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Tue, Mar 09, 2010
Music director and conductor Alexei Kornienko displayed clean baton work, excellent communication and dealt with missed entrances and musicians who were clearly lost like a seasoned pro. Poor Kornienko, I wanted to buy him a shot of vodka after this performance.
Tue, Mar 09, 2010
The Friends of Chamber Music presented Kansas City favorite sons Stanislav Ioudenitch and his student, Behzod Abduraimov, in a joint recital this past Friday evening at the Folly Theatre. In young Abduraimov there were glimpses of sheer brilliance; his will be a career well worth watching.
Tue, Mar 09, 2010
The KC Symphony's presentation of "A Haunted Landscape" was impressive and certainly lived up to the work's title. Eerie, perfectly balanced string entrances, subtle offstage trumpet fanfare and expertly executed phrases in the woodwind section were definite highlights.
Tue, Mar 09, 2010
Charles Bruffy and the Kansas City Chorale staged a spring concert this weekend. The "Sing to Love" theme combined with timely references to the eagerly-awaited season nicely colored the lengthy program. The ensemble sounded in top shape and delivered a diverse yet thoughtfully unified collection of memorable pieces.
Mon, Mar 08, 2010
Those who enjoy fine dance performances have a treat in store this weekend with an opportunity to see the famed Martha Graham Dance Company perform at JCCC in one of its founder’s classics, "Clytemnestra," the ancient Greek legend of the murder of King Agamemnon by his wife. Originally performed in 1958, it became something of a cause célèbre among early feminists and is regarded today as one of the cornerstones of Graham’s creativity. Opera fans have four performances of Donizetti’s delightfully comic "l’Elisir d’Amore" (The Elixir of Love) to entertain them at the UMKC Conservatory of Music this weekend, while chamber music aficionados can bask in the strains of the world-famous Artemis String Quartet performing works of Beethoven for The Friends of Chamber Music. If Beethoven is too conservative for your taste, check out the newEar Contemporary Music Ensemble’s collection of modern pieces by Chinese American composers for the zheng. What’s a zheng, you say? Go to the concert and find out!
Mon, Mar 08, 2010
It was clear that the Albers Trio are friends as well as siblings - the sisters seem to have that uncanny sibling ability to know what the others are thinking, feeling and how they will react. For an ensemble, like a trio, that skill is magical.
Wed, Mar 03, 2010
"Porgy and Bess" is such a slam dunk-in some circles branded the most important 20th century American opera-that in any production, one is certain to find something to write home about. With cleverly combined story lines of betrayals, drugs, and murders, the story almost tells itself.
Wed, Feb 24, 2010
I could not contain my excitement last week that I would have the good fortune to hear the world's best flutist (no hyperbole) Emmanuel Pahud perform the world premiere of a new concerto by Italian composer Luca Lombardi with the Kansas City Symphony.
Tue, Feb 23, 2010
Musica Sacra under the direction of Timothy McDonald demonstrated their collective choral skills and sensitivity last Saturday in a program featuring the two great cathedral composers of Salzburg: Mozart and Johann Michael Haydn.
Tue, Feb 23, 2010
It was a noble pursuit. Take the text to the Mass Ordinary (every music student's mantra during their early music history days. Repeat after me: "King George Can't Sing Alto") from a slew of composers from the Renaissance to contemporary, throw them together into a pot, and pick out the best pieces to form a new Mass.
Tue, Feb 23, 2010
Marc-Andre Hamelin, whose extraordinary pianistic ability has led him to specialize in some of the most notoriously difficult pieces in the repertoire, has been refocusing his career on interpreting more traditional compositions in recent years. In this Harriman Jewell Series recital he displayed both sides of his impressive abilities.
Mon, Feb 22, 2010
A KCM VID Interview: Fresh from his electrifying win of the 2009 London International Piano Competition Grand Prize at the age of 18—the youngest winner in the history of the competition—Behzod Abduraimov joins Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medal winner Stanislav Ioudenitch in concert on March 5.
Mon, Feb 22, 2010
In a varied program that revealed multiple emotional and technical levels, the nineteen-year-old Haochen Zhang - 2009 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist - displayed the composure, skill and artistry of a performer twice his age.
Tue, Feb 16, 2010
Gloriously supported by the Kansas City Symphony, violinist Karen Gomyo poured her heart and soul into a performance last Friday at the Lyric Theatre, playing the ex-Foulis Stradivarius of 1703, which was her absolute equal.
Tue, Feb 16, 2010
The music played by the Fountain City Brass Band is pleasing and approachable for any audience. And as evident in the accolades being showered upon them by an international community, this is an ensemble in top form.
Tue, Feb 16, 2010
The Friends of Chamber Music presented pianist Stephen Prutsman at the Folly Theater last Friday. Billed as a romantic evening (little "r" perhaps because it was Valentine's weekend), it was, in musical fact, a "Classical-Romantic-Impressionist-Baroque-20th century" evening with something for everyone.
Mon, Feb 15, 2010
The Harriman-Jewell Series' "Discovery Concerts" are worth attending for any concert-goer interested in new artists. Rachel Lee is one such artist brimming with talent and potential - and worth catching again in the future.
Mon, Feb 15, 2010
The Fine Arts Chorale knows how to show an audience a good time. "Heartfelt Voices: Our Ode to St. Valentine's Day" blended a fresh, exciting program of love songs with art by Jenny Hahn, chocolate from Andres along with wine and a bit of bubbly courtesy of Rimann liquors.
Sun, Feb 14, 2010
The Kansas City Symphony will perform the world premiere of Luca Lombardi's "Flute Concerto" this weekend at the Lyric Theatre and The Carlsen Center. The piece was commissioned by the Symphony and will be performed by world-renowned flutist Emmanuel Pahud.
Wed, Feb 10, 2010
A frequent complaint about electronic music is that it is dissociative, lacks humanity and physical performers. However, the three works presented by KcEMA, Kansas City Electronic Music and Arts Alliance, were organic, arresting and spoke to the soul and human condition.
Tue, Feb 09, 2010
Expertly navigating the twisted terrain of several selections, Quink demonstrated its polyphonic prowess. The singers flawlessly sensed timing and tuning. There was never a distracting sway, nod or toe tap to reveal their internal beat. It was a treat to savor the group's elegant sounds.
Tue, Feb 02, 2010
As a humanitarian, Weston Noble generously gave his time and talent last Saturday to guest conduct a sing-a-long of choral classics to raise money for a noble cause, Arts in Prison.
Tue, Feb 02, 2010
To perform with an orchestra, a soloist must have stage presence, passion and skills. They must be able to handle the pressure, relate to the accompanist and communicate with the audience. UMKC's 2010 Concerto/Aria Finalist Concert was an unparalleled opportunity to view some talented young musicians.
Tue, Feb 02, 2010
Imagine combining live theatre with a Baroque music concert and you have a good idea of Tafelmusik's presentation of "The Galileo Project: Music of the Spheres" at the Folly Theatre.
Wed, Jan 27, 2010
With Michael Stern at the baton and master violinist Gil Shaham accompaning, the Kansas City Symphony shines with a great repertoire from Stravinsky, Barber, Prokofiev and Shostakovich.
Wed, Jan 27, 2010
Kansas is proud to be the home state of two of the world's most beloved mezzo sopranos: Joyce Di Donato and Joyce Castle. Local audiences are accustomed to hearing them in recital through the Harriman-Jewel Series and at KU, so it must have been with some trepidation that the young Sasha Cooke took the stage at the Lied Center.
Wed, Jan 20, 2010
Maestro Bernard Labadie is a leading conductor of music from the Baroque and Classical periods. With a subtle gesture and a light lift of his baton, he led the Kansas City Symphony last Friday night in a program of lighthearted, perennial fan favorites by Schubert and Mozart.
Tue, Jan 12, 2010
The Kansas City Symphony's first concert of the new year presented a new piece, new soloists and a golden standard. Menachem Wiesenberg's "Reflections" in its US premiere showcased the composer's great ear for orchestration and controlled counterpoint.
Tue, Jan 12, 2010
Hearing the Takács String Quartet is an exercise in ear training. They have that polished, burnished and seamless sound that comes when four musicians play with orchestral unity and unselfish responsibility to one another.
Tue, Jan 05, 2010
This will be the first time that some of us - make that nearly all of us - will have the opportunity to hear Menachem Wiesenberg's music when "Reflections" makes its U. S. premiere with the Kansas City Symphony this weekend. David Peironnet talked with the composer about 'new' classical music and his new work.
Tue, Dec 29, 2009
David Peironnet talks with Tim Jepson, principal timpanist for the Kansas City Symphony, about why we should think about the relationship between musicians and the audience differently.
Tue, Dec 29, 2009
A preview some of the outstanding classical music and dance performances to watch for during the rest of the 2010 season.
Tue, Dec 29, 2009
Lucky american audiences may have had the opportunity to enjoy a live performance at New York's Metropolitan Opera, but few have had the luxury of seeing, hearing and feeling world-class European talent from such legendary venues as La Scala in Milan or the Gran Teatre Del Liceau in Barcelona.
Tue, Dec 22, 2009
Julianne Baird has a reputation for being one of the world's leading interpreters of Baroque vocal music. Her expressive soprano voice has been described by the Washington post as "one of the most extraordinary voices in the service of early music." I had heard about her and seen her name headlining at the Boston Early Music Festival for years, but this was my first chance to hear her live.
Tue, Dec 22, 2009
Kansas City Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is a timeless, classic production and has become a well-deserved local Christmas tradition. For the most part, the production remains the same from year to year - Tchaikovsky's score and Todd Bolender's choreography - even the scenery and costumes haven't changed much in the past several years. What makes each performance unique and exciting - or not - is the performer's interpretations. A dance review.
Tue, Dec 22, 2009
The Kansas City Chorale, led by Artistic Director Charles Bruffy, gave a superb performance of Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols at the beautiful Asbury United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 15. The talented 24-member choir is currently in their 28th season and has performed worldwide as well as released numerous well-received and award-winning recordings.
Mon, Dec 21, 2009
Opening night of the Kansas City Ballet's 37th production of "The Nutcracker" illuminated holiday themes of generosity and the value of children on a level beyond the glamour of music and dance when local patron of the arts, Julia Irene Kauffman took the podium to conduct the Overture. A musical review.
Wed, Dec 16, 2009
Oh Hoffmann and Tchaikovsky, thank you for writing the basis for the Owen/Cox and People's Liberation Big Band to work their deranged magic upon.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
Kansas City got a long affectionate look at Western music's rather distant past last Thursday night with the Tallis Scholars, perhaps the best Renaissance vocal polyphony performance ensemble in the world.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
Christmas is the time of 'Lessons and Carols' - lessons coming from the Biblical tradition and carols first intoduced by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century, becoming popular throughout Europe in the 15th century. The male vocal ensemble, Cantus joined with Theater LatteDa of Minneapolis Friday night at Yardley Hall to teach a lesson of a different sort with carols from all over Europe.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
Straight No Chaser bounded onto the stage of the Lied Center in Lawrence, Saturday night with the energy of a spirit squad. With fingers snapping, knees bending, and backs arching, I half expected them to make a three person high pyramid complete with basket tosses. Hearing them at the University of Kansas somehow completed the College connection.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
Giant snowflakes, the Plaza lights, and Unity Temple's holiday bunting chock full of tiny white lights all provided for a lovely backdrop for the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra's performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons last Tuesday.
Tue, Dec 08, 2009
Once again the KC music and dance scene is overflowing with riches this weekend - and merits top billing on KCMetropolis. It is impossible to cover - or attend - everything, but here is a hearty list for your consideration.
Tue, Dec 08, 2009
When the Heartland Men's Chorus rolled out a kitchen set complete with the late Julia Child (played to perfection by Ron Williams) I knew I was in for a treat. The tasty piece "Fruitcake" was a fascinating mix of musical ingredients sung by the different sections of the Choir, overlapping in cannon. Sung together with "Christmas is Delicious" and "It's the Most Fattening Time of the Year," I ate it all up with a spoon.
Tue, Dec 08, 2009
The liturgical opera "The Wise Women" is billed as a mystery fable by Conrad Susa. In his own words, the composer describes it as “high church redesigned by the littlest angel.” There is a definite Anglican sensibility in the opera’s use of children, shepherds, angels and the holy family, but there is a twist. These wise women have voices, and they use them.
Mon, Nov 30, 2009
Spirits haunt every aspect of Nathan Granner's one man production of Dicken's Christmas Carol adapted by Peter Bodine. This fresh interpretation of the traditional favorite is akin to the Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Winters, Orson Wells, radio drama variety with songs and carols setting the mood and forwarding the action. There are no big budget sets, props or costumes.
Mon, Nov 30, 2009
The Messiah by Handel can be an oratorio warhorse of epic proportions. An annual favorite, orchestras and choruses all over the world join together to recount the life of Christ from cradle to crucifixion. The Independence Messiah Singers joined by the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus under the baton of Steven Jarvi "sang" in the holiday season last Saturday night at the Community of Christ auditorium.
Wed, Nov 25, 2009
"Lost Souls" was commissioned by the Kansas City Symphony from Avner Dorman who wrote the work for pianist, Alon Goldstein. The final product was a perfect melding of orchestra - with a phenomenal interpretation by Maestro Stern - composition and performance: it was at once Stern's work, and Goldstein's work, and, ultimately, Dorman's work.
Tue, Nov 24, 2009
The Civic Opera Theater of Kansas City is reprising Conrad Susa’s contemporary holiday opera "The Wise Women." The opera tells the story of the Christ child’s birth and the travels of the Three Wise Men, but from the perspective of important women in their lives.
Tue, Nov 24, 2009
Hänsel and Gretel lost in the Missouri Ozarks? It turns out that the German classic by the Gebrüder Grimm transcends time and place just fine, the Opera Department of the UMKC Conservatory superbly demonstrated this weekend in their production with four performances at White Recital Hall. In fact, Grimm has never sounded more grand.
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