James Levine
No orchestra in this country embraces the challenges of Charles Wuorinen’s hyper-intellectual style better than the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Read MoreA series of new and recent recordings by Boston orchestras demonstrate that, in the right hands, symphonic music since 1945 remains alive and well, still powerful, fresh, and vibrant.
Read MoreOne can’t really go wrong with any of the individual concerts, but below are a few highlights released between August 1st and September 2nd. All are available for purchase on the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s website.
Read MoreMarch highlights include the American premiere of Boston Camerata’s homage to mystics of the Middle ages, innovative programming from the Chameleon Arts Ensemble, and appearances by heavyweights pianist Evgeny Kissin, paying homage to birthday boy Franz Liszt, and guitarist John Williams. By Susan Miron Wednesday Concert Series, held each Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.…
Read MoreI’ve been going to BSO Open Rehearsal for some 50 years at Tanglewood and can’t remember ever having as alienating an experience as I and over one thousand other attendees had Wednesday night at Symphony Hall.
Read MoreAccomplished performers coming to New England this month include baritone Sanford Sylvan in Paul Hindemith’s rarely staged opera Cardillac, the highly praised young violinist Noé Inui, and the ensemble Il Giardino Armonico, which will present an evening of music by Venetian Baroque masters. By Susan Miron. February 4 and 11: Celebration of the bicentennial of…
Read MoreReviewed By Helen Epstein An hour and a half before curtain, operagoers are lining up at the AMC 10 cineplex in Burlington, Massachusetts across the road from the mall. Forty-five minutes later, the only available seats in Theater 3 are in the first two neck-craning rows. It’s 12:15 p.m., a sunny Saturday in February when…
Read MoreAnother extraordinary evening at Tanglewood. No bones to pick. Just appreciation and delight. At Tanglewood: James Levine conducts BSO and Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver, Conductor; Hei-Kyung Hong, Soprano; Matthias Goerne, Baritone. (Photo Credit: Hilary Scott) by Helen Epstein It’s time that some cultural reporter with a budget explored what makes the Tanglewood Festival Chorus…
Read More
Arts Commentary: In Memoriam, James Levine (1943-2021)
Do any of his accomplishments – including James Levine’s raising the level of an orchestra’s playing to new heights – really excuse sexual predation?I’d argue in the negative.
Read More