Today’s etiquette for a classical music concert is a remnant of the 19 th century and is best characterized as “silent attentiveness” to the musicians on stage. While there are exceptions, they are generally restricted to … » Read

After years of stops and starts, of assorted name changes and acoustic-adjustment band aids, the New York Philharmonic’s new hall will open next October, two years ahead of its planned completion (a bit of good pandemic-induced news), all … » Read

In 2021, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) enjoyed record-high revenue of $1.335bn from U.S.-licensed performances. Of that total, $1.254bn (94 percent) is available for distribution to the performing rights … » Read

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the speed with which the country’s singers, dancers, and musicians have become pariahs among arts presenters in the West is unprecedented. Even at the height of the Cold War, cultural exchanges were … » Read

On March 14 the Metropolitan Opera will present “A Concert for Ukraine,” the proceeds from which will support relief efforts in the embattled nation. Yannick Nézet-Séguin will combine with the Met Orchestra and Chorus … » Read

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-2023 season marks the third for music director Fabio Luisi, who will be on the podium for nine concerts, including the Oct. 1 gala featuring mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and baritone Thomas Hampson in an … » Read

Individual classical artists as well as presenting organizations around the world are trying to figure out how best to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the moral imperatives may seem clear, there exist no agreed-upon guidelines … » Read

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