VIEWPOINTS – The old and the new guard at 54 Below: UTE LEMPER sings Kurt Weill, ANNA ZAVELSON & HENRY PATTERSON epitomize youthful optimism

Over the past week or so, I’ve augmented my regularly scheduled performing arts programming to take in some wonderful cabaret entertainment at 54 Below. Read on for my thoughts on … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Dudamel returns, incisively leading the NY PHILHARMONIC in an homage to the symphonic form

To the delight of many music fans, the New York Philharmonic’s incoming music director Gustavo Dudamel has returned to close out the orchestra’s 2024/2025 season. The first of these Dudamel-led … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Heartbeat Opera brings intimacy, contemporary flourish, and stylish noir to Gounod’s FAUST

As one of the grandest of grand operas, it would seem that Charles Gounod’s Faust — based on the well-trodden legend about a man who sells his soul to the … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nonbinary cabaret artists come out to heal: JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND swells in “Well, Well” and JOHN JARBOE conducts a sing-along

This month’s nightlife adventures have led me to a pair of cabaret shows by uncompromising nonbinary talents, both of whom sought to provide solace in these unsettled times. As always, … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Elza van den Heever rivets in the title role of Claus Guth’s stylized new production of SALOME for the Met

Richard Strauss’s opera Salome, along with the composer’s equally memorable Elektra, represent some of the most striking music dramas you’ll find on the operatic repertoire. Based on Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play about … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Classical Music Roundup: A resounding VERDI’S REQUIEM at Trinity Church and a satisfying NY PHIL outing led by Simone Young

In the realm of classical music, I recently attended a pair of concerts by local ensembles that reminded me once again that we live in a true capital of culture. … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – The kids are alright: SAMARA JOY is smashing in her Carnegie Hall debut and DAVID MARINO croons to the heavens at Birdland

This week, I had the opportunity to catch perform, in their respective one-night-only concerts, a pair of sensational young singers — one who’s fast on the rise, the other whose … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Classical Music Roundup: Reveling in the riches of the BSO sound and re-assessing the Met’s production of DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE

In recent days, I had the chance to take in a few notable opera and classical music performances at some of the city’s most prestigious venues. As per usual, read … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Classical Music Roundup: Sparkling outings by the NY PHILHARMONIC and the PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

Over the past week or so, I had the chance to take in a pair of symphonic performances by our own New York Philharmonic and the visiting Philadelphia Orchestra. As … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Nightlife Report: 54 SINGS COCO fabulously excavates the 1969 musical at 54 Below and the JOEY ALEXANDER TRIO delights at Birdland

In the midst of the craziness of April theater openings, I’ve had the opportunity to cleanse my theatrical palette by indulging in some delicious nightlife offerings, namely at the upscale … Continue Reading →