CHICAGO—The first and last time the Chicago Symphony played Samuel Barber’s Toccata Festiva —commissioned to break in a new organ at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, in 1960—was in 2003, more than 20 years ago. With … » Read

When Simon Rattle became music director of the London Symphony Orchestra in 2017 after 16 years leading the Berlin Philharmonic, the London press welcomed back the U.K.’s foremost conductor with open arms. Yet his tenure at the LSO lasted … » Read

A letter signed by 175 high profile figures in the U.K. arts and entertainment industries argues that the deep cuts to the Welsh National Opera (WNO) by the Art Councils of both England and Wales threaten the “dismantling” of … » Read

James Blachly [pictured] will remain as music director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra through 2026. He arrived in 2016 and is credited with expanding the JSO’s artistic horizons and its audience reach. “James is a very exciting … » Read

BOSTON—Did any composer ever love Shakespeare more than Berlioz—even Verdi, with his three major operas based on the master's work? Berlioz even went so far as to become infatuated with an actress playing Juliet, and one masterpiece … » Read

Violinist Kyu-Young Kim will step aside as artistic director of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) at the end of June, after eight years in a role usually filled by a conductor, which the SPCO famously eschews. He will remain with the group as … » Read

Chad Smith’s  departure last spring from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to become president and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) took many by surprise. Considered by some to be the most important orchestra in America, the LA … » Read

The Kitchener Waterloo Symphony in Ontario saw its season come to an ignominious end last September when the board cancelled its season a week before rehearsals were to begin and then resigned en masse. Rachel Smith-Spencer, the remaining board … » Read

After 11 years as music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO), Louis Langrée will conduct his last concerts in that capacity on May 10 and 11. The program will feature the world premiere of Anthony Davis’s Broken in … » Read

The Boston Symphony Orchestra , sporting a long overdue logo update, will have three new players in 2024-25: Principal flute Lorna McGhee, associate principal bassoon Josh Baker, and percussionist Toby Grace. McGhee, principal of the Pittsburgh … » Read