by Daniel Hathaway
The Canadian soprano Erin Wall made only one costume change on Sunday evening at Blossom — from a burgundy to a sparkling black gown — but she brought winning vocal versatility and theatrical savvy to her portrayal of five different divas, brilliantly supported by Franz Welser-Möst and The Cleveland Orchestra. [Read more…]
by Samantha Spaccasi
The audience at Ludwig Recital Hall received a treat on July 5 when pianist Spencer Myer and the Miami String Quartet deftly performed an enjoyable program for the second faculty recital of the Kent/Blossom Music Festival. [Read more…]
by Kelly Ferjutz
Special to ClevelandClassical.com
There should be something for every taste in Ohio Light Opera’s premiere production of Anything Goes currently on the boards at Freedlander Theater at the College of Wooster.
Screwball comedy? Check.
Scintillating songs? Check.
Fantabulous tap-dancing? Double check! [Read more…]
by Mike Telin
Last weekend ChamberFest Cleveland presented the final three concerts of its 2017 edition. I attended two of the performances which exemplified why the Festival has become a crown jewel in the area’s rich classical music scene. The inventive programming ranged from the almost never heard, to the seldom heard, to music by giants of the repertoire. Above all, the performances of the five works were beyond reproach. [Read more…]
by Mike Telin
It’s always a pleasure to hear performances by young musicians who are at the beginning stage of their professional careers. This was the case on Friday, June 30 when ENCORE Chamber Music presented an outstanding recital by the Milton String Quartet in the Tudor House at Gilmour Academy. [Read more…]
by Samantha Spaccasi
Reinberger Chamber Hall at Severance Hall hosted the penultimate concert of ChamberFest Cleveland’s sixth season on the evening of June 30. It was the first ChamberFest experience for my family, who were visiting from the Washington, D.C. area. I told them they were in for a treat and they weren’t disappointed — the musicians delivered a wonderful performance. [Read more…]
by Mike Telin
There are many reasons to admire violinist Jennifer Koh. She possesses virtuosic technique, an impressive bow-arm, impeccable intonation, a tonal palette worthy of a master-painter, and she has an astute understanding of complex musical structures. Above all, her musical decisions are always intelligent and thoughtful. These attributes were on display when the dynamic violinist performed a recital on Wednesday, June 28 in Ludwig Hall as part of the Kent Blossom Music Festival.
by Samantha Spaccasi
What could be better than an evening of sitting on the lawn of Blossom Music Center — summer home of The Cleveland Orchestra, wine in hand, enjoying a picnic dinner while waiting to hear the ensemble play with pianist Aaron Diehl? Not much. On July 2, Diehl and the Orchestra, conducted by Jahja Ling, performed an array of favorites. [Read more…]
by Kelly Ferjutz
Special to ClevelandClassical.com
It’s common for productions of lyric theatre works to be placed in countries other than their original setting. But The Music Man is so American it’s hard to envision it taking place anywhere other than River City, Iowa. From the first whistle of the unseen drum major leading the ‘band’ during the overture, feet began to tap on the Freedlander Theatre floor — mine included. (Once a band member, always a band member.) [Read more…]
by Samantha Spaccasi
Dunham Tavern Museum is a perfect venue for an afternoon of chamber music. On Sunday afternoon, June 25, the seventh installment of this year’s ChamberFest explored the theme of “Youth” and featured early works by Beethoven and Bartók. The concert began with Wilhelm Popp’s Rigoletto Variations, performed by flutist Demarre McGill and pianist Zoltán Fejérvári. McGill gave a nuanced performance of this flashy piece, bringing it to light with impeccable phrasing. [Read more…]