Stephanie Berger News

Bernard Haitink will return to the New York Philharmonic to conduct two weeks of performances highlighting works by Austrian composers - Berg, Webern, and Mahler - and Beethoven, who spent much of his career in Austria. In the first program, Mr. Haitink will conduct Webern's Im Sommerwind, Berg's Violin Concerto with Leonidas Kavakos, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, Eroica, on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, May 9 at 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, May 10 at 8:00 p.m. Bernard Haitink's appearances are part of an international, season-wide celebration of the 60th anniversary of his conducting debut with the Netherlands Radio Union Orchestra (now the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra) and his 85th birthday.

When Shen Wei decided to present a season at the Judson Memorial Church, April 29-May 4, he faced a problem. This famed lover of the grand scale would not be able to hang his set for "Map" performances, well, not if he wanted his audience seated on all four sides. However, Shen Wei Dance Arts' season, which also features the world premiere of a solo for the choreographer, shows that when there's a will, Shen Wei finds a way.

Monteverdi's “Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda” twice in one season in New York, in performances only months apart? Especially after Anna Caterina Antonacci's riveting take on the 20-minute work last November at the Lincoln Center's White Light Festival, what more could a small opera company like the Gotham Chamber Opera add to the discussion? As it turns out, there was quite a bit.

The New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts (YPCs) continue with a focus on Mozart's Symphony No. 41, Jupiter, led by Philharmonic Assistant Conductor Case Scaglione, today, December 7, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. This is the second program in this season's series, Points of Entry, in which each concert explores facets of music and the orchestra itself through an influential score. The concert will also feature selections from Mozart's Symphonies Nos. 1 and 33 and his Missa Brevis in F; Pachelbel's Canon; and Arvo Part's Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten.

RETURN TO DOWNTON ABBEY premieres tonight, December 1, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings).

The New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts (YPCs) continue with a focus on Mozart's Symphony No. 41, Jupiter, led by Philharmonic Assistant Conductor Case Scaglione, Saturday, December 7, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. This is the second program in this season's series, Points of Entry, in which each concert explores facets of music and the orchestra itself through an influential score. The concert will also feature selections from Mozart's Symphonies Nos. 1 and 33 and his Missa Brevis in F; Pachelbel's Canon; and Arvo Part's Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten.

RETURN TO DOWNTON ABBEY premieres Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings).

For over 30 years, the Brooklyn-based Mark Morris Dance Group has enthralled critics, dance enthusiasts, and novices alike with its amazing technical expertise, unique artistry, and its signature use of live music. Pianists Anton Nel and Colin Fowler, and progressive New York orchestra The Knights join MMDG for two performances of Morris' celebrated evening-length piece Mozart Dances.

With a story that is somehow poignant despite its scatological language, ANNA NICOLE's heroine is nicer than Berg's LULU, less lucky than TRAVIATA's Violetta and more cunning than MANON's Manon (though maybe not MANON LESCAUT's). Whatever she is, Anna Nicole Smith is definitely a full-fledged operatic heroine. As portrayed by American soprano Sarah Joy Miller in the local premiere of the Marc-Anthony Turnage-Richard Thomas work about the life and times of minor celebrity Smith, this is a wildly entertaining evening. The opera, which debuted two years ago in London, opened on September 17 at Brooklyn Academy of Music, compliments of New York City Opera and BAM's Next Wave Festival, directed by Richard Jones.

New York City Opera's 2013-14 season and BAM's 2013 Next Wave Festival opened Sept. 17 with the U.S. premiere of Anna Nicole, an opera by composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and librettist Richard Thomas based on the flamboyant life and tragic death of Anna Nicole Smith. This highly anticipated co-production includes seven performances at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, on September 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 27, and 28 at 7:30pm. Individual tickets are on sale at BAM.org or through BAM Ticket Services at 718.636.4100. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below!

The play turns the story of the 1997 chess match between the world's number one chess player and a computer into a nearly mechanical bio-drama masquerading as a gladiator sport, staged at the cavernous Park Avenue Armory with arena seating , mock Jumbotron video projections and sports commentators, We learn less about chess or computers than one might have expected.

For over 30 years, the Brooklyn-based Mark Morris Dance Group has enthralled critics, dance enthusiasts, and novices alike with its amazing technical expertise, unique artistry, and its signature use of live music. Pianists Anton Nel and Colin Fowler, and progressive New York orchestra The Knights join MMDG for two performances of Morris' celebrated evening-length piece Mozart Dances.

Blair McMillen and Pam Goldberg present the third annual Rite of Summer Music Festival, taking place Summer 2013 at Colonels' Row on Governors Island, New York City. This marks the return of the first classical-contemporary concert series on Governors Island, a place The New York Times has called a 'Playground for the Arts.' The aim of the Festival is simple: to present the highest quality live performances, and to bring free contemporary classical music to as many people as possible in a relaxed, fun, outdoor setting.

Blair McMillen and Pam Goldberg present the third annual Rite of Summer Music Festival, taking place Summer 2013 at Colonels' Row on Governors Island, New York City. This marks the return of the first classical-contemporary concert series on Governors Island, a place The New York Times has called a 'Playground for the Arts.' The aim of the Festival is simple: to present the highest quality live performances, and to bring free contemporary classical music to as many people as possible in a relaxed, fun, outdoor setting.

This May, Bang on a Can is producing three simultaneous international touring programs: in Europe featuring the renowned Bang on a Can All-Stars; in Beijing, China featuring the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra combined with a Festival Ensemble of musicians culled from its annual Summer Festival at Mass MoCA, and in Mexico featuring its renegade mobile ensemble Asphalt Orchestra.

Beginning with a capacity-filled Carnegie Hall concert and followed by a gala reception in the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, the February 11 gala benefit evening celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Young People's Chorus of New York City founded by Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez has turned out to be the most successful in the chorus' history, benefiting an organization that has transformed the lives of thousands of children. BroadwayWorld has photos from the concert below!

The World Premiere of Robert Wilson's New Opera, ZINNIAS - THE LIFE OF CLEMENTINE HUNTER, will perform January 26 - February 3, 2013. It is only when the curtain goes up that the truth is told. Get a first look at the show in rehearsals below!

Umberto Giordano conducted the Opera Orchestra of New York performing 'Andrea Chenier' on Italian, an opera in four acts, at Avery Fisher Hall on January 6, 2013.

New York City Center celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its Tony Award-winning Encores! series on November 12 with a Gala Benefit starring Raul Esparza and Kelli O'Hara, and featuring performers who have starred in Encores!productions over the past two decades. The evening raised $1.6 million to help fund City Center's artistic and education programs. Check out photos from the event below!

Kids today. You're lucky if you can pry their attention away from the television, computer, tablet or phone. It would take a miracle to get them to sit through a musical, let alone a show where spoken words are scarce and the real delights are visuals, tricks and physicality. If you want to show your child (or your own inner child) the wonders beyond digital screens, then Do Jump!'s new show Ahhh HA! at the New Victory Theatre is the ticket to old-fashioned physical comedy, vaudevillian acts and circus entertainment with 21st century style and whimsical design.