At Soka tonight to do pre-concert lecture for Seong-Jin Cho’s recital
Music News & Info: Classical / Philharmonic Society of Orange County

At Soka tonight to do pre-concert lecture for Seong-Jin Cho’s recital

Once again, the good folks at the Philharmonic Society of Orange County have invited me to do a pre-concert lecture, this time for tonight’s recital by pianist Seong-Jin Cho at the Soka Performing Arts Center. The 28-year old Seoul native first gained worldwide attention by winning Third Prize at the 2011 Tchaikovsky International Competition (the … Continue reading

Doing pre-concert lecture for Daniil Trifonov recital tomorrow night
Music News & Info: Classical / Philharmonic Society of Orange County

Doing pre-concert lecture for Daniil Trifonov recital tomorrow night

I’ll have the distinct privilege of doing the pre-concert lecture for tomorrow night’s piano recital by Daniil Trifonov in Costa Mesa at Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Many thanks to the Philharmonic Society of Orange County for inviting me. Mr. Trifonov was Gramophone’s 2016 Artist of the Year award and Musical America’s 2019 Artist of … Continue reading

Like a boss:  David Robertson and SLSO at Segerstrom Concert Hall show how it’s supposed to be done
All Reviews / Music News & Info: Classical / Philharmonic Society of Orange County / Reviews 2012/2013

Like a boss: David Robertson and SLSO at Segerstrom Concert Hall show how it’s supposed to be done

Good chemistry between a conductor and orchestra is a difficult thing to predict or explain, but as former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart might say, I know it when I see it.  And I know I saw — and heard — it this past Monday night when David Robertson brought the St. Louis Symphony into … Continue reading

The inaugural edition of “All is Yar’s Most Favorite and Noteworthy Classical Music Stuff of the Year”
All Reviews / Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra / Los Angeles Master Chorale / Los Angeles Opera / Los Angeles Philharmonic / Music News & Info: Classical / Other classical music concerts and recitals (in So Cal and beyond) / Pacific Symphony / Philharmonic Society of Orange County / Reviews 2011/2012 / Reviews 2012/2013 / Southwest Chamber Music / Uncategorized

The inaugural edition of “All is Yar’s Most Favorite and Noteworthy Classical Music Stuff of the Year”

As we reach the end of December, it’s traditionally time for a retrospective look at the year that is just completed.  Since 2012 was the first full calendar year of All is Yar‘s existence, it’s an especially important one for me.  I’ve been fortunate — dare I say “blessed” — to have been able to … Continue reading

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra / Los Angeles Master Chorale / Los Angeles Philharmonic / Music News & Info: Classical / Philharmonic Society of Orange County

April is full of cool — not cruel — stuff to do

Long before Madonna was the most famous American in self-imposed exile in the UK, another noteworthy American-turned-Brit wrote some unkind words about April (or at least that’s what the Thunder said). Whatever.   Don’t believe the hype — April is a kick-ass month, and this one in particular is full of all kinds of stuff … Continue reading

Chicago Symphony barrels its way through Orange County
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

Chicago Symphony barrels its way through Orange County

Last Friday, Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony made their long-awaited visit to the Southland with a one-night stop at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa.  The whole affair had a “take it or leave it” feel,  beginning with the curiously obscure program of works by Honegger, Mason Bates, and Franck, and ending with Mr. … Continue reading

Timeless like a broken watch:  Marino Formenti in recital
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