An American Cacophony: Tom Service on Trump’s MAGA Orchestra
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 […]
orchestra
A Pair of Pennsylvanians: The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center and the Pittsburgh Symphony at Carnegie Hall
Great music exists all over this country: from the northern plains, to southern California, and everywhere in between. Cross a couple of rivers west from New York and you’ll reach
A Season-Ending Crescendo with Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic
"In my end is my beginning." – T.S. Eliot Things are looking up at the NY Phil. It would be nearly impossible for Gustavo Dudamel to live up to the
Boulez @100
Pierre Boulez with the Chicago Symphony, Carnegie Hall, March 2009 "When he first entered class, (Boulez) was very nice. But soon he became angry with the whole world. He thought
A New Day at the NY Phil: Gustavo Dudamel Announces the 2025-26 Season at David Geffen Hall
Matias Tarnopolsky and Gustavo Dudamel at David Geffen Hall, 3/11/25. Peter Matthews To be frank, I couldn't care less about what the NY Phil is playing in 2026. For me,
Nico Muhly’s New Violin Concerto and a Trio of Chestnuts at the New York Philharmonic
Nico Muhly with Renaud Capuçon, Marin Alsop and the New York Philharmonic, 3/10/25. Peter Matthews According to his publisher's website, Nico Muhly has written more than 300 works over the
The Vienna Philharmonic Soars With the Staples at Carnegie Hall
Vienna Philharmonic with Riccardo Muti, Carnegie Hall, 3/1/25. Pete Matthews In January 2003, I took my first-ever trip to Vienna: a five-day whirlwind that included visits to museums and palaces,
Back in the U.S.S.R.: Santtu-Matias Rouvali and Seong-Jin Cho with the NY Philharmonic
NY Philharmonic with Santtu-Matias Rouvali, 2/22/25. Pete Matthews Given all the highly-salivated publicity surrounding the NY Philharmonic's appointment of Gustavo Dudamel as its next music director, you might be
The Czech Philharmonic Brings the “Year of Czech Music” to Carnegie Hall
Last night, Carnegie Hall was transformed into an outpost of Eastern European culture. There were flowers on stage and bouquets for the musicians. Patrons in black tie and glittering evening