THE HANGOVER REPORT – In a number of notable debuts, a wonderfully game young cast takes on Tchaikovsky’s EUGENE ONEGIN at the Met

Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Opera brought back its production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, a revival distinguished by a handful of notable Met debuts. Overall, the performance seethed of Russian … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: The great KURT ELLING at Birdland and a madcap evening of MICHAEL SHAW FISHER songs make for rousing nightcaps

Over the past week or so, I’ve had the opportunity of capping off a few of my nights with rousing late night shows at some of the city’s beloved cabaret … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Marin Alsop leads yet another satisfying outing by the PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA at Carnegie Hall

Last week, the terrific Philadelphia Orchestra, led by conductor Marin Alsop, returned to Carnegie Hall for one night only. The focal point of Alsop’s 2025–2026 Perspectives series and the United … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Assessing world premiere compositions: THE WEALTH OF NATIONS at NY Phil and SINS & GRACE at MasterVoices

Assessing new compositions — particularly world premieres — is tricky business. Indeed, it usually takes at least two listens to fully grasp the scope and craft of newly-minted handiworks. Given … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – A night at the opera for the ages: The Met’s new production of TRISTAN UND ISOLDE hits mystical heights

Earlier this week, I caught up with the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Tristan und Isolde, one of Richard Wagner’s defining works and a reason for swooning for many an … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Classical music roundup: Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla conducts the NY PHILHARMONIC, the PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA conjures a mighty Mahler “Resurrection”

Over the past week or so, I took in a pair of notable concerts performed by the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra at, respectively, David Geffen Hall at … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: JOHN PIZZARELLI pays homage to Tony Bennett, PAULO SZOT dazzles with his baritone and charisma

In recent days, I found myself drawn to the nightclub performances of a pair of utter professionals — both in possession of innate leading men vibes — at two of … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Songs of resilience in the face of health crises: The Lazours’ NIGHT SIDE SONGS and Jesse Malin’s SILVER MANHATTAN

Currently Off-Broadway, there are a pair of brave and unconventional new musicals that have taken it upon themselves to tell stories of the resilience of the human spirit in the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Sublimely symphonic: CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and VIENNA PHILHARMONIC play Carnegie Hall

Last week, Carnegie Hall was alive with sublime symphonic music-making courtesy of two of the world’s most renowned orchestras, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic. As always, read … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At 54 Below, Tony-nominee TOM PECINKA basks in the classic rock songbook and “Stereophonic”

Earlier this week on the heels of the blizzard that practically shut down New York City, actor Tom Pecinka made his solo debut in a one-night-only appearance at 54 Below. … Continue Reading →