Inon Barnatan

Review: LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY'S SUMMERFEST CELEBRATES THE “RULE OF THREE” at The Conrad
by Ron Bierman - Sep 2, 2026

What did our critic think of LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY' SUMMERFEST CELEBRATES THE “RULE OF THREE” at The Conrad? More than 100 artists participated in a month of 21 concerts during La Jolla Music Society’s 40th annual SummerFest. The festival’s theme was “Making History,” and SummerFest Music Director Inon Barnatan designed this year’s concerts to celebrate both the festival’s anniversary and the nation’s 250th birthday. When I interviewed Barnatan on the first day of the festival, he said he wanted to celebrate by “doing the most American thing possible,” acknowledging the diversity of influences on the development of classical music in America with a variety of voices. And quite a variety it was, each concert with its own unique theme, and composers born in different countries and historical eras. The theme was the “Rule of Three” on closing night, and Barnatan again repeated his belief in the positive influence of diversity with works by composers born in four different countries and three different centuries.

ARIEL QUARTET to Complete Beethoven Cycle on Orchid Classics
by Joshua Wright - Aug 4, 2026

ARIEL QUARTET will release the third volume of its complete Beethoven string quartet cycle on Orchid Classics, ahead of a box set marking the composer's 200th anniversary.

Nashville Symphony to Open 2026/27 Season Under Leonard Slatkin
by Stephi Wild - Aug 4, 2026

Nashville Symphony's opening weekend concerts will mark America 250 and anniversaries for the orchestra and Schermerhorn Symphony Center, led by Music Director Leonard Slatkin.

Interview: Inon Barnatan of LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY'S SUMMERFEST at The Conrad
by Ron Bierman - Aug 4, 2026

Inon Barnatan became music director of La Jolla Music Society’s annual SummerFest chamber-music festival in 2018. This year, on its 40th anniversary, the celebration’s theme is “Making History.” More than 100 artists are participating in a month of 21 adventurous concerts. Born in Tel Aviv, the pianist began playing on his own at the age of three. Half a year later his parents realized he had perfect pitch and was likely to respond well to lessons. From his youthful point of view, it probably didn’t hurt that his first teacher rewarded him with chocolates. As he progressed, he studied at Tel Aviv University before moving to London at the age of 16 to study at the Royal Academy of Music with Maria Curcio, a student of Artur Schnabel. The late Leon Fleisher was also an influential teacher and mentor. The versatile musician, “One of the most admired pianists of his generation” (The New York Times) performs with the world’s finest orchestras and in recitals of solo and chamber music.  His most recent recording is a set of Brahms Cello Sonatas with Alisa Weilerstein. I met with Barnatan via Zoom to discuss the festival, how he approached its programming, and his career as a soloist.

Mandy Gonzalez, Nobuntu and More Set for Caramoor 2026-27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 14, 2026

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts will present its upcoming Rosen House Concert Series, featuring 21 performances spanning classical, jazz, folk, and global music, plus a new Juilliard Extension collaboration.

Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson and More to be Featured in Aspen Music Festival & School 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2026

The Aspen Music Festival and School's eight-week summer season, titled 'For All,' will feature world and Colorado premieres, a fully staged opera, and guest appearances by Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson and more.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center to Name 2027-2030 Bowers Program Artists
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center announced 12 individual artists and one ensemble selected for its competitive Bowers Program, a three-season residency chosen from 192 international candidates.

Calgary Philharmonic Reveals 2026/2027 Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2026

The Calgary Philharmonic announced its 2026/2027 season, with full program details available for the upcoming year of performances at Calgary's Arts Commons.

National Philharmonic Unveils 2026-27 Season at The Music Center at Strathmore
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 12, 2026

National Philharmonic revealed its 2026-27 season at The Music Center at Strathmore, featuring the East Coast premiere of Jocelyn Hagen's What The Soul Already Knows and works by Beethoven, Copland, and Dvořák.

HADESTOWN, Audra McDonald, Leslie Odom, Jr. and More Set for Charleston Gaillard Center 2026–2027 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2026

The Charleston Gaillard Center announced its 2026–2027 season featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and a world premiere from Beeple and Sō Percussion.

Seattle Chamber Music Society Launches SCMS Records with Three 2026 Releases
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 7, 2026

Seattle Chamber Music Society has announced the launch of SCMS Records, a new in-house record label dedicated to sharing the Society's acclaimed performances with audiences around the world.

San Francisco Symphony Reveals 2026–27 Season, Featuring 26 Guest Conductors and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2026

The San Francisco Symphony has revealed details of the Orchestra’s 115th season. The 2026–27 season features 26 guest conductors, including five making their Orchestral Series debuts, alongside a lineup of returning and debuting guest artists.

Ravinia Festival Unveils 2026 Season Featuring Paul Simon, Gladys Knight, Hugh Jackman, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2026

The Ravinia Festival has announced its 2026 season, which will showcase a lineup of more than 90 artists. This season also marks the unveiling of the newly redesigned Hunter Pavilion. The festival, known for its diverse range of performances, continues to be a significant event in the cultural calendar, attracting music lovers from various genres. The updated venue is expected to enhance the audience experience, providing a modernized space for performances.

Seattle Chamber Music Society to Host 2026 Summer Festival Featuring Top Classical Artists
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 9, 2026

​​​​​​​Seattle Chamber Music Society has revealed the programming for its 2026 Summer Festival. Classical music luminaries will come together for outstanding chamber music collaborations.

Nashville Symphony Reveals 2026/27 Classical and Family Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 25, 2026

Featuring more than 35 classical performances covering a wide range of eras and four family concerts, the Nashville Symphony has announced its 2026/27 classical and family season.

Aspen Music Festival & School Reveals 2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026

The Aspen Music Festival & School has announced its 2026 season, running from July 1 to August 23, under the theme 'For All'. The eight-week festival in Aspen will feature a diverse lineup of performances and educational events.

Renée Fleming to Return to Lyric Opera of Chicago for One-Night-Only Recital
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2025

Lyric Opera of Chicago will welcome the return of one of the foremost vocal artists of our time when Renée Fleming appears in recital for Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, inspired by her 2023 Grammy Award–winning Best Classical Vocal Solo album.

2026 Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival Unveils Spring Programming
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025

The Gilmore will present the 2026 IRVING S. GILMORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL from April 30 to May 10, featuring more than 75 performances, premieres, collaborations, and community events across Southwest Michigan.

Review: RENÉE FLEMING VOICE OF NATURE: THE ANTHROPOCENE at Ordway Concert Hall
by Jared Fessler - Sep 20, 2025

What did our critic think of RENÉE FLEMING VOICE OF NATURE: THE ANTHROPOCENE at Ordway Concert Hall?

Interview: Inon Barnatan of VOICE OF NATURE: THE ANTHROPOCENE at Ordway Concert Hall
by Jared Fessler - Sep 11, 2025

On September 19, pianist Inon Barnatan will take the stage at the Ordway Concert Hall alongside the legendary Renée Fleming. It’s a pairing that promises both star power and deep musical sensitivity. Fleming’s voice may be what draws most listeners in—but anyone who’s heard Barnatan perform knows the piano will have just as much to say.