Gasteig München

Top Classical November 13, 2022

Gasteig München

The largest cultural center in Europe

Top Classical, November 2022
Gasteig is a cultural center in Munich. This immense cultural center was built between 1978 and 1985, all in brick, glass and steel. the design caused quite a controversy in the mid-eighties due to its postmodern, boxy, glass-and-brick design in very big dimensions. The Gasteig has a total area of almost 25,000 square meters, which is equivalent to several soccer fields.

This is where the “Bürgerbraükeller” was located where Georg Elser attempted a bomb attack against Hitler. A showcase visible from outside of the Gasteig commemorates Elser’s history. Since it opened its doors in 1985, the Gasteig has grown into a hub of culture and creativity and the home of a number of Munich’s renowned cultural and educational institutions: the Munich Philharmonic, the Münchner Volkshochschule (Munich Community College), the Munich City Library, and the University of Music and Performing Arts. With four separate performance halls, the Gasteig’s concert calendar would make any event planner dizzy. In addition to regular performances by the orchestras, the Gasteig hosts more than 2,500 concerts each year.

The cultural center “Am Gasteig” in Munich is situated next to the central tunnel of the Munich rapid transit railway System. When the cultural center was built in 1983, the planners had to ensure that the background noise level in the concert hall did not exceed the specified limit of 25 decibels when a train is passing so that the concert hall could also be used for recording.

The center, on the banks of the Isar, showcases top performers year-round. it has often played host to leading international orchestras and star soloists. The venue’s ties to the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra make it the most important concert house in the city, but also smaller, chamber performances and some special events that run throughout the year.

Philharmonie im Gasteig hosts concerts for a wide range of genres.  The facility hosts jazz, big band, dance, world music, theater performances, and even lectures and other cultural events. This month of November we can find in the venue’s agenda artists such as Julia Fischer, Beatrice Rana, Frank Peter Zimmermann, Cecilia Bartoli, Igor Levit and many more.

Curtis Institute

Top Classical November 4, 2022

Curtis Institute

A virtuoso factory

Top Classical, November 2022
The Curtis Institute of Music was founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis Bok, who named it in honor of her father, Cyrus Curtis, an American publisher. After consulting with musician friends Josef Hofmann, who later became the first director, and Leopold Stokowski on how best to help musically gifted young people, Bok purchased three mansions on Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square and had them joined and renovated.  

Bok had worked with the very poor in Philadelphia’s Settlement Music School and found that many of the students there, though culturally and financially deprived, were very musically talented. Based on her experiences there, she assembled a highly talented staff and by 1928 had made the school tuition free. Today it continues this tradition, accepting students based solely on merit only, and providing them with the financial freedom to attend Curtis and have a future in music. 

The institute formerly served as a training ground for orchestral musicians to fill the ranks of the Philadelphia Orchestra, although composers, organists, pianists, guitarists, and singers are offered courses of study as well. Annual enrollment, all merit-based and tuition-free, numbers about 160 students from a myriad of nations and ranging in age from 10 to 26 years old. All pupils attend on full scholarship and admission is extremely competitive. 

Such noted composers as Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Gian Carlo Menotti, and Vincent Persichetti have studied at Curtis. Legends like pianists Josef Hofmann and Rudolf Serkin have taught here, and the Curtis Institute of Music is still turning out virtuosos like violinist Hilary Hahn. 

“It’s a professional atmosphere,” said soprano Joslin Romphf. “The quality of the productions is very high, and we get to work with great directors and conductors who have different styles. All in all, it ends up being a wonderful educational experience.” 

The institute’s library contains more than 65,000 books, music scores, and records, and its orchestra library houses the Leopold Stokowski Collection.

Curtis graduates perform in most major orchestras in the world, often as principals; half of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s musicians are Curtis alumni. Dozens of events are open to the public including the Curtis Symphony Orchestra (with guest maestros such as Sir Simon Rattle); productions by the Curtis Opera Theatre; and faculty, student and alumni recitals. 

Field Concert Hall seats 240 people and has pretty amazing acoustics Concerts and recitals perform there weekly from October to May. 
Visit https://www.curtis.edu/ to learn more about this great music institute.

Gustavo Dudamel

Top Classical November 1, 2022

Gustavo Dudamel

A Maestro of Musical Marvels

Top Classical, November 2022
In the world of classical music, certain individuals emerge as luminous stars, transcending boundaries and captivating audiences with their remarkable talent and charisma. Among these luminaries, Gustavo Dudamel stands tall as a conductor whose passion, energy, and interpretive prowess have breathed new life into the art of orchestral performance. With a meteoric rise to fame and an unwavering commitment to music education, Dudamel has become a beacon of inspiration for both seasoned enthusiasts and new generations of music lovers.

Gustavo Adolfo Dudamel Ramírez was born on January 26, 1981, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Raised in a musically inclined family, his natural affinity for music became evident at an early age. His prodigious talent led him to the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela, commonly known as “El Sistema.” Under the mentorship of renowned conductor José Antonio Abreu, Dudamel’s talent blossomed, and he emerged as a virtuoso violinist and conductor.

Dudamel’s ascent to international stardom was swift and breathtaking. At the age of 18, he won the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition, a victory that served as a springboard for his career. In 2007, he was appointed as the Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a position that would catapult him to even greater heights.

His dynamic conducting style and magnetic stage presence breathed new life into classical repertoire, infusing performances with an infectious energy and emotional depth. Audiences and musicians alike were drawn to his exuberance and his ability to communicate his profound love for music through every gesture.

Dudamel’s impact on orchestral performances has been transformative. He possesses an uncanny ability to connect with both the musicians and the audience, creating an atmosphere of shared musical experience. His interpretations are marked by an innate sense of drama, a keen attention to detail, and a commitment to preserving the composer’s intent while infusing it with his unique touch.

Under his direction, the Los Angeles Philharmonic has flourished, becoming a beacon of innovation and artistic excellence. His visionary programming, which often blends traditional works with contemporary compositions, has broadened the orchestra’s reach and appeal, attracting a diverse audience.

One of the defining aspects of Dudamel’s career is his commitment to music education and social change. Drawing inspiration from his own upbringing within El Sistema, he has tirelessly advocated for the power of music to transform lives and uplift communities. He believes that music is a universal language that can bridge gaps, inspire creativity, and instill values of discipline and teamwork.

Dudamel’s involvement in youth orchestras and music education initiatives around the world has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and fostering a new generation of musicians. His efforts have expanded access to music education for underprivileged children, offering them a path to personal growth and empowerment.

Gustavo Dudamel’s impact on the classical music world is immeasurable. His dynamic conducting, boundless enthusiasm, and commitment to education have reinvigorated the orchestral landscape and ignited a renewed passion for classical music. As he continues to lead orchestras and captivate audiences with his artistry, he stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and transform lives. Dudamel’s journey is a symphony of dedication, creativity, and a profound belief in the universal language of music.

The Mannes School of Music

Top Classical September 19, 2022

The Mannes School of Music

A school for fearless artists

Top Classical, September 2022
Established as a community music school, Mannes soon evolved into the world-class college conservatory it is today. It was more than a century ago that violinist-conductor David Mannes and his wife, pianist Clara Damrosch Mannes, launched a small, innovative conservatory on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.. The school was founded in 1916 and quickly grew in fame and attracted teachers such as: conductor George Szell, the composers Georges Enesco and Bohuslav Martinů, and Hans Weisse. 

In 1940, the couples’ son Leopold Mannes transformed the school and obtained a charter from the State of New York to become a degree-granting college. 

In 2015, Mannes left the West 85th Street location they’d used for 30 years and claimed space in Arnhold Hall, the New School’s new multipurpose building on West 13th Street. 

While the Mannes School of Music has seen a lot of change, including relocation to the West Side, the conservatory endures as a vital institution Mannes School of Music, draw inspiration from the legendary and innovative students. Over the decades, Mannes has been house of notable graduates, including mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and pianists Murray Perahia and Richard Goode. 

The Mannes School of Music prides itself on creating “fearless artists” by offering its students a dynamic integration of rigorous training and real-world experience to make their musical careers a reality. Mannes is dedicated to advancing the creative role of music in all aspects of a rapidly changing society. Mannes aim is to develop citizen artists who engage with the world around them through music, in traditional, new, and emergent forms of practice. Today, with a new mission, Mannes is requiring its students to improvise and compose, be technologically fluent, and develop deep skills in community engagement and entrepreneurship. 

Part of the New School University, the Mannes School of Music resides in New York City, attracting students from all over the globe who dive headfirst into Manhattan and form part of one of the world’s most bustling cultural hubs. 

For music students looking for a balance between tradition and an awareness of the rapidly changing demands of the profession, Mannes is an excellent choice.

Sydney Opera House

Top Classical September 9, 2022

Sydney Opera House

Pure inspiration and creativity

Top Classical, September 2022
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center in Sydney, Australia. Fusing ancient and modernist influences, the sculptural elegance of the Sydney Opera House has made it one of the most recognizable buildings of the 20th century, synonymous with inspiration and creativity.  

In February 1966, Jorn Utzon ceased to be the architect of the Sydney Opera House, whose project had won in an international competition nine years earlier, in 1957, being replaced by a group of local architects after a series of dark incidents and discussions. The apparent reason was the discontent of the authorities at the fact that they had already spent 20 million dollars only on the structure, when the initial budget was only seven million and a half for the entire work. To finish the building, he needed 6 times that figure.  

Built to “help shape a better and more enlightened community”, Sydney Opera House, since its opening in 1973, has been home to many of the world’s best artists and performances and a meeting place for issues of local and international importance. Today it is one of the busiest performing arts centers in the world and Australia’s number one destination, presenting unique and diverse experiences to more than 8.2 million visitors, 363 days a year. 

In 2003, Utzon received the Pritxker Prize, the world equivalent of the Nobel Prize in architecture, and died in 2008. The building is considered one of the most important examples of modern architecture in the world, a World Heritage Site since 2007. 

Within the facilities there are 7 different rooms where performances and events can be held, from the huge Concert Hall (2,679 seats) to the small Utzon Hall (with capacity for 210 people). 40 are the acts, events, concerts or performances that there are, on average, each week at the Sydney Opera House. The largest mechanical musical instrument in the world is the organ in the Concert Hall. It took 10 years to build and has over 10,000 tubes. 

The Opera House is home to seven iconic performing arts companies: Opera Australia, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Theater Company, The Australian Ballet, Bell Shakespeare and Bangarra Dance Theater. 

For its 45th anniversary in 2018, a year that also marks the centenary of the birth of architect Jørn Utzon, a series of projects were carried out to renovate the building for future generations of artists, audiences and visitors. As part of this Renovation, Opera House is committed to bringing the vision and ambition that inspired its creation to everything it does.

Berklee College of Music

Top Classical July 9, 2022

Berklee College of Music

Will make your wings grow

Top Classical, July 2022
Berklee College of Music is the most highly respected contemporary music school in the country. Renowned artists such as John Mayer, Quincy Jones, Tony Bennett, and many others are among the school’s alumni. Since its establishment in 1945, the private school has been a goal for talented potential artists, who hope to find there the knowledge and tools to succeed in the music world. 

Today, it serves around 4,500 students including people from 100 countries outside of the USA. Beyond music related studies like composition, film scoring, students can pursue other liberal arts-centric that include history and psychology. Mingus the Cat, who’s named after the famous jazz double bassist, is their mascot.  

Students can satisfy their need to share their music with their peers at The Red Room at Café 939. Holding around 200 people, this is an all ages venue run by the university where every genre is welcomed to be performed: Rock, jazz, hip-hop, world plus everything in between can be heard here. Additionally, the university hosts concerts for professional musicians here.  

The Berklee Performance Center is the other venue owned and operated by the university. The venue boasts 1,215 seats and more than 200 high-profile events are hosted here every year. 

Last year for the first time, Berklee College of Music appointed a woman, Erica Muhl, its new president. Muhl became the first woman to hold the title in the school’s 75-year history. 

The experience for most of students results satisfactory overall. However, some of them point out that the liberal arts complementary classes, would need an update in terms of curriculum, and even some of the teachers seem to be fallen out of the modern times. 

Loneliness and incomprehension are other feelings that some students might experiment during their stay: “There were many times while I was enrolled at Berklee when I felt undervalued as a student. Everyone was left to fend for him or herself and if something went wrong there really wasn’t much that could be done about it.” 

Berklee is a good place for musicians to explore on their own passion for music, and to discover the kind of artists they want to become in the future. It’s a place to set their goals, but it can’t be seen as a golden ticket to success and fame.  

If you are looking for great education and the most outstanding resources and facilities to make your artistry shine, Berklee College is definitely one of the best options to be considered.

Queen Elisabeth Competition

Top Classical July 6, 2022

Queen Elisabeth Competition

Celebrating Excellence in Classical Music

Top Classical, July 2022
Every few years, the world of classical music turns its attention to Brussels, where the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition takes center stage. Established in 1937, this international music competition has been a beacon of talent, innovation, and artistry, attracting some of the finest young musicians from around the globe. The competition’s legacy is marked by its dedication to a different instrument category in each edition, showcasing the diversity and virtuosity of classical music instruments. In 2022, the Queen Elisabeth Competition returns for its second cello edition, continuing its tradition of highlighting exceptional performers and propelling them onto the global stage.

In 2022, the Queen Elisabeth Competition will proudly dedicate itself to the cello for the second time. This remarkable event is tailored for musicians who have completed their training and are poised to embark on a journey towards an international career. From May 9 to June 4, 2022, Brussels will resonate with the melodic and emotive strains of the cello, as the world’s best young cellists gather to compete.

The competition’s significance lies not only in the caliber of the participants but also in the rigorous selection process. Cellists aged between 18 and 31 had the opportunity to apply until December 8, 2021. In January, the preliminary selection took place, with an international jury meticulously evaluating video submissions from 152 candidates behind closed doors. Ultimately, 68 exceptionally talented cellists were chosen to proceed to the first public round, which commenced on May 9 in the illustrious Studio 4 of Flagey.

As the competition unfolded, the initial number of participants experienced slight fluctuations due to withdrawals, culminating in a group of 66 gifted cellists vying for the top honors. Each performer brought a unique blend of technical mastery, artistic interpretation, and emotional depth, captivating audiences and judges alike.

The Queen Elisabeth Competition has a rich history of fostering musical excellence and providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their skills. The competition is not merely a showcase of virtuosity; it also serves as a stepping stone for young musicians to gain international recognition and launch their professional careers. The competition’s jury, comprised of eminent musicians and experts, assesses not only technical prowess but also the ability to convey emotion and connect with audiences.

Audiences and classical music enthusiasts play a pivotal role in the competition’s success. The event invites music lovers to witness the evolution of these young artists as they progress through the rounds, demonstrating their versatility and command over their instruments. The atmosphere of anticipation, appreciation, and excitement is palpable as every note resonates within the concert halls.

The Queen Elisabeth Competition’s influence extends beyond its competition rounds. Throughout the event, attendees have the opportunity to experience a myriad of performances, from the competition rounds themselves to the laureates’ concerts. These concerts not only celebrate the winners but also showcase the diverse and dynamic nature of classical music, featuring both established masters and rising stars.

Tickets and subscriptions for these events are available through Flagey and Bozar, the esteemed concert halls that host the competition. The organizers take pride in welcoming audiences back into these hallowed halls, where musical excellence intertwines with a shared appreciation for the beauty of classical compositions.

The Queen Elisabeth Competition stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical music to captivate hearts and minds. As it continues to evolve and adapt, the competition maintains its commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and sharing the beauty of classical music with the world. The 2022 cello edition promises to be a celebration of skill, passion, and artistry, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the melodic tapestry woven by the world’s finest young cellists.

Francesc Viñas Competition

Top Classical July 6, 2022

The Francesc Viñas Competition

From Liceu to the world

Top Classical, July 2022
The Francesc Viñas competition was founded in 1963 by Jacint Vilardell to commemorate Catalan tenor Francesc Viñas, who was born 150 years ago and was the first person to think of such a competition to foster new talent. 

The competition has become one of the major contests in the opera, oratorio and Lied world, in which young singers from all over the world take part every year.  

Each year the preliminary stages take place all over the world, in the cities of Madrid, Paris, London, Hamburg, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Beijing, where the Liceu Theatre has cooperative agreements with the opera houses. For 2020’s edition more than 500 singers from around 53 different countries had to take part.  Last year, 2020, the endowment of the prizes increased in 6,000 euros, with a total of 121,000 euros, distributed in official, special and extraordinary prizes and a contract offered by the Gran Teatre del Liceu Foundation for the coming seasons. Besides being presented with the official prizes, the winners may receive other awards, such as study grants and contracts for performances at various theatres. 

The final stage of the competition always takes place in Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu with 15 singers taking part. The Final Audition is held each January in the same Liceu, as is the final concert with the winners, accompanied by the Gran Teatre del Liceu Symphony Orchestra. 

Prominent singers who have won the Viñas Contest includes Tamara Wilson (2011), Javier Camarena (2005), Violeta Urmana (1992), Željko Lucic (1997), Antonio Gandia (2004) and Vicenç Sardinero (1965). 

In the 2019-2020 it was the russian Mezzo-Soprano Victoria Karkacheva who won first prize performing Tchaikovsky’s Aria di Polina, and a piece from Wagner’s opera Rienzi. 

In words of the artistic director of the Liceu, Víctor García de Gomar, “The competition is a space that generates a market of opportunities for talent that comes from all over the world. The faithful “nose” of the jury tries to observe what the new talents of the future are” 

We can’t wait to meet the new generation of stars in the opera world that will be awarded in the following years! You can learn more about the past winners and the competition in the official page: http://www.tenorvinas.com/en 

A Gathering of Friends

Top Classical June 28, 2022

A Gathering of Friends

Williams & Yo-Yo Ma – “A Gathering of Friends”

June 2022
A Gathering of Friends is a truly remarkable album that celebrates the 40-year friendship and collaboration between composer John Williams and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Released by Sony Classical on May 20, 2022, this album showcases the profound bond between these two musical giants and features new recordings of two acclaimed concert works written by Williams for Ma, along with selections from Williams’ iconic film scores for Schindler’s List, Lincoln, and Munich. Conducted by Williams himself, the album also boasts special appearances by Spanish guitarist Pablo Sáinz-Villegas and harpist Jessica Zhou, adding depth and beauty to an already extraordinary collection of music.

From the opening notes of the first track, the hauntingly beautiful “Tema de La Lista de Schindler,” one is instantly transported into the emotional world of Williams’ iconic film scores. Yo-Yo Ma’s cello weaves a tapestry of raw emotions, expertly capturing the pain, hope, and resilience depicted in Spielberg’s masterpiece. It’s as if Ma’s bow and strings have the power to convey the deepest of human emotions, and Williams’ delicate orchestration elevates the experience to an otherworldly level.

The centerpiece of the album is the breathtakingly revised version of the “Concierto para violonchelo.” Composed originally for Yo-Yo Ma in 1994, Williams has reimagined the concerto over the years, and this new incarnation is an absolute revelation. The four movements flow seamlessly, each bearing its unique charm, taking the listener on a journey through a myriad of emotions. Under Williams’ masterful direction, the Philharmonica de Nueva York enhances the cello’s melodies with an exceptional display of musical synergy.

Adding to the already profound experience are the new arrangements created by Williams for Ma’s cello. “With Malice Toward None” from the film “Lincoln” resonates with a sense of hope and humanity, while the touching “Prayer for Peace” from “Munich” evokes a deep sense of contemplation and introspection. Ma’s artistry shines brilliantly, capturing the essence of each piece with astounding grace and sensitivity.

The album takes an intriguing turn with “Highwood’s Ghost,” a composition written by Williams to honor the legendary Leonard Bernstein during the Tanglewood Music Festival. The ghostly melodies swirl, echoing tales of the past, as Ma’s cello and Jessica Zhou’s haunting harp lead us on a mystical journey through the ethereal realm of music. The New York Philharmonic’s performance adds layers of depth and richness, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

” A Gathering of Friends” is an album that defies categorization. It seamlessly blends classical and cinematic elements, transcending boundaries and captivating the hearts of listeners from all walks of life. The synergy between Williams and Ma is evident in every note, as if their souls were entwined in a dance of music and friendship. This album reflects the power of artistic collaboration and a celebration of the profound impact that music can have on our lives.

John Williams and Yo-Yo Ma’s friendship and mutual admiration are palpable in each moment of this album, making it a deeply personal and emotive experience for the listeners. Whether you are a classical aficionado or a film score enthusiast, this album will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul, resonating with you long after the final note has faded away.

Brahms by Pavel Haas

Top Classical June 18, 2022

Brahms by Pavel Haas

Masterful Rendition: “Brahms” by Pavel Haas Quartet & Boris Giltburg (Piano)

June 2022
The Pavel Haas Quartet and Boris Giltburg present a fearless and captivating rendition of Brahms’ monumental Piano Quintet in F minor. This work, which went through various iterations before settling into its current form, finds new life in the hands of these talented musicians. The performance is characterized by an unyielding commitment to the music, resulting in an overall thrilling experience, though at times, it may border on excessive.

The strength of this recording lies in the quartet’s unwavering sense of involvement and their unreserved emotional investment. The musicians showcase their innate ensemble playing and demonstrate a strong instinct for tempo, leading to a dynamic and energetic performance that leaves little room for respite, except in the beautifully tranquil second movement. The musicians seem to be giving it their all, pushing the boundaries and capturing the listeners’ attention from start to finish.

However, the all-giving approach has its drawbacks, particularly in the first movement, where the intensity occasionally veers towards heaviness. Moreover, in the outer movements, the aggressive string sounds tend to dominate for extended periods, potentially overwhelming listeners, especially when using headphones. While this approach may work well in a large concert hall, it can become less suitable for intimate listening environments.

On a more positive note, the recording also features Brahms’ later String Quintet, a gentler and more genial piece. Here, the musicians strike a better balance, maintaining the thrilling qualities while avoiding excessive forcefulness. The ensemble playing remains remarkable, showcasing a deep appreciation and affection for the music.

Sonically, the recording boasts strong and bright sound quality, which complements the ensemble’s energetic approach. However, this may contribute to the slightly in-your-face aspect of the performance, reinforcing the dominance of the aggressive string sounds in certain movements.

In summary, Pavel Haas Quartet and Boris Giltburg deliver an engaging and intense rendition of Brahms’ Piano Quintet, brimming with passion and musicality. Their innate ensemble playing and instinct for tempo shine throughout the recording. However, the heightened intensity might not be for everyone, especially in certain movements where a lighter touch could enhance the overall experience. Nonetheless, the thrilling qualities of the performance, combined with the gentler charm of the String Quintet, make this CD a compelling addition to the Brahms repertoire.