovsky. The production stars Ben Heppner as Ghermann and Maria Guleghina as Lisa. Since leaving the BSO in 2002 Ozawa has been the music director of the Vienna State Opera.
Renee Fleming Stars in Massenets Thais
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-12-13
On December 20, Renee Fleming in "Thais" by Jules Massenet will be seen on screen at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington as well at 850 theatres in 28 countries as a part of The Met: Live in HD series. We covered a recent performance at the Met in anticipation of the live broadcast one of eleven during the 2008-2009 season.
Boston Pops to Present 32 Concerts December 11-28
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-11-21
It will be Jingle Bells at Symphony Hall from December 11 through 28 as Keith Lockhart conducts the Boston Pops in a marathon of 32 concerts including the premiere of a commissioned work The Polar Express. Bundle up and enjoy a great Boston tradition.
Tanglewood 2009
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-11-21
Despite a tough economy the Tanglewood Music Festival is planning a spectacular 2009 season. Although there is a dense schedule another week has been added between the official end of the BSO performnances and the annual Jazz Festival. During the interim James Taylor will be in residence from August 27-30.
Boston Symphony Orchestra Offers $20 Tickets to Those Under 40
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-11-19
In a special outreach to a younger audience the Boston Symphony Orchestra has launched a new program with special ticket prices targeted at those under 40. Our report includes a full schedule of available events.
Ned Rorem's Opera Our Town set for New England Debut in Peterborough, NH
By: Lawrence A. Johnson - 2008-10-28
Ned Rorem celebrates his 85th birthday this week. His opera "Our Town"is based on the Thornton Wilder play. It will make its New England premiere on November 14-16 in Peterborough, NH and February 12-16 of 2009 at Tufts University. This chamber opera, according to Musical America, has emerged as one of those rare new operas that seem destined to survive. Writer Lawrence Johnson catches up with Ned.
Pianist Dave McKenna Was 78
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-10-20
Dave McKenna grew up in Rhode Island. After years of touring with Woody Herman and Charlie Ventura, among others, by the 1960s he was primarily a solo artist. We heard him often in Boston including a memorable gig with Tony Bennett in a broadcast for PBS.
TV on the Radios New CD Dear Science
By: Jordan Young - 2008-10-04
How do you define a band that transcends the typical limits of genre? Uh, they are synth- driven, acappella and doo-wop roots rock, indie-funk-electro with a horn section. TVOTR has a new CD "Dear Science."
Jumpin Jambalaya at MCLA
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-10-03
As the MC for MCLA, Jonathan Secor stated, it was to be a "typical evening of New Orleans music." As though we were transported to the Maple Leaf Bar where Papa Grows Funk is the house band. For this Berkshire gig there were special guests Walter "Wolfman" Washington and pianist, Joe Krown. They put up a stunning wall of sound.
The Berkshire Arts Season Summer 2008
By: Astrid Hiemer - 2008-09-17
Memories of many wonderful nights in the Shed and under the stars on the lawn at Tanglewood. As well as superb Berkshire theatre.
Flown Home Band at Eclipse Mill Gallery
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-09-13
On short notice the North Adams based Flown Home Band performed a concert at the Eclipse Mill Gallery. Despite the limited lead time there was a nice turn out for the launch of a series of concerts
live at the Eclipse.
Tanglewood Jazz Festival 2008 Generations
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-09-07
There was a sense of the passing of the torch as Marian McPartland celebrated her 9oth birthday taping her NPR program with the emerging artists Nnenna Freelon and Spencer Day
Tanglewood Jazz Festival 2008 Donal Fox and Christian Scott
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-09-02
The pianist Donal Fox and his quintet, featuring the young trumpet player,Christian Scott, presented a confluence of Baroque music and jazz feeling. While hailed as represeting the "future" of jazz there is in fact a long tradition of this experimentation.
Tanglewood Jazz Festival 2008 Terence Blanchard
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-09-01
As New Orleans based musician, Terence Blanchard, led his quintet and a 34 piece orchetstra through his evening long composition "A Tale of God's Will: A Requiem for Katrina" just three years after that tragedy, ironically, the city was evacuated and braced for Hurricane Gustav which again battered the Crescent City. It made the music all the more powerful and emotionally charged.
Tanglewood Jazz Festival 2008 Opening Night
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-30
The much anticipated Tanglewood Jazz Festival, an annual Labor Day Weekend event, got off to a swinging start last night with the Edmar Castaneda Quartet, with Joe Locke, and the Brazilian pianist, Eliane Elias and her trio.
Tanglewood Jazz Festival 2008
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-25
All the cats and hipsters plan to groove at Ozawa Hall for the annual, Labor Day Weekend celebration of the Tanglewod Jazz Festival. Terence Blanchard will conduct a 30 piece orchestra in his Grammy Award winning "A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina)."
A First Class Marriage of Figaro by Berkshire Opera
By: Larry Murray - 2008-08-19
At the Colonial Theatre, under the baton of Kathleen Kelly, the principal singers and orchestra of the Berkshire Opera honored every note of Mozart's classic opera while the staging by Gregory Keller brought the story and action into the 21st Century. Mozart would have loved the sense of playfulness that surrounded his glorious music.
Wilco Rocks Tanglewood To Full House
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-13
While Tanglewood has been hesitant to respond to demands for more diverse programming last night there was a full house for the leading rock band Wilco. The summer home of the BSO will never be the same.
Tanglewood On Parade Features Five Renowned Conductors
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-06
During the annual Tanglewood on Parade there was a lively round of musical chairs as Hans Graf, Sir Andrew Davis, Keith Lockhart, John Williams and Andre Previn took turns as conductors.
Renee Fleming and Peter Mattei Star in Eugene Onegin at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-08-03
James Levine was originally scheduled to conduct "Eugene Onegin" but Sir Andrew Davis, on fairly short notice, rose to the occasion. It was a wonderful performance starring the magnificent Renee Fleming at Tatiana and a Tanglewood debut for Peter Mattei in the title role.
Steven Spielberg Joins John Williams at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-27
For his Tenth Annual Film Night at Tanglewood conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra John Williams offered an overview of composing for some 100 films. The second half of the program was devoted to Indiana Jones narrated by surprise guest Steven Spielberg.
Elliott Carter at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-24
The composer, Elliott Carter, who will turn 100 on December 11, was on hand for the week long Tanglewood Festival of Contemporary Music. Nobody appeared to enjoy the occasion more than Carter himself as he rose over and over to acknowledge applause from wildly enthusiastic audiences.
Magnificent Mahler and Barbara Cook Scintillates At Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-15
From now through Labor Day there is a compelling reason to attend the Tanglewood Music Festival. On Saturday we enjoyed Mahler's Symphony Number Two in C minor, conducted by Bernard Haitink. And we returned a couple of days later for an evening of the cabaret artist Barbara Cook.
Keith Lockhart Conducts A Little Night Music at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-09
The original, 1973, Broadway production of "A Little Night Music" won Tony Awards for the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim and the book of Hugh Wheeler. To date, however, there has not been a Broadway revival. Keith Lockhart led the Pops through a concert version of the musical to the delight of a Tanglewood audience.
Following Triumphant Opening James Levine Cancels His Summer Tanglewood Appearances
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-08
This past weekend James Levine, artistic director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was given rave reviews for opening the Tanglewood season with a two day concert peformance of the massive and magnificent Berlioz Opera "Les Troyens." It was learned today that Levine will undergo surgery this week. His remaining Tanglewood duties are cancelled but he hopes to be back to cover the opening of the BSO.
Magnificent Production of Les Troyens by Hector Berlioz at Tanglewood's 2008 Opening Night
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-07-06
Anna Caterina Antonicci, soprano, was riveting as Cassandra, the Trojan prophetess ignored by her fellow citizens in the tragic opera, Les Troyens, by Hector Berlioz. A concert version of the enormous and ambitious work, conducted by James Levine and the Boston Symphony Orchestra opened the Tanglewood 2008 season.
James Taylor and Fireworks at Tanglewood on the Fourth
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-06-30
Tickets for the two James Taylor concerts on July 3 & 4 at Tanglewood sold out within hours of being put on sale. On Saturday evening the BSO summer residence offically opens with The Trojans (Part Two on Sunday afternooon) by Berlioz conducted by artistic director, James Levine. This past weekend during the Shoulder Season we attended perormances by the Mark Morris company and a broadcast of Prairie Home Companion.
For Summer 2008:Tanglewood Announces Jazz Festival for Labor Day Weekend
By: Charles Giuliano - 2008-02-15
The recently established tradition returns to Lenox, Mass with the annual Labor Day Weekend Tanglewood Jazz Festival. Tickets to all Tanglewood events are now on sale.
Jazz Pianist Oscar Peterson: 1925- 2007
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-12-25
The Canadian born jazz pianist Oscar Peterson belonged to a tradition of improvisation and superb musicianship that was more mainstream than experimental. He cut many sides in a variety of combinations for Norman Granz and his Verve and later Pablo labels.
Summer Home for the Boston Symphony Orchestra Announces 2008 Tanglewood Season
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-11-30
The Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2008 Tanglewood program with James Taylor celebrating the Fourth of July weekend and an even greater emphasis on opera but no great changes or surprises.
Elgar at Bard, Weekend II
By: Michael Miller - 2007-09-06
The second weekend of the Bard Elgar Festival, the only major celebration of his anniversary in North America.
Tanglewood Features: Ahmad Jamal and Jimmy Heath, Hank Jones and Roberta Gambarini, The Maria Schneider Orchestra, Bossa Brazil, and Kevin Mahoganys Kansas City Revue
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-09-03
The Labor Day weekend wound down with the Tanglewood Jazz Festival performances on Sunday that started in the afternoon and ended just around midnight. It was the last groove of summer.
Kurt Elling, Randy Crawford and Joe Sample Headline at Tanglewood Jazz Festival
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-09-02
During its second day Freddy Taylor again demonstrated what is meant by Festival which is more than just a bunch of concerts. The evening featured the vocalists Kurt Elling and Randy Crawford, accompanied by pianist Joe Sample and his trio.
Hugh Masekela and Pancho Sanchez at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-09-01
Now in his sixth season Freddy Taylor has brought the annual Labor Day Weekend long Jazz Festival to venerable Tanglewood. Last night there was hot jazz wafting through the cool breeze.
Brggen, Bezuidenhout, and the Orchestra of the 18th Century at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2007-08-29
A Tanglewood summer relatively rich in historically informed performances ended officially with a mostly impressive Beethoven Ninth under Frhbeck de Burgos with a postlude by the splendid Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century under their founder Frans Brggen with young fortepiano master Kristian Bezuidenhout.
Mozart-da Ponte: Cosi Fan Tutte at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2007-08-23
In just a few years James Levine has succeeded in making Tanglewood world-class center of operatic studies. He, director Ira Siff,designers John Michael Deegan and Sarah Conly have created an unforgettable production of "Cos Fan Tutte."
Nalini Ghuman, Musicologist, Visa Revoked, Cancels Talk at Bard Music Festival
By: Michael Miller - 2007-08-21
The US State Department continues a harmful trend.
Edward Elgar and his World, The Bard Music Festival 2007
By: Michael Miller - 2007-08-17
Three weekends of lively performances and lectures on Sir Edward Elgar, the greatest English composer since Purcell, who was also well-represented in the Berkshires this summer.
Yo-Yo Ma and James Levine Play Dvork at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2007-08-16
Yo-Yo Ma's commitment and interpretive brilliance overcome a flawed accompaniment.
Verdi's Don Carlo at Tanglewood with Levine and the TMC Orchestra
By: Michael Miller - 2007-08-04
The much-loved Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra under Jsmes Levine gave Verdi's middle-period masterpiece a unique quality last weekend.
The Police were Arresting
By: Mark Favermann - 2007-08-03
Our man Mark Favermann was just steps from the stage at the rock event of the summer a reunion performance by Police at Fenway Park.
Zemlinsky at Bard: a Review
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-29
Outstanding singing and conducting and brilliant productions bring Zemlinsky's "Florentine Tragedy" and "The Dwarf" to life.
Bard Summer Opera Preview: Zemlinsky's
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-25
Leon Botstein will conduct Olivier Tambosi's stylish productions of these decadent works by Alexander von Zemlinsky, the under-recognized teacher and brother-in-law of Arnold Schoenberg.
Aston Magna: Johann Sebastian Bach and King Frederick the Great Meet Again
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-17
In a beautifully played concert musicians of Aston Magna evoked the infamous encounter between King Frederick the great and J. S. Bach which led to the creation of the Musical Offering.
Andre Previn Jazz Trio at Tanglewood
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-16
Accompanied by David Finck, bass and Jim Hall on guitar, the composer and conductor Andre Previn performed jazz for a sold out audience at Ozawa Hall.
Hesperion XXI led by Jordi Savall play Sephardic Music at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-16
Hesperion XXI thrilled a close-to-capacity non-specialist audience in Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood.
Tokyo String Quartet plays Beethoven and Schubert
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-14
The great Tokyo Quartet offer energetic, lean Beethoven and a fresh view of Schubert.
Outstanding and varied chamber music at Yellow Barn
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-13
The Yellow Barn Music School and Festival opened their Amherst season with a typical varied program, oustanding playing from its young musicians, and veteran Peter Frankl, as well as a captivating piece by Kagel.
Opening Night at Tanglewood: Levine conducts Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-11
James Levine opened the season with fresh and insightful performances for familiar music: Mendelssohn's music for Midsummer Night's Dream and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.
Pops Puts Nice Spin on Carousel
By: Charles Giuliano - 2007-07-11
It was sweltering last night as Keith Lockhart led the Boston Pops Orchestra and Tanglewood Chorus through a full concert version of the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein classic "Carousel." Predictably the perrenial favorite drew a capacity audience in the Koussevitsky Music Shed and out on the lawn.
Andr Previn conducts Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-11
Andr Previn led the BSO in a fine concert of Romantic and Modern versions of Romeo and Juliet with Rachmaninoff's little played First Piano Concerto
Tanglewood Tantrums
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-10
A recent article and editorial in the Berkshire Eagle take Tanglewood to task for falling attendance. Dave Mathews and Bright Eyes to the rescue?
All-Bartk Program at Tanglewood Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Juilliard String Quartet
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-08
An inspired celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Juilliard String Quartet and the first performance of the Bartk String Quartets as a cycle, which occurred 59 years ago at Tanglewood.
Boston Early Music Festival's Splendid Performance of Lully's Psyche
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-05
The Boston Early Music Festival's performance of Lully's "Psych" thrilled a diverse audience in Great Barrington.
Aston Magna's 35th Anniversary Concert at the Clark
By: Michael Miller - 2007-07-02
Aston Magna, the oldest and one of the most important early music festivals in North America, adds a new venue for its 35th anniversary celebration, including veteran Stanley Ritchie.
The 2007 Summer Classical Music Season in the Berkshires: a Guide
By: Michael Miller - 2007-06-19
A guide to the major music festivals of the Berkshires and environs with links to all schedules.
Cutbacks in Classical Music Coverage Worry Critics
By: Michael Miller - 2007-06-12
Reductions in staff and the firing of a senior highly respected reviewer, Peter G. Davis, by New York Magazine, reflect a worrisome trend.
Handel's Israel in Egypt by the Berkshire Bach Society Reviewed
By: Michael Miller - 2007-05-13
James Bagwell and the Berkshire Bach Society delivered a lifeless performance of Handel's choral masterpiece "Israel in Egypt" marred by poor intonation and ensemble.
Handel's Grand Oratorio,
By: Michael Miller - 2007-05-10
This large-scale performance of Handel's choral masterpiece promises to be the highlight of the final weekend of the spring season in the Berkshires.
Upshaw and Kalish at Bard, Brahms in Boston, Handel in Williamstown...and Art History
By: Michael Miller - 2007-04-23
Music and art lovers face a wealth of important and pleasurable event this coming weekend.
The VU on View
By: Steve Nelson - 2007-04-22
The VU, the quintessential NYC band, is commemorated with this major exhibit of posters, recordings, photos, artifacts and ephemera. But to a Massachusetts club operator who booked the Velvets many times, it also details their close ties to that state.
Beethoven, Fidelio, part II: a Major New Recording by Colin Davis and the LSO
By: Michael Miller - 2007-04-19
A must-have recording: Sir Colin Davis leads the London Symphony Orchestra, Christine Brewer, John Mac Master, and a first-rate cast in a widely -acclaimed live concert performance from 2006.
The VU On View
By: Steve Nelson - 2007-04-18
The history of the most important rock band ever to come out of New York is depicted in this extensive show of memorabilia, recordings, artifacts and ephemera commemorating the 40th anniversary of the release of their first LP. But as a Massachusetts club operator who was close to the band points out, the material also reveals their strong ties to the state.
Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra: Sibelius and Beethoven's Fidelio
By: Michael Miller - 2007-04-18
The London Symphony, releasing their own recordings on LSO Live, have set a new standard for orchestral recording, bringing stellar performances by Colin Davis, Bernard Haitink, Rostropovich, and Frhbeck de Burgos to a larger audience.
Beethoven, Fidelio, part I
By: Michael Miller - 2007-04-02
James Levine, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and a dream cast headed by Christine Brewer and Johan Botha, presented a memorable Fidelio.
Master Pianist Garrick Ohlsson plays Beethoven Sonatas at the Colonial Theater
By: Michael Miller - 2007-04-02
Garrick Ohlsson's played four Beethoven Sonatas with his usual mastery in spite of an undersized piano of poor quality
An Outstanding Meistersinger at the Metropolitan Opera
By: Michael Miller - 2007-03-19
The Metropolitan Opera's beautiful production Wagner's "Die Meistersinger von Nrnberg" is graced with a consistently excellent cast of singers.
Patti Smith and the Dance Group Streb
By: Erica H. Adams - 2007-03-06
The New Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston features performances by poet/ rocker, Patti Smith and the dangerous dance company Streb.
Richard Giarusso and the Aoede Consort Triumph in Schtz'
By: Michael Miller - 2007-02-21
Williamstown Early Music and the Aoede Consort of Troy, New York, present seventeenth century church music in performances of the highest caliber.
Albany Symphony Orchestra plays new Greek music and Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony at the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
By: Michael Miller - 2007-02-18
The Albany Symphony Orchestra played for the first time in the wonderful Colonial Theatre, offering pleasing new pieces by young Greek composers, but disappointing Beethoven.
Tanglewood 2007 Preview
By: Michael Miller - 2007-02-09
James Levine will conduct eleven concerts in an ambitious season, which includes a wealth of opera performances, several distinguished musicians from the Netherlands, and Hesperion XXI.
Sir Colin Davis Conducts Vaughn Williams and Beethoven with the BSO
By: Michael Miller - 2007-01-28
Sir Colin and the BSO were at the very top of form for Vaughn Williams stark postwar symphony and Beethoven's Pastoral Reflections
Sir Colin Davis and Imogen Cooper Return to the BSO with Mozart and Haydn
By: Michael Miller - 2007-01-24
Sir Colin Davis and Imogen Cooper delighted the matine audience at Symphony Hall with symphonies by Mozart and Haydn and a memorable reading of Mozart's great concerto.
Berkshire Bach Ensemble's
By: Michael Miller - 2007-01-05
Kenneth Cooper's lively and idiosyncratic versions of Bach's Brandenurg Concertos brighten up New Year's in the Berkshires.
James Brown: Said It Loud, Black and Proud
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-12-26
Recalling the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, who is dead at the age of 73. He calmed the nerves of Boston after the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King when his performance at Boston Garden was broadcast live on WGBH and repeated all that weekend.
Williamstown Early Music Presents Seven Times Salt
By: Michael Miller - 2006-12-23
Playing a colorful array of instruments the brilliant Seven Times Salt offered Yuletide songs and dances ranging from Britain to the Mediterranean.
The Weilerstein Trio play Mozart, Shostakovich, Dvork...and Piazzolla at Williams
By: Michael Miller - 2006-12-10
The Weilersteins, trio in residence and the New England Conservatory of Music, show a thrilling new approach to chamber music.
Classical Music for the Season in the Berkshires: a Preview
By: Michael Miller - 2006-12-08
The Messiah from Albany Pro Musica, Mozart Opera from the Albany Symphony, Williamstown Early Music, and the Berkshire Bach Ensemble highlight the season.
Anita Belle Colton ODay: October 18, 1919 November 23, 2006
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-11-29
Considering the tough life of drugs and booze it is amazing that Anita O'Day survived into her late 80s. Recalling hanging with her at Sandy's.
Sawyers, Goldmark, and Sibelius by David Lockington and the Albany Symphony Orchestra
By: Michael Miller - 2006-11-12
Guest conductor David Lockington, Music Director of the Grand Rapids Symphony offers new work by Philip Sawyers and excels in Sibelius, while Dylana Jenson earned ovations with an exemplary Goldmark Violin Concerto.
Learning to Take the Triangle Seriously: Liszt at Bard III
By: Michael Miller - 2006-11-07
The final weekend of Bard's Liszt Festival looked at his achievement in the context of the Romantic debates about what music should be.
Ronald Feldman and the Berkshire Symphony Play Mozart, Hummel, Vivaldi, and Haydn
By: Michael Miller - 2006-10-28
Ronald Feldman and the Berkshire Symphony start their season with an enjoyable program of 18th and early 19th Century Music.
Berkshire Summer Music Overview: Part Two
By: Michael Miller - 2006-10-09
BFA classical reviewer offers an enthusiastic retrospective of the summer season...with a few apologies and complaints
Beginnings...
By: Michael Miller - 2006-09-18
Fine Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven in Williams' acoustically flawed recital hall accompanied a few early 19th century curiosities.
Summer Retrospective I: The Bard Music Festival: Franz Liszt and his Times
By: Michael Miller - 2006-09-18
Two intensive weekends of music by Franz Liszt and his contemporaries.
Dylan Rocks Pittsfield
By: Charles Giuliano - 2006-08-30
Bob Dylan rocked Pittsfield for the second straight summer but attendance declined from 10.000 in 2005 to just 6,000 this time.
Great performances End the Tanglewood Season
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-30
Bronfman and Frhbeck de Burgos captur the essence of Beethoven
Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax Play Beethoven Sonatas at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-30
Yo-yo Ma and Emanuel Ax carry on their long collaboration in an all-
Beethoven evening shared between modern and historical performance
practices. The concert was both fascinating and inspired
Unforgettable Bruckner Seventh under Blomstedt at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-28
Emmanuel Ax and Herbert Blomstedt excelled Saturday night at Tanglewood. Blomstedt's Bruckner Seventh was both original and moving.
Beethoven, Falla, and Bernstein Alive at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-26
Gustavo Dudamel, 26-year-old- Venezuelan conductor makes an unforgettable debut, and Imogen Cooper returns with superb Beethoven.
Mission of Burma at Mass MoCA, Sat. July 1, 2006
By: Jane Hudson - 2006-08-25
Review of Burma show at MoCA when the band was brilliant and powerful! Again!
Haale at Mass MoCA: Hudson Reviews
By: Jane Hudson - 2006-08-25
Iranian-American singer songwriter performs original music with her band.
Schumann's Rare Opera
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-24
Leon Botstein, Kasper Bech Holten, and a superb cast triumph in an internationally significant staged performance of Schumann's negelcted opera.
Veteran Blomstedt and Newcomer Ollikainen Lead TMC Orchestra at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-17
Tanglewood regulars rave about the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, a group composed of music center fellows, young musicians, "who have completed much or all of their formal instruction
A Musical Summer in the Berkshires Continues
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-11
Music Critic Michael Miller has been out and about from Tanglewood to the Lizt Festival at Bard College and up to attend concerts in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Here he provides and overview of the season followed by several specific reviews.
Blood on the Floor
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-11
Alexander String Quartet opens Williamstown Chamber Concerts
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-11
Konstantin Lifschitz at the Monadnock Music Festival
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-11
An Afternoon at Tanglewood
By: Michael Miller - 2006-08-11
Maddalena Sings Schumann at Monadnock
By: Michael MIller - 2006-08-11
