Andrew Davis News

Internationally-renowned cellist Ralph Kirshbaum and pianist Shai Wosner release an all-Beethoven disc on the Onyx Classics label on December 9, 2016.  The duo's album, which was recorded live in London's Wigmore Hall, consists of the complete Beethoven cello sonatas and variations, to be released as a two-disc set.  Last season, Kirshbaum and Wosner performed Beethoven cycles extensively throughout the United States and Europe; the tour culminated with a performance of the complete cycle in London, recorded for Onyx Classics.  Mr. Kirshbaum and Mr. Wosner continue their performances of Beethoven's complete works for cello and piano in March, with a two-concert series at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, followed by a performance with Chamber Music Sedona in Arizona.

Music Director Alan Gilbert will lead the New York Philharmonic in the World Premiere of HK Gruber's Piano Concerto - a Philharmonic co-commission with the Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw, and Royal Stockholm Philharmonic orchestras - with pianist Emanuel Ax as soloist; Weill's Little Threepenny Music for Wind Orchestra; and Schubert's Symphony No. 2. The performances will take place Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, January 6 at 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, January 7 at 8:00 p.m.

Just in time for the Christmas season, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) launches its latest recording, Messiah.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents the much-anticipated company premiere of Les Troyens, a rarely performed masterpiece by French composer Hector Berlioz, as the third opera of the 2016/2017 season. The new production Les Troyens opens Sunday, November 13, with only five performances through December 3 at Lyric's Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents a new production of The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflote), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's beloved, enchanting opera about the triumph of good over evil.  

Calgary-based Honens today announced details of its 2018 Piano Competition.  Pianists of all nationalities, aged 20 to 30 on August 30, 2018, with the exception of past Honens Laureates and professionally managed artists, may apply starting February 1, 2017.  The application deadline is October 31, 2017.  The Competition's Quarterfinals take place in Berlin and New York in March 2018.  Semifinals and Finals take place in Calgary from August 30 to September 8, 2018.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents a new production of The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's beloved, enchanting opera about the triumph of good over evil.  

Grammy Award-winning soprano (and Houston favorite) Ana Maria Martinez joins us to discuss about her role, Marguerite in HGO's FAUST; muse on the potential of opera to heal societal wounds; and give us some really practical advice.

Anthony Freud, Lyric's general director, president & CEO, announced today that French mezzo-soprano Sophie Koch has withdrawn from the company premiere of Berlioz's Les Troyens for personal reasons. Stepping into the role of Dido will be American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, world-renowned as an interpreter of French repertoire, in general, with a special emphasis on the music of Berlioz.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents the delightful and touching tale ofDon Quichotte by French Romantic composer Jules Massenet in a new-to-Chicago production, opening Saturday, November 19. Lyric will offer six performances throughDecember 7. Performance dates are November 19 and 28, and December 1 and 7 at 7:30pm; and November 23 and December 4 at 2:00pm. Performances are in French with English subtitles at Lyric's Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $34 and are available now at lyricopera.org/Quichotte or at 312-827-5600.

Lyric Opera of Chicago today announced that, at its meeting earlier today, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to renew acclaimed general director Anthony Freud's five year contract. Mr. Freud will continue to lead the organization as general director through the 2020/21 season.

In a new production, Lyric Opera of Chicago presents the much-anticipated Midwest premiere of Les Troyens by French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869). Les Troyens opens Sunday, November 13, with only five performances throughDecember 3 at Lyric's Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tickets are available at lyricopera.org/Troyens or at 312-827-5600.

Internationally celebrated piano virtuoso Lang Lang has been named an Honorary Fellow of The Royal Conservatory of Music. He received the fellowship - the highest designation conferred by the organization - last night during The Conservatory's sold-out Season Gala concert in Koerner Hall.

Richard Wagner's 'Ring' cycle is an intriguing opportunity to immerse oneself in an epic experience -- something akin to reading the 'Harry Potter' or 'Lord of the Rings' series, savoring each singular story, then eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Lyric Opera of Chicago launches its new season tonight with a new production of Wagner's Das Rheingold, the first opera of the epic four-part Ring cycle, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis and directed by David Pountney.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents an all-new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute just in time for the holidays, December 10, 2016 - January 27, 2017.

The Chicago Philharmonic's 2016-17 season, Love, begins with a concert exploring 'Legendary Lovers' as depicted in music. Couples including Romeo & Juliet, Ruslan & Ludmila, and Tristan & Isolde all feature. Emily Birsan and John Irvin, Ryan Opera Center alumni recently heard at the Lyric Opera, sing duets by Verdi, Bernstein, and Gounod, and the orchestra performs symphonic works by Ravel, Wagner, Glinka, and Diamond. The Belle Harmonie harp duo, featuring Krista Hagglund and Anna Hirons of the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, will perform in the foyer before the concert.

The Chicago Philharmonic's 2016-17 season, Love, begins with a concert exploring 'Legendary Lovers' as depicted in music. Couples including Romeo & Juliet, Ruslan & Ludmila, and Tristan & Isolde all feature. Emily Birsan and John Irvin, Ryan Opera Center alumni recently heard at the Lyric Opera, sing duets by Verdi, Bernstein, and Gounod, and the orchestra performs symphonic works by Ravel, Wagner, Glinka, and Diamond. The Belle Harmonie harp duo, featuring Krista Hagglund and Anna Hirons of the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, will perform in the foyer before the concert.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra welcomes back pianist and legendary Beethoven interpreter Emanuel Ax for its season opening concerts today (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (8 p.m.) September 8 & 10 at Taft Theatre.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra welcomes back pianist and legendary Beethoven interpreter Emanuel Ax for its season opening concerts on Thursday (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (8 p.m.) September 8 & 10 at Taft Theatre.