New York’s Lincoln Center has announced the line-up for their “Great Performers” series in the coming 2012-2013 season. Their press release (available HERE) leads by mentioning a visit by Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, specifically highlighting the New York premiere of John Adams’ oratorio The Gospel According to the Other Mary in a staged … Continue reading
Author Archives: CK Dexter Haven
Official holder of an LA Opera “tweet seat”
Earlier today, I received notice from the folks at Los Angeles Opera that I’ve been given one of their “tweet seats.” Not sure what that means? Here’s how they described it on their online application: We are looking for a few awesome people who are active in social media to attend the final dress … Continue reading
Philharmonic Society of Orange County announces 2012-2013 season
Originally posted on Classical Life:
Click here to see my article on the 2010-2013 season of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, announced today. photo: Clive Barda, courtesy of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County
Promotions and additions in the LA Phil viola section
In case you haven’t been paying close attention to the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s roster (and who does, really?), the orchestra’s Assistant Principal Viola chair that had been vacant since the beginning of the 2011/2012 winter season is now filled. Ben Ullery, a former Minnesota Orchestra player who joined the LA Phil viola section just last … Continue reading
Quick thoughts on the 2012 Hollywood Bowl Season
It’s that fun time of year, a time full of hopes, dreams, and possibilities. Yes, I’m talking about 2012/2013 Season Announcement, um, season. Lisa Hirsch has been tracking rumors and reality for a few weeks on her blog, Iron Tongue of Midnight; up until now, it’s been limited to opera companies. The Los Angeles Philharmonic … Continue reading
Unexpected delight & disappointment: 2012 North American International Auto Show and 2012 Consumer Electronics Show
I know everyone is anxious to talk about the big “Mahler Project” that the Los Angeles Philharmonic is putting on, but before I do this, I must digress. While music is a huge interest of mine — certainly the biggest one that applies to this blog — I have many others as evidenced on the menu … Continue reading
All Reviews / Music News & Info: Classical / Other classical music concerts and recitals (in So Cal and beyond) / Philharmonic Society of Orange County / Reviews 2011/2012
Timeless like a broken watch: Marino Formenti in recital
“I always hated the Diabelli Variations,” writes Marino Formenti. Coming from any other pianist, this would sound like a confession. Marino Formenti is not “any other pianist.” The Italian-born musician only began studying Beethoven’s meandering piano work at the recent request of Dean Corey, President and Artistic Director of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. … Continue reading
Los Angeles Philharmonic / Music News & Info: Classical / Other classical music concerts and recitals (in So Cal and beyond)
Gershwin played on both coasts; recognizing a Strad blindfolded; some orchestral cabbage + mac & cheese
The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s all-Gershwin season opening gala may have occured many months ago, but PBS’s “Great Performances” is only now getting around to broadcasting the video from the concert — most of it, anyway. Better late (and abridged) than never. The first broadcast is this evening at 6pm Pacific Time (on KPBS and PBS … Continue reading
My musical resolution for the New Year: give Bruckner symphonies another chance (recommendations welcome)
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m conflicted when it comes to Anton Bruckner’s music. A cappella motets? Absolutely love ’em. Choral works with an orchestra? Sure. But the symphonies? Eh, well . . . I’ve tried, but now I usually make a point of avoiding them whenever possible. We have recordings of a few of the … Continue reading
WSJ article: “When Classical Musicians Call In Sick”
An interesting, if not deeply revelatory, article in the Wall Street Journal was posted about how orchestras cope when conductors or soloists cancel due to illness. Chad Smith, Los Angeles Philharmonic Vice President for Artistic Planning, is quoted liberally throughout. The article makes a point of mentioning that replacements are often harder to find for … Continue reading
The musical haul from this Christmas
Let’s see: The complete recordings of Martha Argerich on Deutsche Grammophon and Phillips (published by Decca) A Blue-ray featuring Ms. Argerich and Mischa Maisky in the world premiere of “Romantic Offfering,” a double concerto for Piano, Cello, and Orchestra by Rodion Shchedrin and the Sonata in A Major for Cello and Piano by César Franck, … Continue reading
“O Magnum Mysterium” by Tomás Luis de Victoria
The classic Latin chant about Christmas, O Magnum Mysterium, has been set to music by many distinguished composers over the centuries, ranging from Palestrina to John Harbison. Morten Lauridsen’s 1994 version has since gone on to be a modern-day classic and the best selling chorale octavo ever sold by the Theodore Presser Company. As absolutely amazing … Continue reading
“There were shepherds abiding in the field:” Sylvia McNair vs. Linus
I’ve enjoyed many performances of “Messiah” in person, on CD, and on video, and have also sung bass in my fair share of student, community, and semi-professional performances of Handel’s most famous oratorio. One of my personal favorites has always been a concert by Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony, with Sylvia McNair as the … Continue reading
Visiting the speakeasies of New York: Death and Company
The name might scare you, but don’t let it. There is nothing frightening here, especially if you want a grown-up place to get a good drink and hang out. Strictly speaking, Death and Company is not a speakeasy since it isn’t hidden from view, it’s location is public, and it even has a guy out … Continue reading
Happy Birthday, Ludwig van Beethoven
The great German composer was born on this date in 1770. In his honor, please enjoy the iconic first movement from his Fifth Symphony, performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by the incomparable Carlo Maria Giulini. If you typically associate Maestro Giulini with interpretations that lean towards the broad and spacious, you may be … Continue reading
All is Yar 