[Oboist Harry Smyles with his son in the foreground] When African American oboist Harry Smyles died in 2003, Andante quoted Ben Mattison's article on his life in The Plain Dealer (Cleveland): “ Harry Smyles, an African-American oboist who helped to create the racially integrated Symphony of the New World, died on 15 January, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Smyles grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and served in Europe during World War II, leading a dance band and editing a regimental... Read Full Story
[ The Definitive Duke Ellington; Sony 61444 (2000)] “ E-J's Take: ESO Jazz Masters ” is a post on a performance by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Musical Director Bill Eddins of Edmonton, Alberta, Friday, Feb. 22 at the Winspear Centre. The African American composer and pianist Duke Ellington was best known for his huge repertoire of jazz works, but he was also an accomplished classical composer. Several of his classical compositions are discussed at his page at AfriClassical.com “ The... Read Full Story
This is our group blog, which is unique because any Zimbio member can post an entry to it. Some members blog about recent news and trends related to the portal topic, others recount relevant personal stories. You can also comment on and rate existing blog entries, to voice your opinion and to help the community identify which members and entries on the portal are must-reads. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this portal? Well, then put on your journalist's cap... Read Full Story
Lots of snowstorm stories from yesterday and last night. Here's one from my wife, who sings in the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and was on the roster to sing in two Boston Pops concerts yesterday. She was smart enough to take mass transit, rather than attempt the drive to Symphony Hall. I got to Symphony just a little late, only to find something like eight people there ready to sing. It seems that the roads were gridlocked, and people were frozen there (pun intended). One person, for example... Read Full Story
The Lebanese are still not ready for their national orchestra. Yesterday they were gifted: a Glinka Waltz (lightness and darkness) a Tchaikovsky Variation (false emotion) and a Beethoven Symphony (number seven). I have said it before and will do so again: the National Orchestra are a rare gem in this country. Music is no remedy for conflict, yet I kept wondering: there is something transcendental about e.g., Beethoven's music, that impels you to look beyond narrow identities. An orchestra... Read Full Story
As with all classical music and high-art performance events these days, getting a newer and younger audience into the hall is an ongoing battle. So the Boston Symphony Orchestra has come up with an innovative solution: pay-your-age tickets . Under this scheme, there are a limited number of tickets available that you can purchase for a price that is equivalent to your age. A nice idea! What else can arts organization do in order to drum up audiences? Read Full Story
