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Yes, Kentucky

    Posted: Sep 29, 2010 - 10:36:54 AM in: commentary_2010
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Gustavo Dudamel at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky (photo by Rich Copley)
Get off your high horse, you might say, but the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the very definition of "elite," came to the Bluegrass State this week.  Apparently it was no problem for the picky Viennese. who, incidentally, have their pick of conductors, too, hiring only the world's best on a guest-conductor-only basis.  The Vienna Phil's pick this time was Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel, today's hottest young conductor.  While in Kentucky, Dudamel and the orchestra members rubbed shoulders with attendees of the World Equestrian Games, being held for the first time outside of Europe in, where else?  Kentucky.
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The Tragedy of Music Hall

    Posted: Jan 11, 2010 - 3:07:32 PM in: commentary_2010
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Cincinnati Music Hall
Cincinnati's 132-year-old Music Hall is beautiful.  It has enviable acoustics.  It is a beloved icon for the Cincinnati community.  However, as the performance home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, it has a fatal flaw.  It is too big.  On Jan. 7, 2010, CSO music director Paavo Järvi announced that he will leave the orchestra at the end of the 2010-2011 season.  Did Music Hall have anything to do with it?  Would Dr. Demento have had something to say?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viTUhOT4d3I

Re-posted from Feb. 23, 2009.

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