There's No Labeling Composer and Conductor Tania Leon
Posted: Jan 13, 1992 - 3:03:46 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post Jan. 13, 1992)
Don't try to label composer Tania Leon.
Born in Cuba, she has lived in New York since the 1960s. She grew up in a poor neighborhood in Havana, amid the sound of the cha-cha and the mambo.
Ms. Leon, whose "Carabali" will be given its world premiere by the Cincinnati Symphony led by music director Jesús López-Cobos this weekend at Music Hall, counts Chinese, French, Spanish and Afro-Cubans among her immediate ancestors.
- [Read more]
Don't try to label composer Tania Leon.
Born in Cuba, she has lived in New York since the 1960s. She grew up in a poor neighborhood in Havana, amid the sound of the cha-cha and the mambo.
Ms. Leon, whose "Carabali" will be given its world premiere by the Cincinnati Symphony led by music director Jesús López-Cobos this weekend at Music Hall, counts Chinese, French, Spanish and Afro-Cubans among her immediate ancestors.
- [Read more]
CSO, May Festival Chorus Celebrate Mozart
Posted: Dec 7, 1991 - 11:14:36 AM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post Dec. 7, 1991)
The Cincinnati Symphony and May Festival Chorus gathered at Music Hall Friday night to, in the words of CSO music director Jesús López-Cobos, "celebrate" the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death (Dec. 5, 1791).
While "celebrate" might seem the wrong word, it really wasn't inappropriate for the concert that followed. Not with the program Lopez-Cobos selected, contrasting Mozart's Requiem with his earlier “Vesperae solenne de confessore. “ And not with the introduction López-Cobos provided in Mozart's own words. - [Read more]
The Cincinnati Symphony and May Festival Chorus gathered at Music Hall Friday night to, in the words of CSO music director Jesús López-Cobos, "celebrate" the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death (Dec. 5, 1791).
While "celebrate" might seem the wrong word, it really wasn't inappropriate for the concert that followed. Not with the program Lopez-Cobos selected, contrasting Mozart's Requiem with his earlier “Vesperae solenne de confessore. “ And not with the introduction López-Cobos provided in Mozart's own words. - [Read more]
Beethoven Concert Shows Why the Greats are Great
Posted: Nov 23, 1991 - 4:09:04 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post Nov. 23, 1991)
You can carp all you want about classical music's oft-played "canon," but it does help pay the rent.
The Cincinnati Symphony's all-Beethoven concert Friday night at Music Hall drew its largest crowd of the season, 2,420, with 2,767 tickets already sold for tonight's repeat.
Adding to Beethoven's box office brawn was the star power of violinist Pinchas Zukerman, soloist in the Beethoven Concerto. - [Read more]
You can carp all you want about classical music's oft-played "canon," but it does help pay the rent.
The Cincinnati Symphony's all-Beethoven concert Friday night at Music Hall drew its largest crowd of the season, 2,420, with 2,767 tickets already sold for tonight's repeat.
Adding to Beethoven's box office brawn was the star power of violinist Pinchas Zukerman, soloist in the Beethoven Concerto. - [Read more]
Conductor Reaching Out to Audiences
Posted: Nov 18, 1991 - 3:55:53 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post Nov. 18, 1991)
Last week Cincinnati Symphony assistant conductor Keith Lockhart climbed into a time machine onstage at Music Hall and traveled "Bach to the Future."
Saturday at 10:30 a.m. he returns to Music Hall to conduct Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" on the CSO's Casual Classics series.
The Spielberg conveyance will be gone - that was for the 10,000 third- to sixth-graders who attended the CSO's young people's concerts. But the thrust will be the same: making symphony concerts more appealing for today's audiences. - [Read more]
Last week Cincinnati Symphony assistant conductor Keith Lockhart climbed into a time machine onstage at Music Hall and traveled "Bach to the Future."
Saturday at 10:30 a.m. he returns to Music Hall to conduct Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" on the CSO's Casual Classics series.
The Spielberg conveyance will be gone - that was for the 10,000 third- to sixth-graders who attended the CSO's young people's concerts. But the thrust will be the same: making symphony concerts more appealing for today's audiences. - [Read more]
A Milestone Year for CCM
Posted: Nov 1, 1991 - 2:53:09 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post Nov. 1, 1991)
Tennessee Ernie Ford burnished his baritone there.
Suzanne Farrell polished her plies there.
Al Hirt warmed up his trumpet there.
These are just a few pages in the history of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
- [Read more]
Tennessee Ernie Ford burnished his baritone there.
Suzanne Farrell polished her plies there.
Al Hirt warmed up his trumpet there.
These are just a few pages in the history of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
- [Read more]
Tocco Shares Spotlight with Colleagues
Posted: Oct 22, 1991 - 2:57:50 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post Oct. 22, 1991)
Cincinnati's newest musical citizen, pianist James Tocco, made his inaugural bow Monday night at Corbett Auditorium in the spirit of collegiality: by sharing the spotlight with his colleagues.
Newly named Eminent Scholar in Piano and Chamber Music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the acclaimed pianist was joined on the recital by members of the CCM faculty. - [Read more]
Cincinnati's newest musical citizen, pianist James Tocco, made his inaugural bow Monday night at Corbett Auditorium in the spirit of collegiality: by sharing the spotlight with his colleagues.
Newly named Eminent Scholar in Piano and Chamber Music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the acclaimed pianist was joined on the recital by members of the CCM faculty. - [Read more]
Classics Meet Bluegrass in Mandolin Performance
Posted: Oct 8, 1991 - 11:29:58 AM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post Oct. 8, 1991)
Pickin' and singin' on a Cincinnati Chamber Music Society concert?
Yes, ma'am. It happened Sunday afternoon at Corbett Auditorium before a crowd more used to Mozart than Bill Monroe. The pickin' was by the Modern Mandolin Quartet, whose final "Bill Monroe Suite" drew whoops and hollers from the audience and a standing ovation. The singing was by soprano Blythe Walker, whose dreamy rendition of the Aria and Martelo from Villa Lobos' "Bachianas Brasilieras" No. 5 was pure class. - [Read more]
Pickin' and singin' on a Cincinnati Chamber Music Society concert?
Yes, ma'am. It happened Sunday afternoon at Corbett Auditorium before a crowd more used to Mozart than Bill Monroe. The pickin' was by the Modern Mandolin Quartet, whose final "Bill Monroe Suite" drew whoops and hollers from the audience and a standing ovation. The singing was by soprano Blythe Walker, whose dreamy rendition of the Aria and Martelo from Villa Lobos' "Bachianas Brasilieras" No. 5 was pure class. - [Read more]
Selling the Symphony
Posted: Sep 10, 1991 - 4:00:26 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post Sept. 10, 1991)
Music Hall from the stage is a breathtaking sight: curving balconies, crystal chandelier.
It is a stage with a view.
But the view facing the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, on the eve of its Friday night opening with violinist Midori, has fewer and fewer people in those plush red-velvet seats.
- [Read more]
Music Hall from the stage is a breathtaking sight: curving balconies, crystal chandelier.
It is a stage with a view.
But the view facing the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, on the eve of its Friday night opening with violinist Midori, has fewer and fewer people in those plush red-velvet seats.
- [Read more]
Victor Borge Delights Pops Crowd
Posted: Jun 29, 1991 - 12:17:03 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post June 29, 1991)
You know you're going to have a good time when the orchestra breaks into smiles as the guest artist steps out on stage, as the Cincinnati Pops did Friday night at Riverbend.
They couldn't help it. It was Victor Borge.
Performing and guest conducting with the Pops, the legendary pianist/funny man kept the orchestra and crowd in stitches with his unique blend of comedy and music. - [Read more]
You know you're going to have a good time when the orchestra breaks into smiles as the guest artist steps out on stage, as the Cincinnati Pops did Friday night at Riverbend.
They couldn't help it. It was Victor Borge.
Performing and guest conducting with the Pops, the legendary pianist/funny man kept the orchestra and crowd in stitches with his unique blend of comedy and music. - [Read more]
Conductor the Unsung Hero of Opera
Posted: Jun 24, 1991 - 8:15:30 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post June 24, 1991)
The conductor is opera's "unsung" hero.
He or she spends long hours in "the pit" - in German it's Graben, or grave - and must cope with wayward singers, theatrical boo-boos and occasional unidentified flying objects from the stage (props, shoes, etc.).
It's very different from conducting symphony concerts, said Arthur Fagen, who makes his debut with the Cincinnati Opera this week conducting Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." - [Read more]
The conductor is opera's "unsung" hero.
He or she spends long hours in "the pit" - in German it's Graben, or grave - and must cope with wayward singers, theatrical boo-boos and occasional unidentified flying objects from the stage (props, shoes, etc.).
It's very different from conducting symphony concerts, said Arthur Fagen, who makes his debut with the Cincinnati Opera this week conducting Rossini's "The Barber of Seville." - [Read more]
Ray Charles Croons Favorites for Crowd
Posted: Jun 22, 1991 - 11:23:59 AM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post June 22, 1991)
If you bought a ticket for the Cincinnati Pops concert Friday night at Riverbend, you picked the right one baby.
That's right. The inimitable Ray Charles was in town, joining Erich Kunzel and the Pops on one of their most memorable recent concerts.
In his set following intermission, Charles wowed the crowd of several thousand (exact figures were unavailable from Cincinnati Symphony officials). In fact, he was greeted with a standing ovation even before he took his place at the piano. - [Read more]
If you bought a ticket for the Cincinnati Pops concert Friday night at Riverbend, you picked the right one baby.
That's right. The inimitable Ray Charles was in town, joining Erich Kunzel and the Pops on one of their most memorable recent concerts.
In his set following intermission, Charles wowed the crowd of several thousand (exact figures were unavailable from Cincinnati Symphony officials). In fact, he was greeted with a standing ovation even before he took his place at the piano. - [Read more]
Backstage at the Opera
Posted: Jun 13, 1991 - 7:55:35 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post June 13, 1991)
The lights dim, the conductor raises his baton. The curtain rises.
Abracadabra - opera!
Well, not exactly, says Clay Pendergrass, chorus master of the Cincinnati Opera.
"People think it's just magic, but there are a lot of fairy godmothers back there."
Behind the scenes at the opera you'll find stage managers and stage crew; wardrobe, makeup, technical and design staff; music staff; and administrative and box office personnel.
- [Read more]
The lights dim, the conductor raises his baton. The curtain rises.
Abracadabra - opera!
Well, not exactly, says Clay Pendergrass, chorus master of the Cincinnati Opera.
"People think it's just magic, but there are a lot of fairy godmothers back there."
Behind the scenes at the opera you'll find stage managers and stage crew; wardrobe, makeup, technical and design staff; music staff; and administrative and box office personnel.
- [Read more]
Requiem a Moving Close to Mayfest
Posted: May 27, 1991 - 4:47:07 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post May 27, 1991)
The 1991 May Festival is history, but those who attended Saturday's final concert at Music Hall will remember it as the year Robert Shaw conducted the Berlioz Requiem.
Commanding an ensemble of 418, including three choruses, the Cincinnati Symphony and four brass choirs, the famed choral conductor led a shattering vision of the work.
- [Read more]
The 1991 May Festival is history, but those who attended Saturday's final concert at Music Hall will remember it as the year Robert Shaw conducted the Berlioz Requiem.
Commanding an ensemble of 418, including three choruses, the Cincinnati Symphony and four brass choirs, the famed choral conductor led a shattering vision of the work.
- [Read more]
Mass a Pleasant Change for May Festival
Posted: May 25, 1991 - 4:43:41 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post May 25, 1991)
For those who haven't heard, 1991 is the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death.
But rather than trot out another performance of his Requiem (December will bring a blizzard of those), the May Festival offered another unfinished work Friday night at Music Hall, his Mass in C Minor, K.427, called "The Great."
(One requiem per festival is enough, especially if it's the monumental Berlioz Requiem, which will be performed at 8:15 tonight at Music Hall.)
On hand to conduct was another great, choral master Robert Shaw, who led a precise and highly persuasive reading of the work. - [Read more]
For those who haven't heard, 1991 is the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death.
But rather than trot out another performance of his Requiem (December will bring a blizzard of those), the May Festival offered another unfinished work Friday night at Music Hall, his Mass in C Minor, K.427, called "The Great."
(One requiem per festival is enough, especially if it's the monumental Berlioz Requiem, which will be performed at 8:15 tonight at Music Hall.)
On hand to conduct was another great, choral master Robert Shaw, who led a precise and highly persuasive reading of the work. - [Read more]
Grammy Winner Aler at Festival
Posted: May 21, 1991 - 4:39:05 PM in: archives
(first published in The Cincinnati Post May 21, 1991)
Some people get it right the first time.
Like tenor John Aler, guest artist for Saturday's May Festival performance of Berlioz's Requiem, to be conducted by Robert Shaw.
In 1985 Aler won the Grammy for best classical vocal soloist - for the Berlioz Requiem with Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony.
Aler's solo, which occurs in the Sanctus portion of the work, was recorded by Telarc in just one take. - [Read more]
Some people get it right the first time.
Like tenor John Aler, guest artist for Saturday's May Festival performance of Berlioz's Requiem, to be conducted by Robert Shaw.
In 1985 Aler won the Grammy for best classical vocal soloist - for the Berlioz Requiem with Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony.
Aler's solo, which occurs in the Sanctus portion of the work, was recorded by Telarc in just one take. - [Read more]
