The Pacific Symphony’s choice of Alexander Shelley as its next Music Director has been a solid so far. He has crafted compelling programs. He’s made concise yet informative pre-performance comments from the podium. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s young, dashing, personable, and therefore a marketing department’s dream. Most importantly, he’s shown the capacity for …
Clearly, Mahler was a guy who liked to think and compose about death. Musical allusions to it show up in all of his works being performed as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s “Mahler Project” (some may quibble about Songs of the Wayfarer, but if you’re singing about putting a red-hot knife in your breast, … Continue reading
As I mentioned in late November 2011, Nitzan Haroz — Principal Trombone of the Philadelphia Orchestra — was offered the same job with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A little over two months later, he decided to take it. Late yesterday, Peter Dobrin of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Mr. Haroz has officially accepted the position. … Continue reading
My guesses on what we’re looking at: The big sketch in the middle has got to be the stage with various characters (I count 5 on the stage). Behind and above them are two more figures, whom I think are some combination of Giovanni, the Commendatore, and/or the conductor. On the bottom right is likely … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
All is Yar 