The history of art is infused with stories about brilliant young poets, composers or painters dying in obscurity at a tragically early age, their work remaining unknown for generations. Such was the provenance of a recently discovered oratorio, a huge composition over two hours in length for a large orchestra, two mixed choruses, chamber choir, boys’ choir, five vocal soloists, organ and off-stage brass. Continue Reading »

Richard Strauss once boasted that he could depict a stein of beer in music. Imagine: the effervescent froth, the cool condensation on the handle and mug, the malty flavor and inebriated camaraderie, all through his command of orchestral effect. Continue Reading »

The musicians were all but fighting to get in. Top players from some of the best orchestras in the United States were vying to perform for free during precious vacation days! Continue Reading »

If the arts offer profound joy to the human experience, there is hardly an orchestral musician alive who would not agree that maestro Neeme Järvi has devoted his life to expressing that joy through his music making. Continue Reading »

Music, philosophy, and dramatic images combine to create an all-encompassing experience in this in-depth exploration of Gustav Mahler’s stirring and questioning Third Symphony:
How did we get here? What is our life’s purpose? Does God exist? Why do people suffer? Continue Reading »