Tag: Music Hall

Reviews in the news

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In case you missed them, here are links to the two shows I reviewed this weekend:

On Thursday, the opera “Hansel and Gretel” at CCM: There’s a moment in the fairy-tale opera “Hansel and Gretel,” when the two hungry and terrified children, lost in the woods, kneel and sing the “Children’s Prayer” against softly falling snow. It’s always heart-stopping, as the sleepy children sing about 14 angels who will guard them through the night. What happens next, in the production mounted Thursday by the opera department of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, is unexpected and magical.

On Friday, a world premiere at the CSO in Music Hall: The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has premiered many important pieces since its founding in 1895. On Friday, the orchestra added an engaging new work to the list with the world premiere of a new Double Concerto by the celebrated composer and conductor André Previn. It was performed by violinist Jaime Laredo and cellist Sharon Robinson. Sophisticated and well-crafted, Previn’s new work is a terrific addition to the double concerto repertoire.

NPR: Cincy Symphony is one of handful of orchestras with premieres this weekend

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The Cincinnati Symphony’s world premiere Double Concerto by four-time Oscar winning composer/conductor Andre Previn is one of a “flurry of premieres” by American orchestras. See this NPR piece to read about the others. For Previn’s concerto, see the links to my interview with the soloists, Sharon Robinson and Jaime Laredo, in the post below.

Previn sightings? Let me know… the Hollywood legend is due to be in town for the premiere.

The week in review

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Here are some handy links to stories and reviews from last week in the arts:

Where will the Blue Wisp Big Band land? Here are some potential ideas from readers.

Did you attend the symphony last week? Here’s the review of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1.

Read some of Louis Langree’s insights into Mahler’s music before he takes the CSO podium.

Read about this weekend’s premiere, a new Double Concerto by Andre Previn, written for cellist Sharon Robinson and Jaime Laredo. Also there, watch Robinson and Laredo as they discuss Previn and play part of his Piano Trio No. 2.

Do Americans appreciate their arts and culture?

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First, the back story to this column. When news came over the wire that the Atlanta Symphony had settled with its players this week after a 10-week lockout, my editor wandered over to my desk and started firing questions: Why is this a big deal, or not? Could it happen here? Why don’t we see more about classical music in the media? What about arts eduction? Whoa – that’s enough for at least three stories right there. … It started me thinking. I’ve always felt lucky to live in a city with such high-quality arts.

Anyway, here are a few of my thoughts, for now! Feel free to weigh in.

What makes a great conductor?

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THE MET ORCHESTRA
James Levine leading the Met Orchestra in Carnegie Hall last May

The Cincinnati Symphony’s “Russian Hallows’ Eve” was an entertaining brew. Here’s the review. I was especially impressed by the soloist, Benjamin Schmid, an Austrian violinist.

The concert was led by guest Andrey Boreyko. As I was leaving a gentleman came up to me and asked, “What makes a great conductor?”

That’s an intriguing question, and I’ll bet a lot of musicians could weigh in — not always positively! It’s definitely a different experience for the audience, which only sees the performance. A conductor who is charismatic on the podium doesn’t always mean greatness; lots of work and communication with the players takes place during rehearsals. (Look at James Levine, now confined to a wheelchair, who barely moves as he conducts.)

For me, I look for expressive phrasing, a sense of direction over the arc of a piece, respect for the composer and period and musicianship. A great conductor takes the listener on a journey, and conveys a specific point of view. And I enjoy it when a conductor is spontaneous (but I know that musicians hate that).

There is something about being a conductor that is indefinite –a chemistry happens between orchestra and conductor that results in an inspiring experience.

What do you think?

 

Halloween fun

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Many came in costume
Many came in costume

Here are 10 ways concert:nova’s Halloween concert was unusual.

Concert:nova performers in "Red Death"
Concert:nova performers in “Red Death”

And here’s the review of Monday’s show (the second of two performances).

Don’t forget to watch the showed about Haunted Music Hall tonight, 9 p.m. on the Syfy channel.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conjures its own spooky brew, “A Russian Hallows’ Eve,” Thursday and Saturday in Music Hall. Watch for my review to post on cincinnati.com/thingstodo, with a link in this space on Friday.

Note: If you’re going to the Thursday free dinner buffet — it will not be in the Ballroom. The CSO says: Due to scheduling conflicts, the Ballroom is unavailable for Thursday night dinner on October 30th. Buffet lines will be open in the foyer lobby and the balcony well. Corbett Tower will be available for seating. We thank you for your understanding and will return to the Ballroom for Thursday night dinners on January 15th, 2015.

Music Hall in the news — then and now

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IMG_1249

Cincinnatians have discussed a major renovation of Music Hall for more than a decade. The 3,417-seat Victorian Gothic hall dating from 1878 hasn’t had an update in more than four decades. Then, about four years ago, things started heating up. But confusion reigned. That’s when I asked, “Who’s in Charge?”

Here’s a link to our team coverage going back about three years. By the way, the last time we saw any images of the plan was here.

I worked with photographer Glenn Hartong behind the scenes to document why a Music Hall rehab was needed (which appeared in Forum for print).

Recent news includes “What will it cost to Fix our Icons?” This was a joint package by our team. We went to nearly a week of meetings by the Cultural Facilities Task Force. Our aim was to inform readers of the plan for Music Hall and Union Terminal revitalization projects. As they say, it’s complicated. The story has an interactive graphic showing attendance for both buildings and ProConIts at the end.

Of course, County commissioners decided that Music Hall is now out of the proposed Icon Tax picture. See more coverage here.

 

Opera for all: Fun stories that helped readers enjoy opera season

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madame5Cincinnati Opera brought back the chestnut “Madame Butterfly” this year. To give our coverage a “facelift,” we had a timelapse video of Cio-Cio San getting her makeup, and gave readers five reasons why Madame Butterfly should be your first opera.

Here’s the opera review. At the end of the four-opera season, readers chimed in on Facebook — so we rounded those up here.

Photo by Liz Dufour of Maria Luigia Borsi as Butterfly