[Darryl Harris Sr., a doctoral student in musical arts at the University of Southern Mississippi, performs at the university’s Children’s Center for Communication and Development. (Southern Miss Marketing and Public Relations photo by David Tisdale)] Darryl Harris is an African American bassoonist with whom we have been in touch for some time. On Dec. 11, 2008 AfriClassical posted: “Bassoonist Darryl E. Harris, Sr. Plays at Children's Center for Communication and Development.” Darryl made a... Read Full Story
Conductor James Levine is withdrawing from upcoming performances with the Metropolitan Opera and Boston Symphony Orchestra to have surgery for a herniated disk in his back. Levine has had a series of health problems in recent years. He tore his rotator cuff in March 2006 when he tripped and fell on the stage of Boston's Symphony Hall during ovations, and his right kidney was removed in July 2008 because of a malignant tumor. A hand tremor that was evident in the late 1990s appears to have... Read Full Story
Opening night for the Boston Symphony Orchestra will feature a tribute to retiring harpist Ann Hobson Pilot, the orchestra's first and only African-American woman. Hobson Pilot retired this summer after 40 years with the orchestra. But she will return to the stage at Symphony Hall Wednesday night as a soloist in the world premier of composer John Williams' "On Willows and Birches." The orchestra says Williams wrote the piece as a tribute to Hobson Pilot, who's considered among the top harp... Read Full Story
Erich Kunzel, the award-winning conductor who headed the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra since it was founded three decades ago and who won international fame through sales of more than 10 million recordings, has died at age 74. Kunzel was diagnosed with liver, colon and pancreatic cancer in April but continued conducting while undergoing treatment. He died Tuesday morning at a hospital near his home in Swan's Island, Maine, said Chris Pinelo, a spokesman for the Cincinnati Pops. On July 4, Kunzel... Read Full Story
[Ann Hobson Pilot, photo from The Myrtle Hart Society; Ann Hobson Pilot; Johann Sebastian Bach, Joseph Castaldo, Arcangelo Corelli, Claude Debussy, Gabriel Faure, Claude Debussy, Paul Hindemith; Boston Records 1002 (2001)] The June issue of the eNewsletter of The Myrtle Hart Society announces the retirement of African American harpist Ann Hobson Pilot, Principal Harpist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, after a career of 40 years. AnnHobsonPilot.com: “Boston Symphony Orchestra Music Director... Read Full Story
Looking for someplace new to take the kids this summer that’s both educational and entertaining? How about a day trip to Tanglewood, the pristine summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra ! Tanglewood has special offerings and programs for kids of all ages: Free Lawn Tickets for Children and Young People up to 17 This year, Tanglewood is pleased to offer free lawn tickets for children and young people age 17 and younger. In years past, tickets were available for children 12 and under. Up... Read Full Story
Singer James Taylor plans to donate his $500,000 in earnings from a 5-day music festival at Tanglewood next week to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Taylor's association with the orchestra dates back more than 15 years. His wife, Kim, is a former public relations director and current trustee for the Orchestra. Taylor tells The Boston Globe that he decided to donate his earnings because he and his wife are concerned about diminishing support for classical music. The newspaper reports that the... Read Full Story
[ Africa: Piano Music of William Grant Still ; Denver Oldham, piano; Koch 3 7084 2H1 (1991); The American Scene; Manhattan Chamber Orchestra; Margaret Astrup, soprano; Richard Auldon Clark, conductor; Newport Classic NCCD 85596 (1995)] The Tribune-Democrat Johnstown, Pennsylvania Published: May 22, 2009 01:32 pm 'Gala Opening' | Symphony's new season offering place for music lovers BY RUTH RICE “For the 81st year, members of Johnstown Symphony Orchestra will provide a place for music lovers... Read Full Story
A Youth or Family Concert is sure to be a memorable experience for children, parents, and teachers alike. This year's theme is "Dance...March!" The program will showcase dances and marches from many different styles of classical music — from Mozart to Berlioz to John Williams — that will highlight the clear rhythmical structure of dance and march music. You will hear dances that are slow, fast, happy and sad, and marches that are funny, scary, and serious. Put on your dancing or marching... Read Full Story
The Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced the launch of its Symphony+ program, designed to enhance your concert experience. These series include pre- and post-concert events offering social and educational opportunities to concertgoers. Symphony+ events for the 2009 season include opportunities to meet the artists, discussions, film series, dinners and receptions, and a fashion event - Project Mozart. New events will be added throughout the season. Most events are free and open to all... Read Full Story
