CLASSICAL MUSIC - PLAYS

by Louise Penn - February 19, 2026

Opening the London Handel Fetsival, this flawless presentation of Saul was a celebration of Handel that set the tone of the performances to follow. The acoustics in the hall were exceptional, with clear enunciation throughout and a sense of occasion....

by Joanna Barouch - February 11, 2026

What is the American musical identity? A question for this special year!...

by Peter Danish - February 11, 2026

On February 7 at Carnegie Hall, the Budapest Festival Orchestra offered a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 that did not merely impress — it recalibrated expectations....

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 organ...

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 a...

by Peter Danish - February 02, 2026

What did our critic think of THE COLORADO SYMPHONY WITH ITZHAK PERLMAN at Carnegie Hall?...

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 co...

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 ...