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Yulia Lysenko sings Cio-Cio-san just right, but gives a "passively acted" performance. (Photo by Jessi Franko Designs LLC.)

Princeton Festival presents Giacomo Puccini's 'Madama Butterfly'

Screwing the Puccini

The Princeton Festival misses an opportunity to put its individual stamp on Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly.’ Cameron Kelsall reviews.

Cameron Kelsall

Jun 18, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony at the Haifa Auditorium. (Photo by Jan Regan.)

The Philadelphia Orchestra and "sacred spaces"

Take it to the streets

The Philadelphia Orchestra's tour of Europe and Israel brought out protesters, but why now, and why in the concert hall? Robert Zaller considers.

Robert Zaller

Jun 12, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

The bicycle is ready for action in “Improvised Concerto for Bicycle, Prerecorded Tape and Instrumental Ensemble.” (Photo by Nicoletti.)

PIFA 2018: Studio Dan's 'Inventive Mothers: A Tribute to Frank Zappa'

The future of music

Frank Zappa fans got more than they bargained for at PIFA as Viennese ensemble Studio Dan blazed a path to the future of art music. Linda Holt reviews.

Linda Holt

Jun 04, 2018 Articles 4 minute read

Nineteen singers in need of direction. (Photo courtesy of the Chestnut Street Singers.)

Chestnut Street Singers present 'For Cherishing'

Quantity over quality

Chestnut Street Singers present an uneven program of requiems and farewells with a repertoire spanning seven centuries. Margaret Darby reviews.

Margaret Darby

Jun 03, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Pianist Hélène Grimaud's insightful playing brought new life to an old staple. (Photo by Matt Hennek/Deutsche Grammophon.)

Philadelphia Orchestra presents 'Yannick and Hélène'

Beethoven and the BFFs

Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Hélène Grimaud's friendship may be wonderful offstage, but onstage together, they bring out the best in everything they touch. Linda Holt reviews.

Linda Holt

May 21, 2018 Articles 4 minute read

Don't kill the messenger: Rowley and Maestri do serviceable work in a ridiculous production. (Photo by Jessica Griffin/Philadelphia Orchestra.)

Philadelphia Orchestra presents Puccini's 'Tosca'

Tacky 'Tosca'

The Philadelphia Orchestra brought their musical best to Puccini’s ‘Tosca,’ despite patchy singing and a ridiculous staging. Cameron Kelsall reviews.

Cameron Kelsall

May 17, 2018 Articles 4 minute read

Bullock has a "unique and appealing" voice. (Photo by Pete Checchia.)

PCMS presents Julia Bullock, soprano, and John Arida, piano

Showing and telling

American soprano Julia Bullock made an uneven recital debut with PCMS, accompanied by pianist John Arida. Cameron Kelsall reviews.

Cameron Kelsall

May 17, 2018 Articles 3 minute read

Calidore don't just play music, they internalize it. (Photo via calidorestringquartet.com.)

PCMS presents the Calidore String Quartet

Body and soul

The Calidore String Quartet, inaugural winners in the esteemed M-Prize Chamber competition, brought vigor and fresh music to the American Philosophical Society. Margaret Darby reviews.

Margaret Darby

May 15, 2018 Articles 3 minute read