All articles tagged with #classical music
Musicians of the Boston Symphony Orchestra voted to authorize the ensemble’s first strike in its 145-year history as contract talks with management continue, potentially disrupting upcoming performances while a resolution is pursued.
The National Symphony Orchestra unveiled its upcoming classical season without performances at the Kennedy Center, planning about 60 concerts from September through June at six regional venues around the Washington, D.C. area, including Lisner Auditorium, Lincoln Theatre, Strathmore, George Mason University, the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, and the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
Since President Trump seized control of the Kennedy Center, the National Symphony Orchestra has seen a sharp drop in ticket sales and donations, triggering a two-year revenue free-fall and the deepest financial crisis in its recent history, with budget battles and uncertain prospects for the NSO’s future at the Center (Wolf Trap performances have offered some resilience).
Elim Chan, a 39-year-old Hong Kong–born conductor, was named the San Francisco Symphony’s music director-designate and will assume the post in September 2027, making SF one of the country’s top orchestras to be led by a woman. The appointment follows the tenure of Esa-Pekka Salonen and amid the orchestra’s recent budget and audience challenges; Chan describes it as groundbreaking and plans a bold programming and outreach strategy, including a California tour and a semi-staged Firebird, with a focus on drawing younger audiences and expanding the orchestral canon.
After the Boston Symphony Orchestra dismissed music director Andris Nelsons, late-week press releases drew skeptical reactions, with bookmakers listing Susanna Mälkki as the favorite and naming several other conductors in contention; an update notes BSO musicians oppose the firing, underscoring a turbulent leadership dispute for the orchestra.
Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons will conclude his tenure as the Boston Symphony Orchestra's music director at the end of the 2026-27 season.
The National Symphony Orchestra performed at the Kennedy Center for the first time since President Trump announced a two-year renovation, signaling a transitional moment for both the orchestra and the venue as the center proceeds with a major rebuild and a notably sparse calendar.
Composer Philip Glass has withdrawn the world premiere of Symphony No. 15, 'Lincoln,' from the Kennedy Center, where the National Symphony Orchestra was to premiere it this June; Glass says the Center’s values are in direct conflict with the work's message.
Esa-Pekka Salonen returned to the Los Angeles Philharmonic as its creative director, conducting a series of concerts at Disney Hall that marked his first appearances since the appointment and drew enthusiastic ovations from the audience.
The article previews upcoming music events in 2026, highlighting notable artists like Florence Welch, Charli XCX, Lily Allen, and classical performances such as Simon Rattle conducting Janáček, emphasizing a diverse range of live music experiences across genres and styles.
A review of 'The Unreleased Recordings' album celebrating pianist Radu Lupu, featuring previously unreleased studio sessions and radio tapes from 1970-2002, showcasing his exceptional artistry across a diverse repertoire including Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Bartók, Copland, and Mussorgsky, highlighting his velvety tone and musical intelligence.
The Kanneh-Mason siblings, seven talented musicians from Nottingham, grew up in a supportive, musically rich environment, practicing hours daily and performing worldwide, with some achieving notable success including performing at royal events and topping UK charts, all while maintaining close family ties and individual careers.
The Kanneh-Mason siblings, all under 30, have become a remarkable classical music sensation through their shared environment, dedication, and support, performing worldwide and inspiring a diverse young audience with their virtuosity and close-knit bond.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's concert featured a standout performance by young pianist Yunchan Lim and a compelling interpretation of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 by Klaus Mäkelä, highlighting a thoughtfully curated program inspired by Beethoven's influence across different eras, culminating in a memorable evening of classical music excellence.
Sir Humphrey Burton, a renowned classical music broadcaster and influential figure at the BBC who created programs, founded the BBC Young Musician of the Year, and won multiple awards, has died at age 94, leaving a significant legacy in arts broadcasting.