Review: CLASSICAL MIXTAPE: A LIVE TAKEOVER, Southbank Centre
by Louise Penn - February 06, 2026
Classical Mixtape: A Live Takeover is part of the Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary programme. Aimed at the under-30s audience, who are underrepresented at the venue, the event offered a casual, relaxed and social approach to classical music. However, a brilliant concept sadly fell short in organi...
Review: San Diego Symphony Performs Mahler's Seventh Symphony at Jacobs Music Center
by Ron Bierman - February 05, 2026
Jaha Ling led the San Diego Symphony’s first performance of Mahler’s seventh symphony in 2014, more than a century after the orchestra was founded. He called it “the most modern of all Mahler symphonies.”
Many critics have made similar judgements, the more conservative among them meant it as a pejo...
Review: SOUNDS AND SWELLS at The Conrad
by Ron Bierman - January 18, 2026
Art of Elan launched the Sounds and Swells series several years ago. Artistic Director Eric Starr describes its unusual programs as “a curated pairing of surfing footage and classical music.” The music and footage vary from one performance to another, but always include one or more California compos...
Review: BROADWAY SYMPHONIC at Salle Pleyel
by Patrick Honoré - January 05, 2026
Bernstein, Sondheim & Loewe reimagined through full orchestral arrangements at Salle Pleyel. The symphonic treatment of West Side Story alone is worth the price of admission—this is Broadway elevated to concert hall artistry. Exceptional vocalists, brilliant conducting, world-class tap dancers. A re...