Classical Voice North America

Martinů’s Symphonies: Reveling In Variegated Garden Of Late Bloomer

Richard S. Ginell — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:35:12 +0000

DIGITAL REVIEW - Martinů's six symphonies, written between 1942 and 1953 and heard in a three-CD set by the Bamberger Symphoniker under Jakub Hrůša, sound like no others, more or less out of time with the trends of mid-century.

The post Martinů’s Symphonies: Reveling In Variegated Garden Of Late Bloomer first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

Virtuosity And Brevity Meet At Spirited Heart Of Clever Concert Fare

Xenia Hanusiak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:40:56 +0000

SYDNEY – In programming two firecracker works (with a pair of charismatic millennial piano virtuosos) and keeping the whole affair to an hour (dispensing with an intermission), the Sydney Symphony Orchestra hit on a winning formula.

The post Virtuosity And Brevity Meet At Spirited Heart Of Clever Concert Fare first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

Marian Anderson: Voice Of A Century Who Also Bore Discord Of Racism

Jack Sullivan — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:31:28 +0000

BOOK REVIEW – Anthony Tommasini's perceptive new biography chronicles the legendary American contralto's wildly popular embrace in Europe as well as her experience back home: banned from hotels even as she was cheered in concert halls.

The post Marian Anderson: Voice Of A Century Who Also Bore Discord Of Racism first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

Unearthing, Restoration Of Old Recordings Puts Music’s Arc In New Light

Gary Lemco — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:33:30 +0000

PERSPECTIVE – There is a unique satisfaction in uncovering recorded performances that have remained unknown for decades. From as far back as 1962, I have enjoyed tracking down, listening to, and broadcasting these historic documents.

The post Unearthing, Restoration Of Old Recordings Puts Music’s Arc In New Light first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

Once-A-Year Chorus Puts A Fine Finish On Josquin, Dolly Parton

David Patrick Stearns — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:59:56 +0000

NEW YORK – Now in its fourth season, Res Facta Vocal Ensemble exists in once-a-year ideal conditions. Its public knew to drop everything for a program of Josquin, the Franco-Flemish School, and a perfectly aligned Dolly Parton encore.

The post Once-A-Year Chorus Puts A Fine Finish On Josquin, Dolly Parton first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

After Half A Century, Takács Introduces Its First Change At Cello

Jason Victor Serinus — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:52:06 +0000

PORT ANGELES, Wash. – The Takács Quartet, a fixture at the Music on the Strait chamber festival, chose these friendly environs for the ensemble debut of cellist Mihai Marica. He replaces András Fejér, who helped to launch the quartet in 1975.

The post After Half A Century, Takács Introduces Its First Change At Cello first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

Chamber Fest Explores Dynamic Interactions Of Music, History’s Course

Paul Bodine — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 22:30:11 +0000

LA JOLLA, Calif. – Concerts at this year's La Jolla Music Society Summerfest, on the theme "Making History," underscored the high standards of programming and performance set by the festival's fourth director, pianist Inon Barnatan.

The post Chamber Fest Explores Dynamic Interactions Of Music, History’s Course first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

Familial Feeling Blends With Edged Repertoire At Chamber Music Fest

Keith Powers — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:48:06 +0000

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. – While blending bold programming with a casually involved atmosphere, the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival, tucked away in this coastal community, has remained largely unchanged in its 25 years.

The post Familial Feeling Blends With Edged Repertoire At Chamber Music Fest first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

LOUD Percussion Piece Migrates To Recording; Lose Those Earplugs

David Patrick Stearns — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:01:31 +0000

DIGITAL REVIEW – When the University of Michigan Percussion Ensemble played Michael Gordon's Field of Vision at a Bang on a Can LOUD Weekend event in 2022, ear protection was handed out. The new CD is an album of the year.

The post LOUD Percussion Piece Migrates To Recording; Lose Those Earplugs first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

As He Signs Off In LA, Gustavo Dudamel Can Claim Imposing Legacy

Richard S. Ginell — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:58:21 +0000

PERSPECTIVE – The versatile and visionary 45-year-old conductor, who capped his 17 years as music director of the LA Phil with four wildly multicultural "farewell" concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, is much changed from yesteryear's fireball.

The post As He Signs Off In LA, Gustavo Dudamel Can Claim Imposing Legacy first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

From Music’s Castoffs, Festival Puts Together Concert Of Discovery

Richard S. Ginell — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 23:27:06 +0000

LA JOLLA, Calif. – An obscure Bach chaconne played on accordion was among "Lost and Found" pieces performed at La Jolla Summerfest. If the program didn't always follow the premise, it was still a good listen with some rewarding surprises.

The post From Music’s Castoffs, Festival Puts Together Concert Of Discovery first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

String Duo Recaptures Bartók’s Sly Exercises Based On Folk Forays

Anne E. Johnson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 03:08:31 +0000

DIGITAL REVIEW – Béla Bartók was the exceptional teacher who tried to make instrumental drills less tedious and more musical. Violinist Alexandra Preucil and violist Antoine Tamestit make the case in their traversal of the composer's 44 Duos.

The post String Duo Recaptures Bartók’s Sly Exercises Based On Folk Forays first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

Wine-And-Music Fest Raises Glass In Honor Of America’s Birthday

Angela Allen — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:03:32 +0000

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, Ore. – Sipping Oregon wines while listening to live chamber music in barrel rooms, wine cellars, and tasting rooms is the art and soul of the Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival, which spotlights Americana this summer.

The post Wine-And-Music Fest Raises Glass In Honor Of America’s Birthday first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

With Ghostly Clarity, Elusive Britten Opera Wafts Into Substance

David Schneider — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 20:52:25 +0000

OAKLAND, Calif. – West Edge Opera's production of The Turn of the Screw, multilayered and insightful under director Mark Streshinsky and buoyed by an excellent cast, tapped the meaning of Henry James' tale by embracing its ambiguity.

The post With Ghostly Clarity, Elusive Britten Opera Wafts Into Substance first appeared on Classical Voice North America.

On ‘Alpine’ Peak, Fiery New Bird Spreads His Wings With Chicago SO

Nancy Malitz — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:00:57 +0000

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. – The Chicago Symphony's annual residency at the Ravinia Festival has bubbled with exuberance this summer. Klaus Mäkelä, the CSO music director-designate, made a stunning Ravinia debut in Strauss and Stravinsky.

The post On ‘Alpine’ Peak, Fiery New Bird Spreads His Wings With Chicago SO first appeared on Classical Voice North America.