“(A) Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose.” – Gerturde Stein, 1913 As awkward as the first Boston Symphony concert at Tanglewood felt, things got ratcheted up […]
Trouble in Paradise as Andris Nelsons Arrives at Tanglewood Amidst Protests Read Post »
A long, long time ago…I was one of those classical music snobs who turned their nose up at the notion of symphony orchestras playing movie music. I had all of
I’ve been overseas for the past two weeks, but apparently folks are still up in arms about Andris Nelsons’ dismissal from the Boston Symphony three weeks ago. Reports are that
More Bellyaching in Boston over Andris Nelsons Read Post »
I, like most people who follow classical music, was floored by the news last Friday that Andris Nelsons, music director of the Boston Symphony since 2014, was being dismissed at
A Boston Tea Party: Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra Part Ways Read Post »
In a much-hyped event, accompanied by theatrical lighting, live entertainment, and an prize fight-style introduction by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Gustavo Dudamel took to the stage of Geffen Hall last night with
Gustavo Dudamel Heralds his Arrival at the NY Philharmonic’s 2026-27 Season Announcement Read Post »
In his 2022 profile of the Lithuanian conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, the NY Times Joshua Barone recounted a conversation she had with the violinist and artistic director Gidon Kremer, whom she’s
The Door Less Chosen: Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Conducts the NY Philharmonic Read Post »
As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been attending concerts at Heinz Hall for nearly 30 years, a byproduct of some longstanding personal ties I have to the Steel
The Composer Comes First: A Conversation with Manfred Honeck Read Post »
PITTSBURGH, PA Last weekend, I attended a recording session of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in Heinz Hall. Ok, that needs some clarification. After witnessing the PSO’s triumphant return to Carnegie
Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Soar with Bruckner 8 at Heinz Hall Read Post »
Watching the absurdly-long State of the Union last night, I couldn’t help but think of this equally-absurd image of Trump conducting an orchestra of his MAGA cronies. Look closely and
An American Cacophony: Tom Service on Trump’s MAGA Orchestra Read Post »
