San Francisco Opera 2024-25 Review: Beethoven Symphony No. 9

(Photo: Cory Weaver / San Francisco Opera) We need Beethoven. Especially the 9th Symphony with Schiller’s Ode to Joy. “Freude, schöner Götterfunken/Tochter aus Elysium,/Wir betreten feuertrunken,Himmlische/, dein HeiligtumFreude menschen gotterfunken./Oh friends, no more of these sounds!/Let us sing more cheerful songs, More full of joy!/Joy, bright spark of divinity,/Daughter of Elysium,/Fire-inspired we tread Thy sanctuary!/Thy magic power reunites/All that custom {…}

Nicholas Isherwood to Star in U.S. Premiere of Elliott Sharp’s ‘Die Grösste Fuge’

Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn is set to present the U.S. premiere of composer Elliott Sharp’s “Die Grösste Fuge” on June 13, 2024. The showcase will feature bass-baritone Nicholas Isherwood taking on the role of Beethoven alongside the DGF String Quartet and pre-recorded electronic tracks. The work was written by Sharp who reimagined the composer’s notes and letters as well as {…}

Los Angeles Philharmonic to Tour ‘Fidelio’ in Collaboration with Deaf West Theatre & El Sistema’s Coro de Manos Blancas

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced that it will be touring a semi-staged production of “Fidelio” created for Deaf and hearing audiences. The tour, set for May 26 – June 23, 2024, will be presented in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre and El Sistema’s Coro de Manos Blancas. The opera will feature Deaf actors performing in sign language. The production {…}

Oratorio Society of New York to Present Organ Arrangements of Mahler & Beethoven Symphonies in Upcoming Concert

The Oratorio Society of New York is set to present a unique program showcasing two of the most iconic works of all time. On March 5, 2024, the organization will present organ reductions of the final movements of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Mahler’s Second Symphony. The showcase will feature organist and arranger David Briggs. Soloists include Susanna Phillips, Heather Petrie, {…}

Conductor Peter Tiboris to Use Leonard Bernstein’s Baton at Special Carnegie Hall Concert

Conductor Peter Tiboris is set to conduct a concert of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 using Leonard Bernstein’s iconic ivory baton. Tiboris will lead the New England Symphony Ensemble in a performance presented by MidAmerica Productions at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. The concert, scheduled for Jan. 7, 2024, will take place 40 years after Tiboris, who founded MidAmerica {…}

Classical Movements to Present Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s South Africa Tour

Classical Movements will present the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s upcoming tour throughout South Africa. The tour, which is scheduled for June 15-24, 2023, will be conducted by Benjamin Zander and will feature two programs. The first program will showcase music by Strauss and Beethoven with the latter performance featuring Mahler’s Second Symphony. The soloists for this latter program include soprano {…}