Category: music

“The Philadelphia Orchestra suffered unexpectedly weak ticket sales in the fall, an orchestra member said, yet another blow in a spiraling financial crisis that has been coupled with a leadership vacuum at one of the world’s elite orchestras.”

Karen Heller: “Unexpect? The phrase – unnatural, forced, and heretofore unused in the English language – suggests something confined to boudoirs or bathrooms. Expectorate yourself comes to mind, the slogan suggestive of a spit take.”

The éminence grise of Indian classical music unveils the first release on East Meets West Music this April 7, his 90th birthday. The label will begin with a series of Shankar’s own archival concert recordings; future plans include the release of Raga, George Harrison’s documentary on Shankar, as well as music of other artists and, eventually, other genres.

“[A]fter years of specialized therapies and dietary changes, [Matt] Savage navigates a daily maze of classes, practice sessions, homework assignments, and dorm life at Berklee,” and he fits in performances when he can. “[T]he Matt Savage story is rapidly evolving from youthful prodigy with a disability to seasoned performer with a bright future.”

“When it comes to the music of Prokofiev, pianist and Yale University professor Boris Berman is the go-to guy. He’s recorded the composer’s complete piano works, written a book about his sonatas and founded the Prokofiev Society of America. Still, until recently, Berman had never seen or heard Music for Athletic Exercises.“

“When Pittsburgh tries to lure a foreign company, it often turns to maestro Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to close the deal. … For foreign executives, the orchestra adds a touch of sophistication to a city many still associate with smokestacks.”

“The week-long Easter festival has been shaken to the core after an apparent suicide attempt by its technical chief and the disappearance of the director amid allegations of a massive fraud totalling over €2m (£1.7m).”

“This summer’s season will run eight weeks instead of nine — July 1 through Aug. 22 — and that trim inevitably means a reduction in the overall number of concerts, master classes and other offerings.”

“Most experienced listeners know that thinking in terms of definitive performances is as meaningless for new music as it is for any other kind.”

“New York’s Metropolitan Opera is bringing back Joseph Volpe, who left three years ago after 16 years as the company’s general manager, to lead contract talks with some of its major unions.”