All articles tagged with #orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin's journey to conducting the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year’s concert was marked by a last-minute replacement of Valery Gergiev amid geopolitical tensions, a grueling schedule, and a series of intense performances that strengthened his relationship with the orchestra, culminating in his conducting debut at this prestigious event.
Gustavo Dudamel, still the designated music director, opened the New York Philharmonic's season with a compelling program featuring a world premiere, Bartok concerto, and Ives symphony, offering a glimpse of the orchestra's future under his leadership.
Christoph von Dohnanyi, a renowned German conductor who led the Cleveland Orchestra for 18 years and elevated its international reputation, passed away at age 95. His tenure was marked by acclaimed recordings, extensive touring, innovative programming, and significant contributions to Cleveland's cultural infrastructure, including a major hall renovation. His family history included resistance against Nazi Germany, and he was celebrated for his precise, probing artistry and wide repertoire. Dohnanyi's influence extended globally through his work with various orchestras and festivals, leaving a lasting legacy in classical music.
Miss Manners comments on the casual attire of female musicians in orchestras during formal concerts, contrasting it with the more traditional and uniform dress of male musicians, and suggests that women could easily adopt more consistent, formal outfits that are also practical for playing their instruments.
The article examines the rapid rise of conductor Klaus Mäkelä in the classical music world, questioning whether his success is justified by his talent and contributions to orchestras.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has appointed Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä as its next music director, making him the youngest in the orchestra's history at 28. Mäkelä, known for his rapid rise in the classical music world, will assume the role in the 2027-28 season, following Riccardo Muti's tenure. His appointment comes after a global search and will see him leading the CSO through at least 2032. Mäkelä's exclusive recording contract with Decca Classics will also mark the orchestra's return to releasing albums under that label.
Annie Ray, a music educator at Annandale High School in Virginia, won the Grammy Music Educator Award for her efforts in making music accessible to all students, particularly those with disabilities. She created the Crescendo Orchestra for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a parent orchestra for caregivers. Ray views the award as belonging to her students and plans to use the prize money to buy new instruments and fund a scholarship for students pursuing music education.
New York City Ballet and the union representing its musicians have reached a new three-year contract, ending months of negotiations. The deal includes a 22% increase in compensation over three years, restoring a salary cut made during the pandemic, and offering a 13% raise. The agreement also involves changes to the health care plan, providing musicians with greater independence to choose their own plan. The dispute between City Ballet and its orchestra had grown heated, with the musicians voting to authorize a strike if needed. This contract follows a similar deal reached with City Ballet's dancers last year.
Students at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) staged a silent protest against conductor Carlos Kalmar, the director of orchestral studies, who had been cleared in an independent Title IX investigation. The investigation was prompted by allegations of Kalmar's harsh treatment of female students. CIM's Title IX coordinator, Vivian Scott, who initiated the investigation, was subsequently suspended and laid off. The student protest highlighted discontent with CIM's administration and its handling of complaints against Kalmar. The school has postponed the CIM Orchestra's first performance and is surveying students to determine their willingness to work with Kalmar. CIM administration has pledged to meet with Kalmar and students to discuss possible alternatives for orchestral performance learning.
Musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra have authorized a strike if negotiations fail to reach a new agreement to replace the current four-year deal set to expire on September 10. The American Federation of Musicians' Local 77 announced that 95% of voting members approved the strike authorization, citing the need for compensation and benefits agreements as well as the filling of 15 vacant positions. The orchestra's management expressed disappointment and stated their commitment to negotiating a fiscally responsible agreement. The orchestra recently completed its summer residency in Upstate New York and is scheduled to open its 2023-24 season in September.
An android robot named EveR 6 made its debut as a conductor at the National Theater of Korea, leading South Korea's national orchestra. While the robot's movements were precise, some audience members felt it lacked the ability to listen and engage with the orchestra collectively. Despite this, the performance showcased the potential for robots and humans to coexist and complement each other in the field of music.
Jack Black, the voice of Bowser in the upcoming Mario Movie, performed the movie's love ballad 'Peaches' live at The Game Awards 10-Year Concert, dressed in the full king of the Koopas garb. Accompanied by a full orchestra, Black's rocking vocals had the crowd singing along. He also performed Tenacious D's hit song 'VIDEO GAMES' with Kyle Gass. The song's official music video has millions of views and is eligible for an Oscar nomination next year.
Riccardo Muti will become the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's music director emeritus for life starting next season. Muti repeats the Beethoven on Saturday night and Sunday, then closes his tenure Tuesday night with a free concert in Millennium Park. Muti’s career has included lengthy tenures with Italy’s Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Milan’s Teatro alla Scala. He is just the fifth CSO music director in seven decades, following Fritz Reiner, Jean Martinon, Georg Solti, and Daniel Barenboim.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and the Orchestra at Temple Square performed three concerts in Mexico City, including a free concert streamed on YouTube. The concerts were part of a multiyear global tour centered on hope. Guest artists Adassa, Alex Melecio, and radio host Mariano Osorio joined the choir and orchestra, with several songs performed in Spanish. The concerts were a success, with the audience applauding and calling for encores. The tour was a pilot for future tours, with lessons learned to implement.
John Williams surprised the audience at the US premiere of 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' by conducting a live symphony orchestra in a 12-minute set of music from the franchise, including a new theme for the film's leading lady, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The 91-year-old composer, who earlier this year became the oldest person to be nominated for an Oscar, had previously announced his retirement after this film, but reversed his decision after being asked to work on another project by Steven Spielberg, who is also making a documentary on Williams' life.