I regularly get asked by friends and family who are planning on going wine tasting to share my advice and recommendations with them. After sending variations of the same emails to many of them, I decided to publish my thoughts for everyone to use and enjoy. Let’s start with Santa Ynez Valley and Sta. Rita Hills wineries … Continue reading
Yesterday’s news that Jeffrey Kahane was stepping down in 2017 as Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra not only began a long goodbye three years in the making, it caused a little bit of consternation among fans of the pianist/conductor regarding what he’d do after his tenure was done. According to the Los Angeles Times, … Continue reading
The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra officially announced that Jeffrey Kahane will step down as Music Director in 2017, at which time he will become Music Director Laureate. In addition, LACO announced details of their 2014-15 season; the complete press release is below. I’m especially excited about the coming “Westside Connections” series, with the coming year’s … Continue reading
(UPDATE: The official LACO press release about this announcement and details about their 2014-15 season is HERE) (UPDATE #2, April 26: Jeffrey Kahane’s full statement about his post-LACO plans is HERE) Pianist and conductor Jeffrey Kahane has announced that the 2016-2017 season will be his last as Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. … Continue reading
Some Good Friday music for you (just not that “Good Friday Music“): Here is a brief excerpt from Part the Second of Handel’s Messiah (“Surely He hath borne our griefs,” “And with His stripes we are healed,” “All we like sheep,” and “All they that see Him / He trusted in God”). Sir Neville Marriner conducts the … Continue reading
For those wishing to attend memorial services for the late, great Paul Salamunovich, here is the schedule: Friday, May 2, 7 pm Rosary St. Charles Borromeo 10800 Moorpark St. North Hollywood, CA 91602 (at Moorpark & Landershim) Saturday, May 3, 10 am Funeral Mass Blessed Sacrament 6657 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028 (at Sunset & … Continue reading
“Golden Brown” by the punk/new-wave/post-punk band, The Stranglers, from their 1981 album, La Folie. In addition to the liberal use of harpsichord, you’ve gotta love the time signature alternating between 6/8 and 7/8 in the main riff. Given that the song’s title refers to obsession with heroin, a girl, or both, the occasionally disjointed rhythm is perfect. You have … Continue reading
If there is any doubt about the power of music, this story from composer Morten Lauridsen about conductor Paul Salamunovich, his dear friend and collaborator who just passed away, should erase all of it: When I spoke to Dr. Lauridsen a few weeks ago, one of the things we discussed was that he had recently visited … Continue reading
Sad news comes that Paul Salamunovich, legendary choral conductor, passed away last night. He was 86 years old. Born in Redondo Beach, he attended St. James Elementary School where he sang in the choir and got his first exposure to Gregorian chant. He eventually become a renowned expert in that vocal art form, and he … Continue reading
I hope you survived April Fool’s Day without a scratch to either your person or psyche. I witnessed some good-natured April Fool’s Day pranks, and managed to fall victim to none of it. FWIW: I’m a big fan of silly fun, and feel that there’s not enough of it during the other 364 days of the … Continue reading
Two years ago, the New York Philharmonic made a tour stop in Santa Barbara. That, and a whole lot of negotiations, eventually led to yesterday’s announcement that the orchestra and Montecito’s Music Academy of the West agreed to a four-year partnership, beginning this summer. Neither the orchestra’s nor the Academy’s website have posted a press release, but according to details … Continue reading
All is Yar 