THE HANGOVER REPORT – Rouvali confidently leads the NY PHILHARMONIC in a program of works by Rachmaninoff, Bartók, and Nelson

This past week, maestro Santtu-Matias Rouvali — principal conductor of London’s Philharmonia and honorary conductor of Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra — returned to confidently lead the New York Philharmonic in a … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The gorgeous and glamorous VANESSA WILLIAMS intimately holds court at 54 Below

This week, multi-talented A-lister Vanessa Williams has taken a weeklong hiatus from her high profile theatrical stint across the pond as the iconic creature of fashion Miranda Priestly in the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: MELISSA ERRICO celebrates love via the Great American Songbook, CONSTANCE HAUMAN falls into now

Over the past week or so, I was able to soak in the alluring performances of a pair of divas of New York’s storied nightlife scene. As always, read on … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – As led by Iván Fischer, the BUDAPEST FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA satisfies the soul with deeply human music-making

Oh how I’ve missed Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Over the years, they’ve been responsible for some of the most revolutionary and profound experiences I’ve had at a … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife roundup: The endearing Frankenstein monster CHRISTEENE beguiles, the MINGUS BIG BAND continues a master’s legacy

Often to supplement my performing arts outings, I cap the night off with a late night performance palette cleanser at one of New York’s many nightlife entertainment venues. Over he … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – PROTOTYPE 2026 Roundup: Beth Morrison Projects continues to shape the aesthetic of contemporary opera

Aside from Under the Radar, January’s other marquee performing arts festival is Prototype, an undisputed nexus for the presentation of new and often times gutsy opera. For the festival’s 2026 … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Xian Zhang leads a solid outing with the NY PHIL, conducting works by Schumann, Tchaikovsky, and Chen Yi

This past weekend, Xian Zhang led the New York Philharmonic in a solid outing that included pieces by Schumann and Tchaikovsky — the concert’s featured soloist was the great veteran … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – GOING BACHARACH is a musically astute love letter to the legacy of the legendary pop songwriter Burt Bacharach

For those of you nostalgic for the less prismatic times we used to live in, I suggest you check out Amas Musical Theatre’s production of Going Bacharach: The Songs of … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Carnegie Hall’s concert presentation of OKLAHOMA! scores big with its sterling cast and symphonic sound

Earlier this week, Carnegie Hall scored big with its one night only concert presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! One of the seminal musicals in history, the show is notable … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Inspired music-making at Lincoln Center: Noseda conducts the NY PHILHARMONIC and the Met’s new staging of I PURITANI

Last week at Lincoln Center, I was able to take in a pair of exceptional performances courtesy, respectively, of the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera, two of the … Continue Reading →