The Met's "Ernani' in HD-Live

Move over, Joan Sutherland

Anyone who thinks opera today suffers from a dearth of great Verdi singers needs to hear Angela Meade and her fellow soloists in the Met's telecast Ernani.

Steve Cohen

Mar 03, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

"Ethel' at Walnut's Independence Studio

Her cup was half-empty

There's a hostile element in Terry Burrell's representation of Ethel Waters that doesn't quite ring true to the beatific soul I remember.

Jackie Schifalacqua

Feb 28, 2012 · Articles · 2 minute read

AVA's "Pelléas et Mélisande' (1st review)

Giving Pelléas its due

At last— a production of Pelléas et Mélisande that brings out all of the opera's subtlety and intimacy.

Steve Cohen

Feb 28, 2012 · Articles · 5 minute read

Mendelssohn Club's "Philadelphia Voices'

Made in Philadelphia

In the process of showcasing works by five Philadelphia composers, the Mendelssohn Club and the Network for New Music also introduced a memorable way for choral groups to conclude their concerts.

Tom Purdom

Feb 28, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

Jasperse's "Fort Blossom revisited' at Bryn Mawr

Turning the tables on the ‘male gaze'

In his newest work, John Jasperse challenges conventional taboos with the help of four dancers— two graceful nude males and two fully clothed female dancers sporting backpacks. Ultimately, Fort Blossom revisited re-examines the arbitrary nature of the clothed body— what's hidden from us.

Jonathan M. Stein

Feb 28, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

New York Philharmonic with Joyce DiDonato (2nd review)

Bring on the Berlioz

Joyce DiDonato, with her pitch-perfect, carefully modulated voice, sounded like one of the instruments— a haunting effect that would not have been possible without the wonderful chemistry between soloist and orchestra.

Feb 28, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read

Philadelphia Orchestra's Vienna week

Battling over Beethoven's legacy

Spanish maestro Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos returned to conduct two eminent Austrians with the Philadelphia Orchestra: Mozart in a familiar serenade and the less-often played 25th Piano Concerto, and Brahms in his First Symphony, a work that both looks back to Beethoven and forward to modernism.

Robert Zaller

Feb 26, 2012 · Articles · 5 minute read

'Chronicle' vs. Plato's 'Republic'

What Plato could learn from teenagers

Plato suggested that even just men will be corrupted by unchecked power. Chronicle, a new teen fantasy flick, takes a different tack: Even the most just among us, it implies, have scores we're itching to settle, if only we had a magic wand or potion.

Jim Rutter

Feb 26, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

New York Philharmonic with Joyce DiDonato (1st review)

The New York difference

What's the difference between the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra? One has more women, the other has more black and brown faces, as well as a lusher string sound.

Steve Cohen

Feb 25, 2012 · Articles · 2 minute read

"Take Shelter' (2nd review)

Stormy weather

Take Shelter is a movie well worth experiencing for yourself before reading any commentary— including this one.

Judy Weightman

Feb 25, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read