Sunday, November 14, was Fanny Mendelssohn’s 205th birthday. I wrote about Fanny recently in conjunction with R. Larry Todd’s new work, Fanny Hensel – The Other Mendelssohn. Big sister of Felix, Fanny demonstrated the same musical aptitude as her brother, and received...
Geoffrey Norris of The Telegraph just reviewed a new recording of piano works performed by David Greilsammer. The concept for the album was a set of works that were connected, but led the composers in different paths. Included were Alexandre Tansman’s Second Piano...
Allan Kozinn’s recent New York Times article stated that, If you want to understand the ways that a modern orchestra must be all things to all people if it hopes to maintain a devoted audience, look at the New York Philharmonic’s schedule for the week just ended. Yes,...
In celebration of their fortieth year, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra established Project 440 to commission four separate works from four contemporary composers. Working together with WQXR 105.9 FM in New York they invited listeners to become an active part of the...
No one can deny that significant changes are afoot when it comes to the performance and reception of western classical music. Though I in no way believe that classical music is dying, I believe that it is important to acknowledge that for classical music to thrive in...
It was just announced that the Institute of European Studies in Vienna named Nancy Van de Vate as composer in residence. Van de Vate, who was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, is a prolific composer and educator, as well as an active performer. Her works are frequently...
