On March 1 two Russian cruise missiles struck Freedom Square in the heart of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, damaging the opera house, concert hall, and government offices. “This is not a random mistaken salvo, but a conscious … » Read

The brouhaha has settled down and the three concerts—or at least the two I attended—by the Vienna Philharmonic in Carnegie Hall February 25-27 went off as smoothly as anyone could have wanted. In the hours before the first downbeat, … » Read

The near universal condemnation of Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is forcing some of the world’s great musicians to choose sides when only one side seems morally defensible. Conductor Vasily Petrenko [pictured], artistic … » Read

The 2022-23 season lineup for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, claims Chief Executive Chad Smith, is as noteworthy for what isn’t being announced as for what is. Planning for a typical season often begins four years in advance. … » Read

The 50-year-old Michigan Opera Theatre is to be known as the Detroit Opera when it returns to performing this spring in its real home (as opposed to its parking garage and other pandemic-induced venues), the Detroit Opera House. “A new … » Read

The Rotterdam Philharmonic announced last Friday that it would  terminate its relationship with Valery Gergiev as well as his festival in the fall if he did not distance himself from Putin. “Following last week’s invasion of … » Read

Capping a chaotic weekend, with international artists and performers of all stripes issuing statements condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the Metropolitan Opera posted a Facebook video with General Manager … » Read

At the end of the intermission yesterday afternoon, moments before the Vienna Philharmonic launched into the final work of its three-concert stay at Carnegie Hall over the weekend, three men walked onto the stage: Yannick … » Read

Valery Gergiev’s jet-setting days are over—at least outside of Russia and China. The self-proclaimed close friend and supporter of Vladimir Putin wisely—and by mutual consent—did not travel to New York to conduct the … » Read

MIAMI (AP) — A new opera based on the acclaimed Italian novel The Leopard is to have its world premiere March 5 and 6 at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. Based on the 1958 novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, the opera features … » Read