tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166578852012-01-12T08:09:23.379-05:00Janelle Gelfand files news, comments and observations on the classical music scene.chrisgraveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04777555879026939198noreply@blogger.comBlogger5371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-7610227221723807372008-05-22T10:27:00.002-04:002008-05-22T10:38:23.641-04:00

Regretfully they tell us,But firmly they compel us To say goodbye to you...Yes, my musical friends, we are moving! But this blog will live on, at least for a little while. You'll be glad to know that our new improved Web site will have lots of bells and whistles, and more chance for YOUR participation. For instance, you'll be able to create your own blogs and persona pages. You will need to

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-91807713504277360662008-05-21T10:27:00.003-04:002008-05-21T10:36:10.762-04:00

More than 170 firefighters battled a blaze in the famous Berlin Philharmonie Tuesday, home of the Berlin Philharmonic. The fire broke out around 2 p.m. in the roof of the historic, 1962-building, which is known for its excellent acoustics and is one of the first of Europe's modern-era concert halls. Luckily, a real disaster was averted. This was shortly before 420 musicians and singers --

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-5982342261733410602008-05-20T18:10:00.002-04:002008-05-20T18:15:14.420-04:00

James Conlon, music director of the Cincinnati May Festival, will be awarded the Medal of the American Liszt Society on May 30 in a ceremony at the United States Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the society has announced. The American Liszt Society chose Conlon for his commitment to the arts, as well as to the music of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt.In 2004, Conlon conducted and recorded

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-44604931421808296962008-05-20T17:53:00.002-04:002008-05-20T17:55:58.175-04:00

Singers from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music swept the awards at the Opera Guild of Dayton Tri-State College Vocal Competition, organizers announced today.Andrea Shokery, a senior from Columbus, won first prize and $2,500, and was also the audience favorite, earning another $400. Soprano Katelyn Lee, a junior from Springfield, Mo., won second place and $1,500. CCM

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-1733885293715399762008-05-20T17:16:00.001-04:002008-05-20T17:17:40.370-04:00

Can this orchestra be saved? Columbus Symphony musicians are reportedly holding a news conference today with a financial plan of their own to try to save the symphony.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-24738734421630730372008-05-20T12:17:00.005-04:002008-05-20T12:35:41.590-04:00

Yesterday, I sat down with James Conlon at Music Hall to discuss many things, among them, the state of culture in our country today. One of the ironic things, he noted, is that we have thousands of excellent musicians and singers graduating each year from conservatories such as CCM, more orchestras and opera companies than ever -- yet there seems to be an increasing apathy for great art --

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-23202967966447727442008-05-19T14:29:00.001-04:002008-05-19T15:11:52.481-04:00

Very soon, within a day or two, the Enquirer will be moving all blogs to a new place hosted by Cincinnati.com rather than by Blogger. It will have a new look and new software. The entire Cincinnati.com site is being redesigned, and I think you'll like what you find there.You'll still be able to access my old Classical Music blog, because I'll provide a link for you. I am hoping that it will not

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-59734122489005131512008-05-19T14:23:00.002-04:002008-05-19T14:27:14.623-04:00

Here's the review. Feel free to post your own by clicking at the bottom of the review, or posting below.Photo: James Conlon on opening night (Friday) in Music Hall, by Joseph Fuqua

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-9668941886607284962008-05-17T14:40:00.013-04:002008-05-20T23:02:36.190-04:00

The AP and International Herald Tribune, BBC and other European papers are reporting that the famed Philharmonie, home of the Berlin Philharmonic, caught fire today, hours before 720 people were expected for a rehearsal of Berlioz' Te Deum, including children.Musicians rushed to save their priceless instruments, but larger ones, such as pianos and timpani, had to be left behind. The landmark

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-89206577176744119322008-05-17T14:40:00.012-04:002008-05-20T09:11:16.040-04:00

The Times picked up a story from the Columbus Dispatch yesterday that the Greater Columbus Arts Council, which gave the ensemble $261,417 last year, recommended last week that no more money be given to the orchestra, in light of the fact that the board wants to fold the orchestra on June 1.Drew McManus has picked up others writing about the crisis, as well as this poignant cartoon by Cincinnatian

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-34329341068795513612008-05-17T14:40:00.011-04:002008-05-18T22:15:21.195-04:00

Here's the review from last night's May Festival.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-8315107647346166432008-05-17T14:40:00.009-04:002008-05-18T22:11:57.312-04:00

Here's the review. What did you think? Leave your own review below.There is an interesting local connection to tonight's composer, Eric Zeisl, who died in 1959. He composed his Requiem Ebraico in memory of his father, a victim of the Holocaust. The son barely escaped, himself, and eventually made his way to L.A., with a host of other prominent composers and musicians who were fleeing Europe. (I

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-75547826114208579002008-05-15T14:43:00.004-04:002008-05-15T15:17:06.029-04:00

Are orchestras still relevant? Or are they, like the poster below quoted, "Old, stuffy, for snobs, and (the Columbus Symphony) doesn't fit the image of a city moving forward. Leave it to Cincinnati and Cleveland as "old" cities holding on to dying institutions, and public funding of sport teams."I believe orchestras are relevant, but all orchestras -- pops and classical -- need to start

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-48532179989009727122008-05-14T13:06:00.004-04:002008-05-14T13:42:58.544-04:00

Other local musicians are being represented in China during the Olympics, besides the Cincinnati Pops, which will performing during the opening weekend. In March, the Winton Woods High School Choir, led by David Bell, participated in a festival called "Perform in Harmony with Olympic Spirit" and were one of five choirs from the U.S. invited to perform.The Festival was organized in cooperation

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-75315719516294995322008-05-13T13:49:00.008-04:002008-05-13T14:57:25.647-04:00

Bruce Ridge of Raleigh, N.C., chair of the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, will travel to Columbus next week to meet with musicians and other community members to try to save the Columbus Symphony."It's my hope that as an outside viewpoint, I can generate the citizens to rise up and save this orchestra. It is not too late. It is crucial that we do it," says Ridge.He is

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-51584481950156129192008-05-12T13:43:00.002-04:002008-05-12T13:54:20.842-04:00

OK, who's the problem, the board or the musicians? The Columbus Dispatch is weighing in against the musicians, but orchestra consultant Drew McManus blames the board.Meanwhile, Barbara Zuck, former music critic for the Dispatch, and other reports from the Dispatch note that ticket sales are up and the past weekend's concerts had strong attendance -- "close to capacity."

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-70164541843570189552008-05-12T09:47:00.002-04:002008-05-12T09:59:05.304-04:00

The bad news coming out of Columbus is that the 57-year-old orchestra is out of money, failed to reach an agreement with its musicians and will close down on June 1. Having heard the orchestra play a few years ago and knowing the caliber of its musicians -- some of whom live in Cincinnati -- I am shocked at this news and wracking my brain as to how the board could allow this to happen. Possible

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-83362772680085895102008-05-06T11:20:00.003-04:002008-05-06T11:25:55.760-04:00

I'm sure you've all seen the news by now that Riccardo Muti will be the next music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. There have been some interesting picks lately -- with Marin Alsop going to Baltimore, 41-year-old Alan Gilbert going to his hometown orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and prodigy Gustavo Dudamel headed for LA.Given that Muti is undeniably a "catch" -- and if you read

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-8098188166042492222008-05-05T17:21:00.002-04:002008-05-05T17:28:17.224-04:00

OK, so it was the worst-kept secret in history, too. But it's finally been confirmed that the Cincinnati Pops, led by Erich Kunzel, is the only American orchestra invited to play during the Olympic festivities in Beijing.Congratulations are pouring in as we speak, from the Governor, the Mayor and also Gen. Colin Powell (Ret.), who appeared with Kunzel in the National Memorial Day Concert in

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-1608314561231309392008-05-02T23:50:00.003-04:002008-05-05T13:14:53.518-04:00

That's how CSO music director Paavo Jarvi described "The Rite of Spring" in his pre-recorded "First Notes" Friday night.Did you agree?The review that will be in tomorrow's paper did not have enough space to mention a very touching tribute to three violists in the orchestra who are retiring, delivered by percussionist Richard Jensen. (His eloquent words should be reprinted...)The retirees -- about

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-78667852809953741542008-05-02T11:08:00.007-04:002008-05-02T13:22:23.868-04:00

OK, it's all about location, location, locationBut before we get to that, heads up on a big-deal star who's coming next week to play at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club, downtown. Steve Turre, who plays trombone with the Saturday Night Live Band, and is also a virtuoso of the seashells (I kid you not), performs at the club Wednesday and Thursday nights next week. The Mexican-born jazz musician appears

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-63157318535561852672008-05-02T10:23:00.009-04:002008-05-02T11:19:27.546-04:00

Yesterday, I was allowed to be a fly on the wall for the dress rehearsal of soprano Angela Brown, who performs tonight and Sunday afternoon at the Schuster Center for Dayton Opera's annual opera star gala. Part of the performance will be in collaboration with The Wilberforce University Choir.This is one recital you don't want to miss. Brown's program is a winning combination of Verdi and Puccini

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-87284337057779147142008-05-02T10:14:00.002-04:002008-05-02T10:22:45.530-04:00

So, the story continues about a new performing arts center in the Lebanon area. Looks like things are moving.Here's the story I wrote in December:Warren County rallying support for arts centerAREA NEWS New and refurbished arts centers are gaining steam around the region, from the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center in Covington to a planned arts and conference center in Blue Ash. Now,

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-67220154443897236002008-04-30T21:35:00.008-04:002008-05-01T23:34:05.415-04:00

Several local arts organizations were notified today of the final gifts of arts patron Patricia Corbett, estimated to be more than $30 million. The two who will benefit the most from her largesse are CCM and Music Hall. Click here to read the story.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-76959092629777669792008-04-30T21:35:00.002-04:002008-04-30T21:37:35.267-04:00

The Associated Press is reporting that a large donation was made to the Columbus Symphony, announced by the board of trustees Monday. Had there been no gift, the orchestra would have folded today.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-3921969694529522342008-04-30T10:00:00.002-04:002008-04-30T10:05:54.880-04:00

City Council will present a proclamation to CSO music director Paavo Jarvi today, 12:15 p.m. on Fountain Square, in honor of the orchestra's five-country, 12-city European tour this month, playing to sold-out concerts in Paris, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam and Madrid.Downtown Cincinnati Inc.'s Mindy Rosen had the idea after attending several events to honor Team Lachey."I thought if we can honor a

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-85574430219724271792008-04-29T11:32:00.002-04:002008-04-29T11:38:47.000-04:00

The news coming out of Columbus reminds me of how many freelance musicians live in our area (partly thanks to CCM), who drive to Columbus, Dayton, Charleston, Louisville and other areas to work. But now that gas is through the roof, what's happening to their expenses? Take a look at this excellent analysis on this blog.Are you a freelance musician? Is driving all the way to Columbus cutting into

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-33112218878107193422008-04-28T12:54:00.003-04:002008-04-28T13:11:35.998-04:00

I'm wondering if the Columbus Symphony will cease to exist, given the state of affairs right now. Last Thursday night, the musicians in the Columbus Symphony voted to reject the orchestra board's final offer for a new contract.The offer included a 40 percent pay cut for the 53 full-time musicians, from $55,200 to $33,000. Musicians were also required to pay 30 percent of their monthly health

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-33392237316826098262008-04-24T11:57:00.002-04:002008-04-24T12:01:39.356-04:00

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) presents the CCM Philharmonia Orchestra and choirs in two performances of Beethoven's "Coriolan Overture" and Symphony No. 9, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Corbett Auditorium.Conducted by Mark Gibson, director of orchestral studies, and CCM student AikKhai Pung, both concerts feature the Philharmonia Orchestra with the combined

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-60349378411878163022008-04-24T11:28:00.004-04:002008-04-24T23:21:44.395-04:00

Whenever Pinky is in town, it's an event. The Israeli violinist Pinchas Zukerman performs Bruch's Violin Concerto in G Minor with the Cincinnati Symphony tonight through Saturday. And on Friday afternoon, he'll be at CCM to host a master class with string students, free and open to the public.Zukerman has been in international news lately. Last month, he was invited to play the most expensive

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-6177598329737346302008-04-23T15:56:00.003-04:002008-04-23T16:21:01.662-04:00

About 80 symphony musicians, staff members, conductor Paavo Jarvi, musicians with children and I were wondering if we'd ever get home Saturday, as we flew from Madrid to CVG.Our Delta flight out of Madrid was delayed two hours because of a cabin pressure problem -- on the runway, it felt like we were at 2,000 feet. Ears popped and babies screamed. Mechanics tinkered and we took off, albeit not

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-40361403239283368612008-04-23T15:12:00.005-04:002008-04-23T15:52:57.273-04:00

The CSO's 12-city tour of Europe is now a blur. Like most of the other concerts on this tour, the final three in Spain were sold-out triumphs. Barcelona, where the orchestra played in 2004, has an extraordinary hall, Palau de la Musica Catalana, a riot of decoration, peacock-colored stained glass, frescos -- all capped by a ceiling that looks like a Tiffany lamp. What I enjoyed about this hall

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-17171981868944744272008-04-18T13:07:00.005-04:002008-04-24T23:23:45.051-04:00

A few impressions from the European tour:The falling dollar and sticker shock everywhere. Starbucks check: A tall latte in Paris: 3.80 Euro -- more than $6A tall latte in Dusseldorf: 3.10 EuroA tall latte in Madrid: 2.70 EuroOne musician's bill for hotel laundry in Paris: 300 Euros (don't even ask how much that is)Price of one drink in hotel bar while band is playing: 45 EurosCafes and bars in

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-31102351378604622452008-04-18T12:38:00.002-04:002008-04-18T13:01:52.585-04:00

In the two or three hours I had to see Valencia, I decided to walk through the beautiful Turia Gardens, which was full of people walking, running, biking, children playing in playgrounds... it goes on and on through the whole city. Then I came across this other "city" -- an extraordinary new City of Arts and Sciences at one end of the park, designed by Salvatore Calatrava. It includes an opera

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-55025653567688197652008-04-18T11:55:00.005-04:002008-04-18T12:37:14.275-04:00

Valencia -- what a beautiful city! We flew there on Wednesday via the very efficient Czech Airlines. A plus for all of us was that the concert hall was walking distance from the hotel. A negative is that in Spain, you can't find any food until about 7:30 p.m.But when I got to the hall, I noticed it had a beautiful atrium facing the fountains in the Turia Gardens, where there were two big bars and

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-51371226422746383122008-04-18T11:46:00.002-04:002008-04-18T11:54:57.948-04:00

Here's another story I was chasing while in Europe with the CSO. I think this is the first time we've reported that the city wants to improve the Mill Creek corridor. When I first moved to Cincy from San Francisco some 30 years ago and drove down I-75, I cried... In the photo: David Smith from Duke Energy, Holly Childs from the City of Cincinnati and one of Cincinnati's existing German investors,

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-53179316279778616962008-04-15T13:52:00.003-04:002008-04-15T14:03:12.078-04:00

This was such an unusual hall, I wanted to show you photos. I'm pasting my review, because it doesn't appear to be on our Web site yet:DÜSSELDORF – It may be one of the oddest concert halls in the world, but it's also one of the best-sounding in all of Germany. On Monday evening, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performed its final German tour concert in Düsseldorf's famous Tonhalle, situated

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-5589422819231466552008-04-15T12:46:00.003-04:002008-04-15T14:14:35.668-04:00

I just spoke with Paavo Jarvi in the lobby of our hotel, to talk about his tour impressions as we leave Germany for Spain tomorrow. From our conversation, I think the biggest difference between this tour and the one in 2004 is the enormous amount of press the orchestra is getting. Suddenly, Cincinnati is on everybody's radar screen. Critics from Europe's four biggest papers were all at the

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-68180862588100934862008-04-15T05:40:00.004-04:002008-04-30T21:41:18.474-04:00

The CSO's Carrie Krysanick was walking down the Champs-Elysees in Paris when she stumbled upon a mob of people waiting for the opening of George Clooney's new movie, "Leatherheads" on Friday April 11. She didn't hang around to see the arrival of Clooney and Renee Zellweger, but the fan gossip sites have the news... Apparently they lunched at Cantine du Faubourg after the premiere.So here's my

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-62148134560846098022008-04-15T05:28:00.004-04:002008-04-15T05:38:51.944-04:00

We are back in Germany, in Dusseldorf, and now I know what to expect when I go to a concert. You must check your coat. It seems to be a big infringement if you do not, although so far I have not been arrested. I had my coat on my chair in Frankfurt and Munich, and I did get a few glares. One man even sneered something to me about "sein mantel" -- your coat. So when I got to Vienna, I asked Tina

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-77040674814818556502008-04-15T05:06:00.002-04:002008-04-15T05:26:22.477-04:00

As any American abroad will tell you, the dollar is sinking against the euro at an alarming rate. Most of us want to bring home a few little souvenirs, but even a couple of tea towels and knick knacks add up to $100 pretty quickly. I could not find a simple cotton dress for a small child for less than 80 -- which is $128.A main course in a nice neighborhood restaurant in Paris will set you back

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-78064013944202197962008-04-14T07:22:00.002-04:002008-04-14T07:37:00.223-04:00

Somewhere on the road with the CSO last week, I found out that Robert Sullivan, the trumpeter who is with us on tour, has been appointed the new principal trumpet of the orchestra. He will succeed longtime principal Phil Collins (check out the link to Phil's blog on this site).Sullivan won over more than 50 trumpeters who were invited to audition. More than 100 applied for the spot.Sullivan comes

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-7603895490084629082008-04-14T06:40:00.002-04:002008-04-14T07:05:10.446-04:00

This is what I did on my day "off" in Vienna last week. If you didn't see the story, here's the link.Cincinnati has two local boys who are current members of the choir, Jacob and Noah Markowich of Westwood. I enjoyed visiting the movie set when the choir, known as the Wiener Sangerknaben, were making a film. It was fun to find them in a small room rehearsing for their scene with their director,

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-29829088255851419392008-04-14T05:39:00.003-04:002008-04-14T06:39:34.519-04:00

The reviews that I saw auf Deutsch in Germany were glowing. One of the headlines there was "The most German orchestra in America." I'm including a review from The Netherlands' leading national newspaper, translated by former Cincinnatian Dr. Sten Drop of Rotterdam, who attended the concert with his wife Petra:"Wenneke Savenye. NRC Handelsblad 10-4-2008Jansen finds Järvi flawlessNever

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-91240393813805368952008-04-11T18:40:00.004-04:002008-04-11T19:10:23.949-04:00

Finally, after three incredibly grueling days of planes and airports, we made it to Paris. I have to say, I stole a look at the musicians faces during the concert Thursday night in the Salle Pleyel,and they looked dead tired.Here's some of the story as to why I've been incommunicado for a couple of days. Our Mercure hotel in Amsterdam's outskirts had no internet. Everything was down. Kaput. So

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-53369684526145790752008-04-09T02:53:00.002-04:002008-04-09T03:04:42.995-04:00

We pulled out of our Vienna hotel at 9 a.m. and arrived in Stuttgart at 2 p.m. Funny, the very pleasant charter flight only took 55 minutes. But moving an orchestra is like moving an army. It's hurry up and wait... Stuttgart is a lovely city, and they played last night in the Liederhalle, a 1956-era hall in the shape of a piano. The last time I was here in '04, the audience was conservative and

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-71518707854578802432008-04-07T13:52:00.003-04:002008-04-07T14:48:28.568-04:00

Munich was a blur -- we were there barely 17 hours before it was time to jump on the next train to Vienna (Wien). And here we are, right across the street from the Schonbrunn palace, the summer home of the Hapsburgs. Only problem is -- it doesn't feel like summer here. It feels like about 34 degrees. That hasn't stopped the musicians from enjoying their day off, after performing for three nights

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-5224807920184611632008-04-05T09:21:00.002-04:002008-04-05T09:42:52.063-04:00

This morning, after not much sleep last night following the Frankfurt concert, all 115 or so of us in the CSO tour party hopped an express train to Munich. There was just one little problem -- the train was new and the seating system was old. So the numbers on the seats didn't match our tickets. A few people were nomads for a while but I think we all found seats.Some of us were wishing the U.S.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-55550540951612054932008-04-05T08:50:00.002-04:002008-04-05T09:02:25.466-04:00

It's the economy -- Gas is about $8 per gallon, but a half-liter of the world's best beer is just $4.25.A Burberry handbag on the Goethestrasse will set you back about $3,555 (that's 2,250 Euros at 1.58 to the dollar), but you can take a train trip to Mainz and back for about eight bucks.Nine Lives lunch -- The next time we see "homemade wurst platter" on a menu, I know a few brass players who

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-91527972881158993772008-04-03T16:45:00.007-04:002008-04-03T18:09:31.402-04:00

Dateline: MAINZ -- How do symphony musicians spend their days off when on tour? For the horn section of the CSO, a day off in Frankfurt, Germany didn't mean buying souvenirs or drinking beer (well, there was some of that). It meant traveling by train to the shrine of French horn players, Alexander showroom and musical instrument factory, a 30-minute ride from Frankfurt.The appeal of these horns

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-32712203605529496762008-04-02T11:20:00.004-04:002008-04-02T15:51:49.496-04:00

FRANKFURT -- The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra flight to Europe to start a 12-city, five country tour went off without a hitch Tuesday evening. The orchestra party, which took up nearly an entire Delta plane, landed on Wednesday morning in a cloudy, chilly Frankfurt, Germany, and were bused to their hotel.Parting at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport was bittersweet for those who

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-12779117986617507082008-03-30T16:34:00.006-04:002008-04-01T13:26:46.784-04:00

The first time I traveled to Europe with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in 1995, I had a suitcase full of "Agent 007" gadgets, such as an acoustic coupler (remember those?) clips and clamps to attach to a hotel phone for my "dial-up" connections. It was always iffy whether it would work, whether my stories would beam back to 312 Elm Street for you to read in the morning paper. All of them

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-7773307669898758932008-03-30T16:34:00.005-04:002008-04-01T13:01:06.083-04:00

Thousands poured into Music Hall on Saturday morning for an unprecedented performance by Cincinnati's performing arts groups to remember arts patron Patricia Corbett, who died Jan. 28 at age 99.It was a heartfelt tribute, a free concert that brought out families with small children as well as most of Cincinnati's cultural movers and shakers -- art museum heads, conductors, musicians, CCM faculty

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-50465369191642930862008-03-28T16:36:00.002-04:002008-03-28T17:06:57.282-04:00

What does the symphony tour do for Cincinnati and its image abroad? Should an orchestra do these international tours -- or stay home? Those are questions I posed to a music writing class at Northern Kentucky University. Here are some of their answers, and others, too. You can weigh in, too, below."Their traveling is a great perspective of the city we live in. Too often because of past events,

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-11881311607898214942008-03-28T00:34:00.000-04:002008-03-28T00:36:26.916-04:00

It's clear from the reaction of Music Hall's audience Thursday night that Paavo Järvi and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra are taking a program of showstoppers on their 12-city European tour that begins next week.And from their playing, this orchestra is primed. The Cincinnati Symphony gave a preview of one of the programs it will perform over the next three weeks on European stages, and twice

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-44555120943693424242008-03-28T00:12:00.003-04:002008-03-28T19:54:03.865-04:00

Gerhard Samuel, former professor at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music for 21 years, died on March 25 of cardiac arrest at his home on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle.He will be remembered for his international career as conductor, a founder of festivals, a tireless promoter of new music, a prolific composer, and a professor of music and conducting.Mr. Samuel was director of

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-68928355918140696712008-03-25T16:17:00.005-04:002008-03-25T16:30:09.083-04:00

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is preparing for a tour to Europe's music centers, April 1-19. Some of these stops are return visits, and one (Amsterdam's Concertgebouw) is a prestigious debut performance. The schedule:April 1 – Orchestra departs for Frankfurt, Germany (Wednesday arrival)April 4 – Alte Oper, FrankfurtApril 5 – Herkulessaal, MunichApril 6 – Konzerthaus, Vienna, AustriaApril 8 –

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-27495096989003112202008-03-25T16:07:00.002-04:002008-03-25T16:15:12.921-04:00

Here's the latest installment in a series to meet various players in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I'll be on the road with these folks next week. Watch for more news about the tour, coming soon.This Thursday, hear a preview of music they'll perform on tour -- and get a free buffet dinner, too. Here's info on this weekend's concert:Paavo Järvi conducts Mozart's Overture to "The Marriage of

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-27044072001779525982008-03-21T17:54:00.002-04:002008-03-21T18:07:20.020-04:00

Local conductor Steven Reineke will conduct the New York Pops for its 25th Birthday Gala in Carnegie Hall on Monday, April 28. Guest artists for the concert in the famed hall will include Andrea McArdle, Kelli O'Hara, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers, Nicola Congiu, Haley Swindal, Ronan Tynan and Steve Tyrell.The show, "Play to Win," will honor The New York Yankees, James M. Nederlander and

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-79748581202906645302008-03-18T16:27:00.002-04:002008-03-18T16:40:17.535-04:00

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will make its debut on SymphonyCast, a national public radio program showcasing the world's great orchestras on April 8 and July 1.The program airs locally at 8 p.m. Tuesdays on WGUC (90.9).Robin Gehl, WGUC's vice president for programming, says she hopes this will be the start of regular appearances by the Cincinnati Symphony on the national show."When we added

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-19350834566107575652008-03-17T17:47:00.003-04:002008-03-17T17:55:49.069-04:00

To let it die or to not let it die? -- That seems to be the question in Columbus. Take a look at yesterday's Dispatch. Can this orchestra be saved?

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-33408041156705655512008-03-15T00:06:00.003-04:002008-03-15T00:20:02.596-04:00

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's program Friday night in Music Hall was equal parts brilliance and refinement, and the perfect showcase for the orchestra's European tour next month.Paavo Järvi led one of two tour programs that the Cincinnati Symphony will be playing in Europe's musical capitals, and it was clear this ensemble is primed to go on the road. In Schubert's magnificent Symphony No.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-84532330194348008242008-03-14T13:34:00.002-04:002008-03-14T13:50:03.908-04:00

Here's a unique concert of a groundbreaking choral work by Grammy and Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun at CCM, 8 p.m. Saturday in Corbett Auditorium. A Passion story for modern times, Tan Dun's "Water Passion After St. Matthew" utilizes the sound of water.Grammy and Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun, famed for his score for the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," created "Water Passion" for the

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-8441503036122427172008-03-13T17:54:00.003-04:002008-03-13T18:00:22.316-04:00

Cincinnati will thank the late Patricia Corbett for being one of the city's most generous arts patrons in a musical celebration to be held in Music Hall on March 29.An extraordinary array of the arts organizations touched by Mrs. Corbett's philanthropy will perform a free public concert in memory of the arts patron who died on January 28. Performers will include the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra,

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-53620407995012042008-03-12T16:12:00.003-04:002008-03-12T16:23:14.078-04:00

Earth Wind and Fire, Patti LaBelle, Frankie Beverly and Team Cincinnati Choir are some of the stars who will headline this year’s Macy’s Music Festival, July 25-26.Festival organizer Joe Santangelo is counting on star power to help boost the two-day festival at Paul Brown Stadium, an extravaganza of R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul. Macy's Music Festival will again be part of Music Fusion Week, July

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-38075857614548428542008-03-10T13:17:00.004-04:002008-03-12T16:25:19.650-04:00

Ellen Finestone e-mailed this question last week before the Blizzard canceled the symphony concert."We are going to the CSO on Saturday night. The concert is at 8 and I was wondering if you had a suggestion for a restaurant we could go to after the concert?"I've been wracking my brain. Concerts usually end around 10:15 p.m. or even later, and most places downtown stop serving around 10:30 p.m.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-46400390655417315322008-03-07T16:36:00.009-05:002008-03-09T11:00:21.969-04:00

Frequently, the issue of orchestras not being "visual" enough for today's audiences comes up. Every orchestra is struggling with this issue, believing that somehow trying out something new, changing the format and the look of the concert experience, may make it more accessible and therefore more appealing to the casual concertgoer. The Cincinnati Symphony is experimenting with a video screen

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-83093636591836658782008-03-07T16:36:00.008-05:002008-03-08T18:30:51.046-05:00

SAT MAR 8, 8 PM CSO CONCERT IS CANCELED due to the continuing poor weather and road conditions. (Call 513-381-3300 the week of March 10 to exchange free-of-charge into the CSO performance of your choice in the 2007-2008 season, or to be issued a refund.)And here's another change due to the Blizzard of '08:Nic Muni e-mails that there will be two performances tomorrow, 2:30 and 8 p.m. of "The

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-68042279852454565132008-03-07T16:36:00.002-05:002008-03-07T16:45:51.905-05:00

due to the storm.At CCM: Mainstage Series "Little Women," 8 p.m. tonight (Friday)Cincinnati Children's Choir, 4 p.m. Saturday. Both are canceled. For other CCM events, check the UC Website for updates: www.uc.edu.At the Aronoff Center: Overture Awards Finals Competition, 1 p.m. Saturday (This will be rescheduled for 1 p.m. April 6)Mamluft & Co. Dance, 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday (These

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-76684667211438658582008-03-07T15:23:00.003-05:002008-03-07T15:26:24.291-05:00

Here's the news, from the AP wire.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-88473478604414035912008-03-07T15:16:00.002-05:002008-03-07T15:22:52.860-05:00

The worst snowstorm of the season didn't keep throngs of intrepid music lovers away from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's concert Friday morning in Music Hall. The Cincinnati Symphony has not canceled a subscription concert in 113 years. So while snow fell outside at the rate of about an inch per hour, the orchestra put on a glowing performance of Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and an American premiere

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-56305458411896089812008-03-07T10:32:00.006-05:002008-03-07T15:13:50.617-05:00

The CSO Chamber Players concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today (Friday, March 7) at Memorial Hall has been canceled. It will not be rescheduled. Ticket holders may exchange for any CSO concert without a fee. Ticket office: 513-381-3300.The Saturday morning (March 8) Lollipop concert has been postponed to Saturday, May 10th at 10:30 AM.Ticket policy: Tickets will be honored at the new performance

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-9742745236445489072008-03-06T12:17:00.002-05:002008-03-06T12:33:56.608-05:00

Sip wine, snack on Jean-Robert's creations, buy some symphony CDs and get them signed by Paavo Järvi, next Wednesday, March 12, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Metronation, 1213 Vine Street in OTR's Gateway Quarter.It's all for a good cause: 7 Days for SIDS, a one-week fundraiser for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Proceeds also beneift the Tatiana de Cavel Scholarship Fund at the Midwest Culinary Institute at

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-28512309749519837542008-03-04T12:23:00.007-05:002008-03-04T17:08:23.509-05:00

So, you never thought a place called the "Rave" would show opera?The Metropolitan Opera started it. Now you'll also be seeing opera in local movie theaters direct (but not live) from La Scala in Milan, Italy and San Francisco. High definition digital projectors and Dolby Surround Sound make these shows a quality experience, for small bucks. Can there be too much of a good thing? Not if you are a

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-90522705745224236652008-03-03T17:10:00.002-05:002008-03-03T17:38:01.726-05:00

Just when one more doomsayer predicts the end of classical music, you turn on "From the Top" and you're bowled over by all of the amazingly talented kids out there. The Saturday morning's NPR radio show has expanded now to TV, and very soon, you'll see a local prodigy featured on the PBS-TV show.Kevin Bao, 11, of Mason, a sixth-grader at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, will be in New York on

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-17860209149897250402008-03-03T13:39:00.002-05:002008-03-03T13:58:15.891-05:00

Mason resident Leah Jacob, 31, is featured in this month's Redbook magazine, as one of 10 women nationwide singled out for a Redbook/Silpada "Design Your Life" award. Jacob, a cellist who performs in an orchestra, teaches more than 20 students, manages a wedding trio and runs a summer music camp called "Cellissimo," impressed the judges because of her smart child-care solution: Bartering cello

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-62726845643331055352008-02-28T23:48:00.002-05:002008-02-28T23:51:46.878-05:00

"Be prepared" is the motto of all assistant conductors of major orchestras. So when the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra had not one, but two conductors cancel for this weekend's concerts, the job fell to its 28-year-old assistant maestro, Eric Dudley.Dudley stepped in to lead Thursday's performance on one day's notice and with just one rehearsal for a program that included Tchaikovsky's Symphony No

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-19828239315495499152008-02-28T12:29:00.005-05:002008-02-29T09:58:05.234-05:00

Those of you who have heard me speak about my trip to China with the Pops know that being a journalist abroad is no picnic. Daniel Wakin reports on his blog on how the press is treated in North Korea, revealing that he had to wear a blue armband with a big P in a circle, fill out many forms (and pay for the privilege at 30 Euros each) and have two "minders," aka Kim 1 and Kim 2, "escorting" him.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-7998458217237422402008-02-28T10:44:00.006-05:002008-02-29T10:02:15.574-05:00

Artist changes in concerts this weekend: The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has announced that both the scheduled conductor, Stéphane Denève, and the piano soloist, Boris Berezovsky, have canceled their appearances with the CSO this week for personal reasons. In addition, the announced replacement for maestro Denève, conductor Elvind Gullberg Jensen, canceled today due to illness.So, assistant

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-64801836016478175112008-02-27T17:57:00.003-05:002008-02-27T18:39:28.077-05:00

Here are more thoughts from readers about the search for a new president of the CSO, and challenges the orchestra faces:From Dr. Diane Babcock: Enjoyed your article this weekend on the challenges facing the Symphony and agree with your suggestions. The decrease in musical education for young people in our school systems is dismaying. As a result, young people have no appreciation of classical

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-4745186071583726862008-02-27T17:06:00.004-05:002008-02-27T17:57:35.474-05:00

Earl Rivers has not yet tallied the number of premieres he's conducted in 20 years as music director of the Vocal Arts Ensemble. Besides awards, recordings and performances aired over more than 200 radio stations, the two ASCAP awards for "adventuresome programming of contemporary music" tell much of the story of Rivers' tenure.Rivers will conduct his final concert with the Vocal Arts Ensemble

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-11967786093480001202008-02-27T09:53:00.007-05:002008-02-27T10:05:46.338-05:00

The Cincinnati Symphony has announced that both the conductor, Stephane Deneve, and the piano soloist, Boris Berezovsky, have had to cancel their appearances with the CSO this week for personal reasons. Berezovsky was forced to cancel all of his engagements on his entire United States tour, including one with the Indianapolis Symhony this month, too. Maestro Deneve, well-regarded by local

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-27126326712389943002008-02-26T13:45:00.002-05:002008-02-26T14:01:32.231-05:00

If you haven't seen it, here's a link to the New York Philharmonic's historic performance in Pyongyang, Korea on Tuesday (today).The complete video and audio will be streamed online at nyphil.org for 60 days, beginning March 4.Photos: David Guttenfelder, AP. They show the NY Philharmonic conducted by Lorin Maazel, in the East Pyongyang Grand Theater, Pyongyang, North Korea. It kind of reminds me

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-17624849940688903632008-02-24T23:23:00.002-05:002008-02-24T23:27:51.158-05:00

Rosemary Clooney gave Michael Feinstein the best advice he ever received – to smile when he sang "because everyone will hear it."Feinstein learned his lesson well, for he never stopped smiling in his heartfelt tribute to the late Maysville-born star Sunday night with the Cincinnati Pops. Saying he would not be singing on Music Hall's stage were it not for meeting Clooney long ago in Hollywood,

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-65124996503598307472008-02-23T08:58:00.009-05:002008-02-24T23:23:10.480-05:00

No other living composer has captured the heart, soul and pulse of our time as effectively as John Adams.Adams – creator of operas such as "Nixon in China" and America's most frequently performed living American composer – led the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in the CSO premieres of two of his own compositions Friday and Saturday in Music Hall. Each piece was an extraordinary journey that took

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-10112723961782873272008-02-23T08:58:00.005-05:002008-02-23T09:13:27.231-05:00

If the symphony takes a poll, what advice would you give them about the organization and qualities you'd like to see in a new CEO? Today's article in the Enquirer clipped off what was perhaps the most important quote of all from industry pros -- "Orchestras need to matter to people in their community who may never come to a subscription concert," Henry Fogel told me.By the way, watch the terrific

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-30068292975066491842008-02-14T17:43:00.001-05:002008-02-14T17:44:38.045-05:00

I'm out of the office for a few days so please talk amongst yourselves! --- Janelle

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-14772725001691154982008-02-14T16:58:00.005-05:002008-02-16T10:07:36.448-05:00

Happy Year of the Rat! On Saturday, I headed over the NKU where the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Music Society presented a wonderful program that included Dance China NY, Percussion Group Cincinnati and an intriguing jazz-fusion trio of pipa, jazz guitar and bass.Sylvia Lee hosted the show for a near-capacity crowd, noting that this was the 8th annual Chinese New Year concert, and 8 -- in Mandarin

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-68060745495621670952008-02-14T10:05:00.003-05:002008-02-14T10:31:38.522-05:00

I'm hearing lots of ideas for revamping Music Hall, some screwy and some with possibilities.I've heard a plan to make stadium seating sloping down from the first balcony to the floor, where the orchestra's stage will be centered in the hall. (screwy)And I've heard that folks are considering building a new, small concert hall in one of the wings of Music Hall. It will have to be the South wing, as

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-14451348956278539322008-02-12T17:57:00.000-05:002008-02-12T18:06:48.200-05:00

Take your kids in grades 7-12 on a backstage tour of Music Hall and get free concert tickets. The CSO hosts "Putting it Together," Saturday, February 16, 5 p.m. Please make reservations by Thursday, February 14Learn how they put on a show with members of the CSO Artistic and Production team. A tour of Music Hall's backstage area is featured as you meet the people who book and work with artists

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-15048972955930430432008-02-11T12:09:00.000-05:002008-02-11T12:27:14.053-05:00

Cincinnati May Festival maestro James Conlon had a full-page spread in the Sunday NY Times about his opera series in Los Angeles surveying music by composers who were affected by the Holocaust. It's an excellent article by David Mermelstein. Conlon conducts "Otello" Saturday and the two rarities on Sunday with LA Opera: Viktor Ullmann's "The Broken Jug" and Zemlinsky's "Der Zwerg" (The Dwarf).

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-41412237779995203562008-02-11T11:14:00.000-05:002008-02-11T11:16:43.731-05:00

Two singers at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music took the top prizes in Houston Grand Opera's annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers, announced Friday night. Soprano Caitlin Lynch took first place and the Audience Award, and soprano Joelle Harvey took second place. Judges included opera icon Frederica von Stade, Houston Grand Opera general director and CEO

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-14856076114300840002008-02-11T11:02:00.000-05:002008-02-11T18:45:35.767-05:00

You recall that Cincinnati didn't have the usual number of Grammy nominations this year.Here's the complete list of winners.Here are the "locals" who won in classical:The chamber ensemble eighth blackbird, whose members are graduates of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, won its first Grammy Award Sunday night for "Chamber Music Performance" for the album "Strange

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-11620491859211007912008-02-10T14:23:00.000-05:002008-02-10T14:35:52.347-05:00

So, I was reading classical music blogs, and stumbled upon this conversation in the NY Times between Daniel Wakin and Ivan Fischer.Fischer, music director of the Budapest Festival Orchestra, is also former principal guest conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony. He talks about keeping his orchestra players happy since 1983, and innovative things they do to keep the audience happy.(Fischer's band is

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-78810485791378392862008-02-08T16:57:00.000-05:002008-02-08T20:11:45.495-05:00

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra was in good hands with a pair of twentysomething rising stars, Friday morning in Music Hall.Finnish conductor Pietari Inkinen, 27, made an impressive American debut in the orchestra’s first-ever performance of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 3. At the piano, 21-year-old Lukas Vondracek gave a brilliant reading of Grieg’s Concerto in A Minor.Inkinen, who is already music

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-41449135971632435902008-02-08T16:15:00.000-05:002008-02-08T16:57:17.566-05:00

Lest you dare be a couch potato at this time of year -- with so many options -- here are a few suggestions.Tonight and tomorrow night at the Blue Wisp, it's Phil DeGreg and Brasilia, my favorite jazz show in this city. It's music by Brazilian composers like Antonio Carlos Jobim, Hermeto Pascoal, and Ivan Lins, and others. The music is lively and rhythmic, with styles like samba, baiao, choro,

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-44012789823813471132008-02-08T10:17:00.000-05:002008-02-08T10:24:25.113-05:00

Cincinnati conductor Steven Reineke has been named principal pops conductor of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, the California orchestra will announce today.Reineke will begin a three-year appointment in September as that orchestra's first-ever pops conductor. He'll conduct four outdoor conducts on the grounds of the E. & J. Gallo Winery and three indoor shows at Modesto's Gallo Center for the

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-91380596548194952862008-02-07T16:12:00.000-05:002008-02-07T16:16:13.399-05:00

I saw a preview performance of the new opera Miss Lonelyhearts at CCM last night. Here's the review. What did you think?

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-88052676992263040532008-02-06T16:17:00.000-05:002008-02-06T16:30:15.905-05:00

On and off over the years, I've written about grassroots campaigns to build a bona fide concert hall on the Miami University campus. It may have started with a review I wrote the first time I heard Itzhak Perlman play in Millett Hall, a basketball arena. Yes, something was missing... The school does have the smallish Hall Auditorium, but one would think, with such illustrious ensembles as the MU

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16657885.post-56093217799849755492008-02-04T17:50:00.001-05:002008-02-04T18:01:20.558-05:00

Could this ever play Cincinnati? The reviews are starting to come in, and they aren't too pretty. MusicalAmerica is reporting a flock of rosary-reciting protestors outside of Carnegie Hall for the New York premiere. The cast sits in the auditorium and yells "Jer-RY, Jer-Ry!" as a cast of sluts, pole dancer-wannabes, tap-dancing Ku Klux Klansmen and more, make their grand entrances.

Janelle Gelfandnoreply@blogger.com6