Jan 6th, 2009 · Gustav Mahler's larger-than-life symphonies have become orchestra staples. With that in mind, conductor Paavo Jarvi and the Cincinnati Symphony programmed three of Mahler's lesser-known orchestral works. The result is a fresh take on the music of the monumental but troubled genius.
Jan 3rd, 2009 · Modeled after a successful program in Venezuela, the Baltimore Symphony's OrchKids program aims to build an orchestra and enrich young lives. BSO conductor Marin Alsop contributed funding, passing along $100,000 from her MacArthur "genius grant."
Dec 26th, 2008 · A movement is brewing in Bolivia. It has nothing to do with political turmoil that's plagued the South American country. Instead, classical music is in the air. A little-known but up-and-coming orchestra is spreading the sounds of Bach and Beethoven across the administrative capital La Paz, and even into some of Bolivia's most forgotten places.
Dec 18th, 2008 · The Count Basie Orchestra, with Basie on piano, came roaring out of Kansas City during the Great Depression. Unrehearsed and unplugged, soul singer Ledisi shines with the famed Count Basie rhythm section — and, later, with the whole band.
Nov 21st, 2008 · The city of Chicago has one more thing to boast about: Its hometown orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, has been named America's top orchestra in a new critics' poll published in the venerable British magazine Gramophone.
Oct 31st, 2008 · The Ford Made in America project brings new music to regional orchestras that can't afford to commission music by an internationally recognized composer like Joseph Schwantner. His piece, Chasing Light..., will be performed in all 50 states.
Oct 29th, 2008 · "Hootie" to his friends, bluesman supreme Jay McShann served as the living legacy to Kansas City jazz. As bandleader, pianist, singer and composer, McShann was an unsung yet influential figure. During the '40s, his orchestra became an important launching pad for prominent soloists including Charlie Parker.
Oct 27th, 2008 · It was a magical and historic night for indie-rock. For the first time in more than a decade, the founding members of the widely adored and influential Elephant 6 Collective, including Robert Schneider (The Apples in Stereo) and the famously reclusive Jeff Mangum (Neutral Milk Hotel), took the stage together for a sprawling live performance. The group, which featured 15 artists from 10 different bands, served up more than three hours of joyous, psych-tinged singalongs under the glow of the rainbow-colored lights at Chicago's Bottom Lounge.