Three spring concerts to watch

Dan Coren recommends three imminent local concerts, one of which he will actually perform in.

Dan Coren

Apr 15, 2008 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Suburban Love Songs' by 1812 productions

Karen Getz’s small gem of a pantomime dance-comedy tunes into a brilliant perception: Behind the political upheaval of the ‘60s lay a vast contingent of suburban singles bypassed by the sexual revolution.

Suburban Love Songs. Created, choreographed and directed by Karen Getz. 1812 Productions presentation through April 27, 2008 at Plays and Players, 1724 Delancey St. (215) 592-9560 or 1812productions.org

Dan Rottenberg

Apr 15, 2008 · Articles · 3 minute read

The "Barnes method' reconsidered

Albert Barnes may have gone too far in applying objective analysis to paintings, but today we’ve leaned too far in the other direction. Isn’t it possible that a scientific approach to art— not to mention music, literature, and film—could enhance our understanding and appreciation of beauty?

Victoria Skelly

Apr 15, 2008 · Articles · 6 minute read

The Met invades the movie house

After experiencing the New York Metropolitan Opera's "Live in HD" for the first time, I am torn. It’s not the real thing— not even close. On the other hand, there are no bad seats.

Be'eri Moalem

Apr 12, 2008 · Articles · 3 minute read

Philadelphia Singers: Haydn and Mozart

The Philadelphia Singers celebrated their 35th birthday-- and a more secure future-- with two of their all-time favorites.

Philadelphia Singers: Haydn, Missa in Angustiis (“Nelson Mass”) in D minor: Rachel Levine, soprano; Sandra Carney, mezzo-soprano; Kenneth Garner, tenor; James Stieber, bass. Mozart, Vesperae Solennes di Confessore: Heidi Kurtz, soprano; Alyson Harvey, mezzo-soprano; Steven Bradshaw, tenor; Franklin Phillips, baritone. Ch

Tom Purdom

Apr 12, 2008 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Othello' vs. "Pericles'

These two productions— one full of subtle artistry, the other a poorly played screaming match—couldn’t be more different. Yet together they offer a surprising and subtle reminder of Shakespeare’s continuing legacy and importance.

Pericles. By William Shakespeare; directed by Carmen Khan. Through May 18, 2008, at Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, 2111 Sansom St. (215) 496-8001 or www.p

Jim Rutter

Apr 12, 2008 · Articles · 7 minute read

Jeanne Ruddy's "Obsessions'

However engrossing Jeanne Ruddy’s Breathless may be, ultimately it fails to transcend its subject matter: murderous domestic abuse. Susanne Linke’s dazzling Quasi Normal, on the other hand, proves that even when a work is about nothing at all, audiences can find dance highly enjoyable and grasp it intuitively without an overload of explanation.

“Obsessions and Expressions”: Breathless, choreographed by Jeanne Ruddy, score by Ellen F

Jim Rutter

Apr 12, 2008 · Articles · 6 minute read

Letter from Beijing

Like everything else in China these days, the art market is booming. Artists fresh out of school demand $25,000 US per painting. And who knew there was radical cool in China?

Toby Zinman

Apr 12, 2008 · Articles · 5 minute read

Gregory Prestegord at F.A.N. Gallery

Gregory Prestegord’s city scenes get right down to business. He doesn’t do the sort of work that you have to stare at and stare at, trying to decipher its message.

“Recent Paintings” by Gregory Prestegord. Through April 26, 2008 at F.A.N. Gallery, 221 Arch St. (215) 922-5155 or wwwfanartgallery.com.

Andrew Mangravite

Apr 11, 2008 · Articles · 2 minute read

Yuja Wang with St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Every now and then a concert comes along that reminds one why music-making is man’s most joyous activity. It would be nice to see our own resident orchestra loosened up and having such fun. As for Yuja Wang, we are going to hear much more of her.

Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields: Mozart, Mendelssohn, Haydn. Yuja Wang, piano; Neville Mariner, conductor. April 9, 2008 at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center. (215) 893-1999 or www.k

Robert Zaller

Apr 11, 2008 · Articles · 4 minute read