Portland Tribune: All Classical Portland becomes All Classical Radio
At 40, station embarks on rebranding program, gets ready to move to KOIN TowerAll Classical Portland has reached middle age. The Portland radio station will observe 40 years of community-focused programming by reintroducing itself as All Classical Radio, unveiling a new logo as part of a comprehensive brand alignment effort.
Portland Tribune
By Nancy Townsley
At 40, station embarks on rebranding program, gets ready to move to KOIN Tower
All Classical Portland has reached middle age. The Portland radio station will observe 40 years of community-focused programming by reintroducing itself as All Classical Radio, unveiling a new logo as part of a comprehensive brand alignment effort.
“We are honored to be recognized as a leader in public media, for high rankings in listenership as well as our innovative programming on the air and in the community,” All Classical Radio President and CEO Suzanne Nance said. “We remain committed to enhancing lives and breaking down barriers to classical music; welcoming all people and all communities to experience the power of the arts on All Classical.”
Read more here.
Vail Daily: Kids nationwide attend opera camp, perform comedy in Avon with ‘The Tinker of Tivoli’
About 50 kids, ages 10-18, have been attending Vail Opera Camp since Aug. 1, learning musical training, stage direction and acting from artists who work in top opera houses around the world. Thursday, they showcase their skills with “The Tinker of Tivoli” at Nottingham Park in Avon.
Vail Daily
By Kimberly Nicoletti
About 50 kids, ages 10-18, have been attending Vail Opera Camp since Aug. 1, learning musical training, stage direction and acting from artists who work in top opera houses around the world. Thursday, they showcase their skills with “The Tinker of Tivoli” at Nottingham Park in Avon.
Vail Opera Camp began in 2021 as part of the Grammy-award-winning National Children’s Chorus, which trains more than a thousand students, ages 5-17, throughout 30 choirs based in chapter cities of Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Austin, Dallas, Boston and Chicago. All choir members practice the same repertoire and breath marks, so they can participate in any of the concerts nationwide, which have included performing on the 2022 Grammy-winning album “Mahler: Symphony No. 8,” a sold-out debut at Carnegie Hall and a concert tour in the United Kingdom.
Read more here.
Violinist: Rachel Barton Pine Performs Billy Childs' Violin Concerto at the Hollywood Bowl
What a pleasure to see Chicago-based violinist Rachel Barton Pine on Thursday night in her debut performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which was also her first performance at the Hollywood Bowl.
It's about time!
Violinist
By Laurie Niles
What a pleasure to see Chicago-based violinist Rachel Barton Pine on Thursday night in her debut performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which was also her first performance at the Hollywood Bowl.
It's about time!
And it's no surprise - to someone who has been following her for many years - that she brought something fresh to the stage - a new violin concerto by Los Angeles jazz pianist and composer, Billy Childs. This was just the fifth performance of the concerto, which was composed in 2020 and premiered in 2022. It was commissioned by Rachel and performed previously by her with co-commissioning orchestras: the Grant Park Orchestra, the Boulder Philharmonic, the Anchorage Symphony, and the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra.
On Thursday Rachel - playing her 1742 "ex-Bazzini, ex-Soldat" Joseph Guarnerius “del Gesù” violin - brought the concerto to life with her virtuoso chops, musical sensitivity and intense commitment, with French conductor Stéphane Denève at the podium. (Denève, who is Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, starts as as Music Director of New World Symphony in September.)
Read more here.
Person Place Thing: Episode 454: Luke McEndarfer
Early in his career, the conductor of the National Children’s Chorus interviewed for a job with Sister Stella Maria Enright. “She said, ‘Where did you park?’ And I said, ‘Right in front.’ And she said, ‘There is never parking in front. That is a sign from the holy spirit.’” She was kidding. Kind of. He got the job.
Person Place Thing
By Randy Cohen
Early in his career, the conductor of the National Children’s Chorus interviewed for a job with Sister Stella Maria Enright. “She said, ‘Where did you park?’ And I said, ‘Right in front.’ And she said, ‘There is never parking in front. That is a sign from the holy spirit.’” She was kidding. Kind of. He got the job.
Listen to the episode here.
The San Diego Union-Tribune: Fresh from White House dinner, Sameer Patel is Named New Music Director of La Jolla Symphony
His selection is the latest achievement for Patel, who also heads San Diego Youth Symphony and is the former associate conductor of the San Diego Symphony. ‘It’s a joy,’ he says of his new position.
It’s shaping up to be a landmark summer for San Diego’s Sameer Patel. His selection as La Jolla Symphony & Chorus’ new music director and conductor comes less than four weeks after he and his wife, Shannon, attended the state dinner at the White House that President Biden hosted for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“This is absolutely a dream gig — it’s a joy to be part of this wonderful music organization,” Patel said. “And, having not ever been to the White House before, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be a guest at a state dinner there.”
Patel, 40, is the artistic director of the San Diego Youth Symphony, a position he will continue to hold. The former associate conductor of the San Diego Symphony, he regularly conducts orchestras around the country.
The San Diego Union-Tribune
By George Varga
His selection is the latest achievement for Patel, who also heads San Diego Youth Symphony and is the former associate conductor of the San Diego Symphony. ‘It’s a joy,’ he says of his new position.
It’s shaping up to be a landmark summer for San Diego’s Sameer Patel. His selection as La Jolla Symphony & Chorus’ new music director and conductor comes less than four weeks after he and his wife, Shannon, attended the state dinner at the White House that President Biden hosted for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“This is absolutely a dream gig — it’s a joy to be part of this wonderful music organization,” Patel said. “And, having not ever been to the White House before, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be a guest at a state dinner there.”
Patel, 40, is the artistic director of the San Diego Youth Symphony, a position he will continue to hold. The former associate conductor of the San Diego Symphony, he regularly conducts orchestras around the country.
Patel’s selection to head La Jolla Symphony & Chorus — announced today — comes 14 months after his predecessor, Steven Schick, stepped down. Patel’s initial contract is for four years, with options to renew.
Read more here
I Care If You Listen: Bravo! Vail Festival Blends New Music with the Classics at its Lavish Colorado Rockies Home
It wasn’t until I’d taken the gondola down from Eagle’s Nest, perched 10,350 feet up on Vail Mountain, that I took in the full idyllic scenery of the Rocky Mountains, where the Bravo! Vail music festival makes its home. It was the third day of my trip and I was rushing to the Ford Amphitheater, after a morning hike to the top of the ski lift, to catch the end of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s rehearsal for that evening’s concert.
From July 12 to 14, I attended the last three concerts of the famed orchestra’s 16th Bravo! Vail residency with seven other members of the Music Critics Association of North America. We got a window into the six-week, $9.2-million summer festival — now in its 36th season — which brings in more than 50,000 visitors every year.
I Care If You Listen
Esteban Meneses
It wasn’t until I’d taken the gondola down from Eagle’s Nest, perched 10,350 feet up on Vail Mountain, that I took in the full idyllic scenery of the Rocky Mountains, where the Bravo! Vail music festival makes its home. It was the third day of my trip and I was rushing to the Ford Amphitheater, after a morning hike to the top of the ski lift, to catch the end of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s rehearsal for that evening’s concert.
From July 12 to 14, I attended the last three concerts of the famed orchestra’s 16th Bravo! Vail residency with seven other members of the Music Critics Association of North America. We got a window into the six-week, $9.2-million summer festival — now in its 36th season — which brings in more than 50,000 visitors every year.
Hungry for the music of today, I gravitated toward the contemporary offerings during my visit, the highlight of which was the world premiere of Anna Clyne’s This Moment. The festival has recently committed to commissioning new symphonic pieces; in 2022, they presented premieres of works by Chris Rogerson, Katherine Balch, and Carlos Simon.
Read more here.
I Care If You Listen: 5 Questions to Nick DiBerardino (composer)
Composer Nick DiBerardino writes music that draws upon programmatic themes, like his percussion quartet Gossamer, a musical reflection on a Walt Whitman poem, or his string quartet Beet Juice, which explores how the vegetable increases our body’s ability to produce energy from oxygen. At the Curtis Institute of Music, DiBerardino is the Chair of Composition and Director of Ensemble 20/21, which focuses on music of the 20th and 21st centuries. In this role, DiBerardino creatively highlights different composers and contemporary music styles by curating programs that span the giants of the past century to living composers from all parts of the globe.
For the 2023-24 season, Ensemble 20/21 will explore Curtis’ macro-theme of “Music of the Earth” through the lens of ecologically-conscious composers such as John Luther Adams, Raven Chacon, Allison Loggins-Hull, Gulli Bjornsson, Luciano Berio, and Curtis alumna Gabriella Smith. The program looks at our world through folklore, culture, and natural themes, and offers a rich addition to Ensemble 20/21’s exciting upcoming season at Curtis.
I Care If You LIsten
By Anne Goldberg-Baldwin
Composer Nick DiBerardino writes music that draws upon programmatic themes, like his percussion quartet Gossamer, a musical reflection on a Walt Whitman poem, or his string quartet Beet Juice, which explores how the vegetable increases our body’s ability to produce energy from oxygen. At the Curtis Institute of Music, DiBerardino is the Chair of Composition and Director of Ensemble 20/21, which focuses on music of the 20th and 21st centuries. In this role, DiBerardino creatively highlights different composers and contemporary music styles by curating programs that span the giants of the past century to living composers from all parts of the globe.
For the 2023-24 season, Ensemble 20/21 will explore Curtis’ macro-theme of “Music of the Earth” through the lens of ecologically-conscious composers such as John Luther Adams, Raven Chacon, Allison Loggins-Hull, Gulli Bjornsson, Luciano Berio, and Curtis alumna Gabriella Smith. The program looks at our world through folklore, culture, and natural themes, and offers a rich addition to Ensemble 20/21’s exciting upcoming season at Curtis.
What drew you to Curtis, and what do you enjoy most about leading Ensemble 20/21?
My first experience with Curtis was as an audience member. This was about a decade ago, when I drove down to Philadelphia to hear new music for orchestra by Curtis’ student composers. I expected the concert to be good, but I wasn’t prepared for what I actually experienced. I left with my jaw on the floor — I was stunned by the caliber of the orchestra, and I was also surprised to hear the wide-ranging aesthetic languages of Curtis’ composers. Each composer had something distinctly personal to say, and the orchestra brought all that music to life with a special energy and commitment.
Read more here.
Your Classical: Pianist Michelle Cann explores the music of Bonds and Price in 'Revival'
Pianist Michelle Cann has had a pretty incredible journey. Her path into the world of piano led her to the Cleveland Institute and the Curtis Institute of Music, which is where she teaches. In 2022, she was the recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence. Now, her journey goes down another life-changing path with the release of her debut recording, Revival: Music of Price and Bonds.
“Growing up, I didn't play any music by any Black composers other than church music. Nothing in the classical field was really ever assigned to me. I wasn't really aware of anyone except for Scott Joplin,” Cann says. “And it wasn't until 2016 that I was introduced to the Florence Price Piano Concerto and I was asked to play it. I'd never heard of her, never heard of the piece, and I read through it. You can only imagine that moment and put yourself in my shoes. I've never been aware of somebody like her in this field.
Your Classical
By Julie Amacher
Pianist Michelle Cann has had a pretty incredible journey. Her path into the world of piano led her to the Cleveland Institute and the Curtis Institute of Music, which is where she teaches. In 2022, she was the recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence. Now, her journey goes down another life-changing path with the release of her debut recording, Revival: Music of Price and Bonds.
“Growing up, I didn't play any music by any Black composers other than church music. Nothing in the classical field was really ever assigned to me. I wasn't really aware of anyone except for Scott Joplin,” Cann says. “And it wasn't until 2016 that I was introduced to the Florence Price Piano Concerto and I was asked to play it. I'd never heard of her, never heard of the piece, and I read through it. You can only imagine that moment and put yourself in my shoes. I've never been aware of somebody like her in this field.
Read more here.
Jackson Hole News & Guide: Music festival jumpstarts Friday
The Grand Teton Music Festival is entering its 62nd summer season and continues to provide unprecedented access to classical music for the Jackson community.
This summer, the goal for GTMF is clear: Bring as much music as possible to as many people as possible.
“Music is for everyone,” said Emma Kail, executive director of GTMF, “especially the music we offer at the music festival.”
This season will stretch eight weeks, from Friday to Aug. 19, with 220 classical musicians from 75 major orchestras and 55 educational institutions participating. It will start with Beethoven, Bruch and Mendelssohn by the festival orchestra with Grammy-award winning violinist James Ehnes. It will end with a semi-staged production of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. Music Director Donald Runnicles once again helms the orchestra.
Jackson Hole News & Guide
By Dillon Hanna
The Grand Teton Music Festival is entering its 62nd summer season and continues to provide unprecedented access to classical music for the Jackson community.
This summer, the goal for GTMF is clear: Bring as much music as possible to as many people as possible.
“Music is for everyone,” said Emma Kail, executive director of GTMF, “especially the music we offer at the music festival.”
This season will stretch eight weeks, from Friday to Aug. 19, with 220 classical musicians from 75 major orchestras and 55 educational institutions participating. It will start with Beethoven, Bruch and Mendelssohn by the festival orchestra with Grammy-award winning violinist James Ehnes. It will end with a semi-staged production of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. Music Director Donald Runnicles once again helms the orchestra.
Maestro Runnicles has also worked closely with the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. His continued participation in the festival is but one indication of GTMF’s ever-spreading, international influence.
Read more here.
Vail Daily: Meet Your Musician Bravo! Vail Edition: Dover Quartet
Q: What is your name/your ensemble’s/orchestra’s name?
A: We are the Dover Quartet. We formed at the Curtis Institute of Music, and our name pays tribute to “Dover Beach” a song written by fellow Curtis alumnus Samuel Barber.
Q: What instrument(s) do you play?
A: Joel Link, violin; Bryan Lee, violin; Hezekiah Leung, viola; Camden Shaw, cello
Q: How long have you been performing? How long have you been with your current orchestra or ensemble?
A: We formed in 2008 with Joel, Bryan, and Camden as founding members. Hezekiah has been touring with the group this year and violist Julianne Lee will be joining the quartet in September 2023.
Vail Daily
By Tricia Swenson
Q: What is your name/your ensemble’s/orchestra’s name?
A: We are the Dover Quartet. We formed at the Curtis Institute of Music, and our name pays tribute to “Dover Beach” a song written by fellow Curtis alumnus Samuel Barber.
Q: What instrument(s) do you play?
A: Joel Link, violin; Bryan Lee, violin; Hezekiah Leung, viola; Camden Shaw, cello
Q: How long have you been performing? How long have you been with your current orchestra or ensemble?
A: We formed in 2008 with Joel, Bryan, and Camden as founding members. Hezekiah has been touring with the group this year and violist Julianne Lee will be joining the quartet in September 2023.
Q: How long have you been coming to the Bravo! Vail Music Festival?
A: Our first performance at Bravo! Vail was in 2014, and we look forward to visiting every time we get the opportunity! We’ve made some amazing memories here in the summertime.
Read more here.