What a shame: Von heute auf morgen (via Boulezian) reports that Thomas Quasthoff, one of my favorite singers, has abruptly announced his retirement from the concert stage, cancelling all forthcoming appearances. The baritone cited health reasons for the decision; thankfully, he will continue to teach. And Quasthoff threw in this zinger when he confirmed the story to news.at: “Moreover, in my view the classical music industry has become superficial. One gets the impression that there is no one left except David Garrett.” Ouch
Category Archives: Classical Music News
Bravo, Maestro Gilbert!
“Thousand dollar fine”? In this very rare case, I’d support the death sentence, but, failing that, I’ll settle for the proposal Tim Smith floats in the last three paragraphs of his coverage.
UPDATE: Amanda Kell has more details and perspective.
Anthony Amato, 1920-2011
While I was taking a break from typing up my review of Tuesday’s superb Messiah at Avery Fisher Hall, I learned that Anthony Amato — founder of the little tiny New York City opera company that could, the Amato Opera — died yesterday at the age of 91.
UPDATE: WQXR has published an obituary.
UPDATE 2: Here’s the NY Times “The Local” obituary.
Ugly Rumors from a Venerable Musical Powerhouse
I’ve recently heard from some colleagues who are very well connected to New York City’s musical organizations rumors that the manager of one of the most prominent and revered had hired — and generously paid — his well-known brother as a “consultant” some years back without going through the proper channels. Yes, these are “only rumors” — but when they come from people in different business and social circles, one tends to put a bit more credence in them. Someone may well need to hire a spin doctor, and soon.
Following the Biz: Three sites and a newsletter worth watching
Sorting through the classical music biz noise on the Internet is not easy, but I do have a few bookmarks — and an e-mail subscription — that are well worth integrating into your routine.
Continue reading Following the Biz: Three sites and a newsletter worth watching
NYCMF: Trifecta of Quick Reviews
Here’s a quick look at three of this week’s New York Chamber Music Festival recitals – which would have been longer and more detailed were it not for a Windows 7 update that completely hosed my main PC. Continue reading NYCMF: Trifecta of Quick Reviews
New York’s Classical Music Pre-Season Off to an Impressive Start
New York’s classical music “pre-season” is off to an impressive – and momentous – start.
Continue reading New York’s Classical Music Pre-Season Off to an Impressive Start
Classical Press Piles on Levine Story (… plus a bonus zing at DG)
The press is piling on in the day and a half since the Metropolitan Opera announced that James Levine is withdrawing from the fall portion of the company’s 2011-12 season. A few are worth a read, including Zachary Wolffe at the NY Observer, who writes:
Continue reading Classical Press Piles on Levine Story (… plus a bonus zing at DG)
James Levine’s Withdrawal: Reading Between the Lines
Daniel Wakin follows through on yesterday’s breaking news about James Levine’s decision to withdraw from the entire fall portion of the MET season due to a new and serious back injury with a more detailed article just posted to nytimes.com. Again, a number of details leap off the page:
Continue reading James Levine’s Withdrawal: Reading Between the Lines
Tributes to Salvatore Licitra, 1968-2011
Tenor Salvatore Licitra’s death following a scooter accident in Italy is not completely surprising, given reports about the extent of his injuries, but it still comes as a sad shock to opera fans. It’s a huge loss to the world of singing. Licitra, who was slated to sing Radames at Chicago Lyric Opera this coming March, had more of a career in Europe in recent years than on this side of the Atlantic, but impressed this writer with his solid portrayals and ringing voice that consistently conveyed emotion and dramatic momentum. There is a moving video tribute (narrated in Italian) on Licitra’s official web site; both the NY Times obituary and Tim Ashley’s tribute at guardian.co.uk are worth a look, as well as the comments section of La Cieca’s post at Parterre Box (including some choice YouTube videos) and Opera Chic’s post (I especially enjoyed Andrew Powell’s comment). And don’t miss Instant Encore’s repost of an insightful 2009 interview with Licitra.
UPDATE: Licitra’s organs are already saving lives