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 →

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 →