My review of last evening’s recital by the Arditti Quartet — sporting a last-minute substitute program quickly cobbled together due to the illness of a member of the Hilliard Ensemble — is online at ClassicalSource.com. What followed the concert, however, was a stunning episode of New York City at its worst at the Landmarc restaurant.
Arditti Quartet @ LPR
The Arditti Quartet performed two “sets” last night at Le Poisson Rouge, the Greenwich Village club that has become New York City’s hot go-to spot for new music in a casual cabaret atmosphere. The presentation was more formal than usual for the club, closer in atmosphere to an evening at Zankel Hall that a hip music venue.
The first “set” featured three works written for the Ardittis.
Scandal at the LPO
The London Evening Standard reports on a scandal in the LPO’s head office: its finance boss allegedly siphoned off over half a million pounds. Ouch. (Hat tip: Jessica Duchen)
UPDATE: Jessica Duchen has a few things to say about the scandal.
Muti / NYPhil @ Avery Fisher 11/19
Digby Has Your Turkey Day Talking Points
Thursday is Thanksgiving day in the USA, and families will be gathering to enjoy the traditional turkey dinner. So if you’re going to have to dine with your ultra-right-wing Uncle Vern or Palin-worshipping Aunt Sadie, you may benefit from reading this (and memorizing the bolded sections).
Lisney @ Weill
My review of British pianist James Lisney’s impressive New York debut is live at ClassicalSource.com.
For those of you wondering about the rebuilt Alice Tully Hall.,.
Violet Bergen spills the beans with her review of the latest CMSLC event at ClassicalSource.com.
Järvi / NYPhil @ Avery Fisher
My review of last night’s New York Philharmonic concert (Maestro Neeme Järvi replacing Vladimir Jurowski) is live at ClassicalSource.com.
Classical music goes to the White House
The NY Times‘ Tony Tommasini reports on performances by four prominent Americans at the White House. Go read. I am reminded of the anecdote concerning Stravinsky who, following a White House event and the opportunity to meet President and Mrs. Kennedy, turned to his wife and said, “Nice kids!”
Leonard Slatkin in hospital recovering from heart attack
The Detroit News has the details. (Hat tip: Daron Hagen.)