LONDON—Wagner’s final opera used to be presented as a life-enriching spiritual experience, its musical sensuality in thrall to a religious message preaching forgiveness and redemption. In recent decades, however, directors have been … » Read

In September The Dallas Opera (TDO) strengthened the ranks of its senior management team with the appointments of two new directors and one new adviser. Nicholas Ivor Martin [left], who previously consulted on labor relations with TDO, joins the … » Read

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced the addition of two new members as well as the departure of three veteran musicians. In September Jason Yoder [pictured] was named principal percussion. Since 2023 the Pittsburgh native had … » Read

The ongoing controversy surrounding the abrupt announcement last March that the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) would not renew Andris Nelsons’ contract as music director when it ended in the summer of 2027 has generated an avalanche of … » Read

Mark Swed, for three decades the classical music critic for the Los Angeles Times , has retired. His tenure, noted the newspaper’s deputy A1 editor John Penner at a farewell luncheon, “coincided with this city’s Golden Age of … » Read

Multinational tech behemoth Oracle has stepped up to save the Nashville Symphony’s 2026-2027 season, announcing a $10 million “strategic partnership” with the organization seven days after the orchestra said it was suspending … » Read

The demise of Kennedy Center under DJT’s leadership likely can be traced back to the action of the Kennedy Center Honorees during his first term, in 2017, who refused to dine at the White House in protest to his presidency. He has since … » Read

CHICAGO—Chicago is blessed with two top-flight ensembles specializing in early music: The Newberry Consort, which celebrates its 40 th anniversary this season, and Haymarket Opera Company, founded in 2010. On their own, they are period … » Read

On Oct. 2 the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) celebrated Michael Tilson Thomas, who died six months ago from brain cancer. His 25-year tenure as music director officially ended in 2020, and his last subscription concert took place in 2022. It was a … » Read

Having recently stepped down as artistic director of the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, pianist Ann-Marie McDermott [pictured] is returning to San Diego’s Mainly Mozart as artistic director of the Spotlight Chamber Series, with concerts across … » Read