The Melodica Men — those crazy and talented guys that previously brought you “The Rite of Spring” on toy instruments — are back, this time with an impressive rendition of the finale of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony. It truly has to be seen and heard to be believed. (See the video below)
Folks, I’m generally an optimistic, positive-thinking kinda guy. I try to find the bright side of things and give people the benefit of the doubt, even when most others wouldn’t dream of it. So leave it to our good friends at Los Angeles Opera to test my ability to maintain a stiff upper lip and keep … Continue reading
When the Los Angeles Master Chorale originally planned Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis for January of its 2016/17 season, the two performances, let alone the inauguration of a new President of the United States, were still more than a year away. There was no political statement, expressed or implied, in its scheduling, no inherent message of defiance or rebellion in its libretto. … Continue reading
The other shoe has dropped. Having already mentioned that Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice will be on the 2017/18 season docket, Los Angeles Opera announced the rest of next season’s schedule earlier this evening. As with the LACO 207/18 season announcement, I’ll give my $0.02 later this week. In the meantime, here are some noteworthy tidbits: Continue reading
It’s that special time of year for arts organizations: new season announcement season (yes, I know, it sounds like it came from the department of redundancy department, but bear with me). First out of the gate for Southern California ensembles was the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra announcement this past weekend. Their 2017/18 season also happens … Continue reading
This past weekend’s press release from Los Angeles Opera about Music Director James Conlon’s latest contract extension through the end of the 2020/2021 season included statements from General Director Plácido Domingo, Board Chair Marc Stern, and Mr. Conlon himself. One person who was not quoted was the company’s Resident Conductor, Grant Gershon, so I asked him for … Continue reading
Los Angeles Opera gets to keep James Conlon around for a little longer. Yesterday, the company announced that the New York-based conductor will remain as Music Director through the end of the 2020/2021 season. His current contract was to expire next year. Mr. Conlon took over the position from Kent Nagano in 2006 and has been a huge presence ever since. Plácido Domingo, … Continue reading
The term “unknown masterpiece” is one usually ascribed to works that haven’t seen the light of day for decades or centuries before somehow being unearthed: a Bach aria stashed amidst birthday cards in a Weimar library or a $5 thrift store painting that may end up being a long-lost Jackson Pollack. Lagrime di San Pietro (Tears of … Continue reading
