Christoph Eschenbach returns

Eschenbach returns— twice, with no hard feelings

Christoph Eschenbach, the former and (by some) lamented music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, returned to take over the city's symphonic January in concerts with the Orchestra and the Curtis Symphony. If he was trying to suggest what Philadelphia has lost with his departure, he mostly made his case.

Robert Zaller

Jan 24, 2009 · Articles · 7 minute read

Orchestra's biggest problem: Its board

The trouble with the Orchestra: It's the board, not the musicians

Why is the Philadelphia Orchestra stuck in its rut? One spoiler has been obvious over 30 years: a board that cares more about its sovereignty than about what will make the Orchestra the best in its field.

Nathan Sivin

Jan 18, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Sextet Spectacular' by 1807 & Friends

Reviewing the unreviewable

The latest 1807 & Friends program did everything a good chamber music session is supposed to do. So what else can you say?

Tom Purdom

Jan 18, 2009 · Articles · 2 minute read

Diaz, Denk et al at the Perelman

A classical music lover's plea: Can we please try the road less taken?

We all love Brahms, Mozart and Dvorak. Especially for these seasoned musicians, it's much easier to put together a Mozart Piano Quartet that they've all played before than to learn a contemporary piece. But seriously, there are other composers out there.

Be'eri Moalem

Jan 18, 2009 · Articles · 5 minute read

Do happy musicians play better?

Do happy musicians play better? (A rejoinder to Dan Rottenberg)

Does it matter whether or not musicians”“ especially musicians in a classical orchestra”“ seem to be personally enjoying the music they're playing? Given a certain level of musical excellence, it's really a very simple question in the end.

Dan Coren

Jan 18, 2009 · Articles · 2 minute read

Philadelphia Orchestra: The old vs. the new

The 'old' Orchestra and the new

Was the old Ormandy Orchestra of blessed memory superior to today's? The question is really irrelevant. I've found sublime experiences in both. Consider, for example, the contrast between William de Pasquale (old) and Yumi Kendall (new).

Dan Rottenberg

Jan 13, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

"Freeway Philharmonic': California's freelance musicians

The life of a freelance musician: California vs. Philadelphia

In 55 well-edited minutes, an insightful documentary captures the challenging life style of California's freelance classical musicians. Philadelphia freelancers— who constitute the backbone of a dozen local musical groups— will find here a reflection of their own unpredictable lives.

Tom Purdom

Jan 13, 2009 · Articles · 3 minute read

David Cohen: A one-man classical band

Yes we can (music dept.): A one-man classical band on a mission

David Cohen grew up in dire poverty in Philadelphia but made a career for himself, first as a pastry chef and then as a multi-talented musician. And at 47, he may just be getting started in promoting his twin passions: classical music and feeding the hungry.

Maria Thompson Corley

Jan 10, 2009 · Articles · 6 minute read

The Crossing at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian

Taking chances at The Crossing

In its fourth year, The Crossing conveys a depth of vision and a commitment to innovative programming that many older, more-established choral ensembles would envy.

Dave Allen

Jan 06, 2009 · Articles · 4 minute read

Unsung musical heroes: The entrepreneurs

The unsung folks behind the scenes: Let us now praise musical entrepreneurs

Performers and music lovers alike owe a debt to the unsung heroes of Philadelphia's cultural scene. This New Year, let's pause to toast the small but growing band of visionaries who create and maintain our musical organizations.

Tom Purdom

Dec 30, 2008 · Articles · 4 minute read