Category: classical music

As all theaters, museums close, Zoo closes and Aquarium is next in precautionary measures against COVID-19

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With museums, theaters and even the Zoo closed, and the Aquarium closing Monday, I’ll be posting some virtual entertainment options. Cincinnati Museum Center, above, is also closed.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden announced yesterday that it will be completely closed for the foreseeable future due to Covid-19, starting today, for the safety of the public, staff, volunteers and also the animals. Click here for more info.

“We know you have concerns about our staff and animals and want to reassure you that our animal team will continue to provide excellent care for our animals,” Zoo Director Thane Maynard said in a news release. “We have a surplus of food and essential medical supplies, so we can take care of them while we’re closed.”

​In an effort to keep its loyal members and community connected to their favorite animals while the Zoo is closed, Home Safari Facebook Live sessions will be offered weekdays starting on Monday, March 16 at 3 p.m.  Each session will highlight an animal and provide an activity that you can do at home.  The first safari will feature everyone’s favorite hippo, Fiona.

At the same time, the Newport Aquarium, another big draw for families, announced that it is OPEN TODAY but will close tomorrow, March 16, through March 27. The Aquarium’s website has information on refunds if you have already purchased tickets. Click here for more information.

Of course, all of Cincinnati’s theaters and museums are closed, too. (Scroll down this blog to see the major announcements.)

So — I’ve been listening to a lot of Cincinnati Public Radio — WGUC-FM 90.9 classical radio and WVXU 91.7 and WMUB 88.5. You can live-stream it at cinradio.org.

Watch for my upcoming posts about VIRTUAL OPTIONS of concerts and operas that are being aired to the international community to watch during the pandemic.

Live stream tonight: Walnut Hills High teen to perform as finalist in Hilton Head Piano Competition

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Kasey Shao, 16, a rising star pianist and a junior at Walnut Hills High School, is a finalist in the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. You can hear her perform the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 for the Final Round with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Morris Russell at 7 p.m. tonight (March 14).

It will be live-streamed here.

Kasey studies with Ran Dank at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

The last time I interviewed her, she was preparing for the Van Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition. You can read about her previous performances and competitions in that article.

For info about the competition, click here.

We wish her luck!

COVID-19 derails Carnegie Hall debut for local musicians

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Howard Helvey and choir rehearsing for Carnegie Hall debut. They are hopeful that it will be rescheduled.

Perhaps you saw this article in yesterday’s Business Courier, which says:

“Many musicians dream of performing at Carnegie Hall, America’s legendary concert hall in New York. This weekend, Cincinnati conductor and composer Howard Helvey will realize that dream when he leads members of the Choir of Calvary Episcopal Church and the Varsity Ensemble of Winton Woods High School in eight of his own works at Carnegie Hall. Helvey will lead a festival chorus of more than 150 singers – including the Cincinnati ensembles – in his music on March 15 in Stern Auditorium.”

Of course, that is not happening. I reached out to Howard to find out what happened.Read More »

More cancellations, but the ZOO is open — outdoor exhibits, anyway

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Nicole Cabell pledges to return

You can pretty much assume that if you own a performing arts ticket between now and April 12 or so, it has been cancelled to avoid community spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio. Here’s the latest:

Matinee Musicale’s recital featuring opera star Nicole Cabell, soprano, and Donna Loewy, piano, on March 27th in Memorial Hall has been canceled. In addition, the master class that the soprano graciously agreed to perform with voice students at CCM on March 26 is also canceled.

The artist has agreed to reschedule if at all possible. Here’s the organizations’ message:

“Matinée Musicale will work to make this happen when government restrictions are lifted and the health and well-being of all participants is no longer threatened. We will have information about rescheduling and/or ticket refunds/exchanges soon.

“At this time, we expect the April 19 and May 2 recitals to proceed as planned. If the Governor’s ban is extended beyond April 3, notifications will be sent promptly. Check our website for more information: matineemusicalecincinnati.org.”

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is open, but precautions are being taken — and you might not get to see Fiona, as indoor animal habitats are closed. But you can still walk the lovely grounds and see the animals that are outside.

Here’s the Zoo’s statement:Read More »

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update

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Here’s the situation at CCM. all CCM public performances scheduled now (March 12, 2020) through May 31, 2020, have been canceled or rescheduled.

Student recitals that are degree requirements may still occur during this time frame, provided that social distancing is observed and respected; these student recitals will not be open to the general public.

Any ticket purchaser affected by a paid performance cancellation can contact the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 to request a refund.

Curt Whitacre's avatarCCM VILLAGE NEWS ARCHIVES

Although there have been no documented cases of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus within our campus community, the University of Cincinnati is making needed preparations to be able to quickly respond if COVID-19 is detected.

Based on the latest updates from Ohio Governor Mike DeWineand following the University of Cincinnati’s updated public health practices, all CCM public performances scheduled now (March 12, 2020) through May 31, 2020, have been canceled or rescheduled.*

Student recitals that are degree requirements may still occur during this time frame, provided that social distancing is observed and respected; these student recitals will not be open to the general public.

Any ticket purchaser affected by a paid performance cancellation can contact the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 to request a refund.

This is an extremely fluid situation and guidelines are subject to change. Additional updates regarding CCM performances will be published at ccm.uc.edu and

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COVID-19 Update: CSO releases list of canceled events

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The Cincinnati May Festival’s Cathedral Basilica concert is canceled. Photo provided by May Festival/Philip Groshong

Late today, the Cincinnati Symphony released a list of canceled events. They include three CSO subscription programs in Music Hall, a concert by the Vocal Arts Ensemble, the opening May Festival concert at the Basilica in Covington’s Cathedral, youth and Lollipop concerts, chamber music with Manny Ax and Night/Light events:

 Handel + Vivaldi (March 13 and 14)
 CSO Night/Light (March 14)
 Peter & the Wolf: Sensory-Friendly Rehearsal (March 24)
 Manny & Mozart (March 27 and 28)
 Manny & Chamber Players (March 27)
 Lollipops: Peter & the Wolf (March 28)
 Vocal Arts Ensemble: Sacred Heart (March 29)
 Young People’s Concert: Plugged In (March 31)
 Beethoven 8 + Sō Percussion (April 3 and 4)
 CSO Night/Light (April 4)
 May Festival at the Basilica (April 5)

Subscribers can exchange tickets online and all other ticket buyers may call the Box Office at 513-381-
3300. Fees are waived until March 31. The orchestra acknowledges the financial impact and is encouraging ticket holders to donate their tickets back. Information here.

 

CSO, Pops cancel shows through April 5 after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine bans gatherings of more than 100

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The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops have canceled all concerts through “at least April 5 due to coronavirus concerns. The orchestra released this statement on its website:

“Governor DeWine’s decision prioritizes public health by restricting all large gatherings, and we are committed to the health and well-being of our audience members, musicians, volunteers and staff.

“This cancellation will have a significant financial impact for the Orchestra. We are especially appreciative of our generous supporters who will consider their donating tickets for these performances. Throughout our 125-year history, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has navigated challenges and continues to thrive because of the strength of our community. Now, as always, we are grateful for our community’s extraordinary support.”

Click here for information about ticket exchanges or how to donate.

Here are others that we know about:

♦Memorial Hall has closed due to concerns around the spread of COVID-19.

♦Chamber Music Cincinnati has canceled the Pavel Haas Quartet concert scheduled for tonight. Ticket fees will be refunded automatically. Info: 513-977-8838.

♦Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is temporarily suspending all performances, events, and community programs, effective immediately.

The theatre is working to identify dates to reschedule its shows and ticket holders for upcoming performances will be contacted. Additionally, ETC will be relaxing its exchange policies and waive all fees to find suitable solutions for its patrons.

♦YPCC has canceled Saturday’s Radio Revelry Gala Concert at Cincinnati Museum Center. It will be rescheduled for May 19. Details here.

♦The Metropolitan Opera has canceled its Live in HD performances in movie theaters around the country.

♦At the Aronoff Center: Friday’s performance of Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood: The Scared Scriptless Tour has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:30 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall.

♦Tomorrow evening’s performance of Sex n’ the City: A (Super Unauthorized) Musical Parody has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 7:30 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater.  The show was originally scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020.

♦Due to Johnny Mathis’ specific travel and health advisements, this Saturday’s concert with Johnny Mathis has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 8:00 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall.  The concert was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020.

Current Aronoff Center ticketholders will be sent new tickets with the rescheduled date and time the week of April 6, 2020.  Refund info prior to Friday, April 3, 2020 at (513) 621-2787 or ticketing@cincinnatiarts.org.

♦Cincinnati Art Museum: The Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance, 1850–1970 opening reception and lecture have been cancelled. However, self-tours will be permitted in the new exhibition until 7 p.m., and the museum will remain open until 8 p.m.

Across the country, the arts are taking a hit. At 5 p.m. today, Broadway theaters will go dark by order of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Here’s Playbill.

See the list in the previous post for more cancellations.

Watch for updates: Coronavirus causing cancellations in Cincy’s concert season

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From a recent Linton Chamber concert. Linton has canceled concerts this weekend.

You’ve probably seen the cancellations across the country due to COVID-19 — of sporting events, parades and arts presentations in large theaters — from opera and ballet to “Hamilton” (canceled in San Francisco).

Just in: The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade on March 26 will be either canceled or postponed.

As far as the arts in Cincinnati, I’ve gotten official word that the Linton Chamber Music Series concerts on March 15-16 have been cancelled this weekend. In addition, there will be no “Peanut Butter & Jam Session” this week at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church or next week at Sycamore Presbyterian Church. Information here.

Because the University of Cincinnati is canceling in-person classes from March 14 through April 13, I’m hearing from faculty members that performances at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) will be canceled through the end of the semester. It’s possible that some may be live-streamed, if you interpret the UC message below: Read More »

Renowned organist to perform for second annual Organ Festival this weekend

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The historic Covenant-First Presbyterian Church, downtown, will host its second annual Organ Festival this weekend, March 8 & 9, 2020.

This year, the featured organist is Alan Morrison, of the Curtis Institute.  He will perform a free public recital at the church at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8. On Monday March 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, he’ll preside over a master class for CCM organ students, also hosted at the church.

The festival is a partnership between the church (which hosts the events and underwrites all the costs) and the CCM Organ Department, which is directed by Dr. Michael Unger.

“The goal of this now second annual Organ Festival continues to be twofold: To bring a top organist to Cincinnati in recital, but also and as importantly, to partner with CCM’s organ studio to provide support for the future generation of church musicians,” said Robert Heidenreich, church member and festival organizer. “Our partnering with CCM continues to grow, and this is one key part of that.”

Morrison’s Sunday afternoon program looks tempting: Read More »

All Beethoven, all the time

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Stefani Matsuo
Photo by Jake Anderson

Beethoven’s 250th birthday this year (Dec. 16 2020) is offering musical groups around the world a reason to celebrate this revolutionary composer. This weekend, the chamber ensemble concert:nova is presenting Beethoven’s violin and cello sonatas in three consecutive concerts. It will offer a chance to hear musicians of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, including new concertmaster Stefani Matsuo, performing with some excellent pianists, faculty members at CCM and Oberlin.

Here’s the lineup. There will be cake — presents not necessary.

The concerts are at the First Lutheran Church, 1208 Race Street in OTR. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door or $60 for the whole birthday bundle. Click here to purchase.Read More »