Articles in Classical + Opera
Virtuosity on display, CSO and Zukerman burnish Brahms concerto, 2nd Symphony
![Virtuosity on display, CSO and Zukerman burnish Brahms concerto, 2nd Symphony Pinchas Zukerman featured image credit Paul Labelle](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Pinchas-Zukerman-featured-image-credit-Paul-Labelle-125x125.jpg)
Review: Sometimes, in the course of a symphony orchestra season, it’s good just to hear the band dial up the core German repertoire and show what it can do. That’s exactly what the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and music director Riccardo Muti did March 8 in a sumptuous double dose of Brahms, the Violin Concerto with soloist Pinchas Zukerman and the Second Symphony. *****
Soprano Hui He takes over as Aida in Lyric’s new cast, and suddenly the chemistry bubbles
![Soprano Hui He takes over as Aida in Lyric’s new cast, and suddenly the chemistry bubbles Aida featured image Quinn Kelsey Amonasro Hui He Aida Chicago Lyric Opera DAN_7621 c. Dan Rest](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Aida-featured-image-Quinn-Kelsey-Amonasro-Hui-He-Aida-Chicago-Lyric-Opera-DAN_7621-c.-Dan-Rest-125x125.jpg)
“Aida” with four new singers. 4 stars!
In a bold CSO debut, English conductor meets twin challenges of Mahler and Schoenberg
![In a bold CSO debut, English conductor meets twin challenges of Mahler and Schoenberg Thomas Nott Featured Image Michelle DeYoung Stuart Skelton Chicago Symphony 2012 credit Todd Rosenberg](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Thomas-Nott-Featured-Image-Michelle-DeYoung-Stuart-Skelton-Chicago-Symphony-2012-credit-Todd-Rosenberg-125x125.jpg)
Review: Stepping in to pinch hit for Pierre Boulez may not be the least stressful way to make one’s conducting debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Subbing on short notice to take over Boulez’s rare pairing of Mahler’s song-symphony “Das Lied von der Erde” and Schoenberg’s Piano Concerto – that’s quite a debut.****
Handel trips back to the future as Lyric Opera proclaims the outrageous genius of ‘Rinaldo’
![Handel trips back to the future as Lyric Opera proclaims the outrageous genius of ‘Rinaldo’ RINALDO featured image Elza van den Heever, dancers, RST_2961 c. Dan Rest](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/RINALDO-featured-image-Elza-van-den-Heever-dancers-RST_2961-c.-Dan-Rest-125x125.jpg)
Not your grandfather’s Handel. 4 stars!
Lyric Opera commissions a young Peruvian’s first stage work, setting of Lima hostage crisis
![Lyric Opera commissions a young Peruvian’s first stage work, setting of Lima hostage crisis Lopez](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Lopez-125x125.jpg)
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has commissioned the first opera from 33-year-old Peruvian composer Jimmy López, and will present the new work’s world premiere in December 2015.
‘Meistersinger’ to ‘Streetcar,’ Lyric Opera’s new season offers scenic route with 9 stops
![‘Meistersinger’ to ‘Streetcar,’ Lyric Opera’s new season offers scenic route with 9 stops Style: "Disable"](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Renee-Fleming-credit-Decca-Andrew-Eccles-550-125x125.jpg)
The Chicago Lyric Opera’s new season begins and ends with shows that should attract aficionados of opera and theater: “Elektra” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Here’s the show-by-show breakdown.
Lyric Opera ventures into American musical with a ‘Show Boat’ that you can’t help lovin’
![Lyric Opera ventures into American musical with a ‘Show Boat’ that you can’t help lovin’ Show Boat Lyric Opera featured image c. Robert Kusel](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Show-Boat-Lyric-Opera-featured-image-c.-Robert-Kusel-125x125.jpg)
Song and dance on the Delta. 5 stars!
Riccardo Muti, Chicago Symphony unleash alternative energy of Mason Bates, Anna Clyne
![Riccardo Muti, Chicago Symphony unleash alternative energy of Mason Bates, Anna Clyne Clyne_Anna_Bates_Mason_featured image credit_Todd_Rosenberg](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Clyne_Anna_Bates_Mason_featured-image-credit_Todd_Rosenberg-125x125.jpg)
Feature: Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances in California and at Carnegie Hall will introduce new works by young resident composers Feb. 14-19 and Oct. 4.
Forget brass ring, tenor Jay Hunter Morris appears from nowhere to grab Wagner gold
![Forget brass ring, tenor Jay Hunter Morris appears from nowhere to grab Wagner gold Deborah Voight and Jay Hunter Morris Met Gotterdammerung featured image credit Ken Howard](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Deborah-Voight-and-Jay-Hunter-Morris-Met-Gotterdammerung-featured-image-credit-Ken-Howard-125x125.jpg)
Interview: The Texas native talks about his unlikely mid-career burst into stardom at the Metropolitan Opera. Morris plays the hero Siegfried in the Met’s HD broadcast of Wagner’s “Götterdämmerung” at cinemas worldwide Saturday, Feb. 11.
Chicago Symphony’s 2012-13 plans highlight Wagner, Stravinsky and waterway themes
![Chicago Symphony’s 2012-13 plans highlight Wagner, Stravinsky and waterway themes Riccardo Muti Orchestra Hall credit Todd Rosenberg](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Riccardo-Muti-Orchestra-Hall-credit-Todd-Rosenberg-125x125.jpg)
Complete season highlights, details.
‘Aida’ at the Lyric Opera: Verdi’s tragedy hits the pitches but misses some dramatic notes
![‘Aida’ at the Lyric Opera: Verdi’s tragedy hits the pitches but misses some dramatic notes Aida Chicago Lyric featured image credit Dan Rest](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Aida-Chicago-Lyric-featured-image-credit-Dan-Rest-125x125.jpg)
The Princess’ rival is her slave. 3 stars
In Orff’s earthy ‘Carmina Burana,’ Muti guides CSO and vocal force to Fortune’s throne room
![In Orff’s earthy ‘Carmina Burana,’ Muti guides CSO and vocal force to Fortune’s throne room CSO Muti Carmina Burana featured image](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/CSO-Muti-Carmina-Burana-featured-image-125x125.jpg)
Review: Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with the Chicago Children’s Choir conducted by Riccardo Muti. Maria Grazia Schiavo, soprano; Max Emanuel Cencic, countertenor; Stéphane Degout, baritone. Through Jan. 28. *****
Honeck and the Chicago Symphony recall Dvorak on native soil with a dancing Eighth
![Honeck and the Chicago Symphony recall Dvorak on native soil with a dancing Eighth Honeck_Manfred_cr_KunstlerSekretariatamGasteig Featured image](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Honeck_Manfred_cr_KunstlerSekretariatamGasteig-Featured-image-125x125.jpg)
Review: If Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony is a yearning postcard “From the New World,” his Symphony No. 8 in G major is redolent of a composer happily settled on native ground. The Eighth is decidedly of the Old World, as conductor Manfred Honeck and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra so generously demonstrated Jan. 19 at Orchestra Hall. ****
Marriage of true minds: Chicago Shakespeare brings the Bard to Chicago Symphony’s party
![Marriage of true minds: Chicago Shakespeare brings the Bard to Chicago Symphony’s party Barbara-Gaines-Chicago-Shak](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Barbara-Gaines-Chicago-Shak-125x125.png)
Preview: Barbara Gaines directs actors from Chicago Shakespeare Theater in concerts Jan. 5-14 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Mark Elder, featuring music inspired by the Bard.
Like composer on the podium, Salonen leads Chicago Symphony in brilliant Mahler Sixth
![Like composer on the podium, Salonen leads Chicago Symphony in brilliant Mahler Sixth Salonen_Esa-Pekka_featured image credit_Snezana Vucetic Bohm](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Salonen_Esa-Pekka_featured-image-credit_Snezana-Vucetic-Bohm-125x125.jpg)
The Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen shares a peculiarity of temperament and genius with Gustav Mahler. Like Mahler in his time, Salonen today stands among the most important conductors in the world. And again like his great forebear, Salonen would really rather be composing than be saddled with the responsibilities of music director for any orchestra you could name. Even one that might be looking for someone to succeed James Levine in Boston.
Early music vocalists Anonymous 4, bearing gifts from new CD, to offer Chicago concert
![Early music vocalists Anonymous 4, bearing gifts from new CD, to offer Chicago concert Anonymous 4 featured image](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Anonymous-4-featured-image-125x125.jpg)
Profile: Anonymous 4, the vocal quartet renowned for its plainchant and medieval music recordings, celebrates 25 seasons with a holiday concert of favorites at Chicago’s Art Institute Dec. 18, and a new release called “Secret Voices.”
Tallis Scholars magnify spirit of Christmas in a Renaissance concert at Rockefeller Chapel
![Tallis Scholars magnify spirit of Christmas in a Renaissance concert at Rockefeller Chapel Tallis Scholars featured image c Eric Richmond](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Tallis-Scholars-featured-image-c-Eric-Richmond-125x125.jpg)
Review: For many music lovers, the single word Magnificat probably summons the name Bach, whose setting of this ancient “song of Mary” is doubtless the most famous to modern listeners. But in fact the Magnificat enjoys a long and glorious tradition in music history, notably in the 16th century, and several such Renaissance gems were on display Friday night in an exquisite concert by the Tallis Scholars at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel. *****
Once more, Lyric’s treasured ‘Magic Flute’ spins its noble, wacky tale of love and light
![Once more, Lyric’s treasured ‘Magic Flute’ spins its noble, wacky tale of love and light Charles Castronovo Magic Flute c Dan Rest Lyric Opera Chicago](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Charles-Castronovo-Magic-Flute-c-Dan-Rest-Lyric-Opera-Chicago-125x125.jpg)
Mozart’s classic opera revives. 3 stars.
Lyric Opera’s zany ‘Ariadne auf Naxos’ is model Strauss with dash of Marx Brothers
![Lyric Opera’s zany ‘Ariadne auf Naxos’ is model Strauss with dash of Marx Brothers Ariadne2-Lyric-Opera-Chicago-Feature-Image-2a-c-Dan-Rest](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Ariadne2-Lyric-Opera-Chicago-Feature-Image-2a-c-Dan-Rest-125x125.jpg)
Lovable but seriously bizarre. 4 stars!
Glass’ meditative ‘Satyagraha,’ on Gandhi, takes Met’s Live HD series to new ground
![Glass’ meditative ‘Satyagraha,’ on Gandhi, takes Met’s Live HD series to new ground Satyagraha blue featured image](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Satyagraha-blue-featured-image-125x125.jpg)
Preview: The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD broadcasts throughout the U.S. feature a landmark of American minimalism not to miss — ”Satyagraha” by Philip Glass, Nov. 19 and Dec. 7. Here’s a peek.
Contempo doubles down on new music, plays matchmaker for separate audiences
![Contempo doubles down on new music, plays matchmaker for separate audiences Hiromi feature](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Hiromi-feature-125x125.jpg)
Preview: U.S. and Chicago premieres abound in the season opener of the new-music series Contempo, at the Harris Theater Tuesday. The concert is a double bill featuring a second set with Japanese jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara and her trio.
French conductor Stéphane Denève scores a triumph in Chicago Symphony debut
![French conductor Stéphane Denève scores a triumph in Chicago Symphony debut Stephane_Deneve featured image](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Stephane_Deneve-featured-image-125x125.jpg)
Review: The French conductor Stéphane Denève made a thrilling debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Thursday night. Denève, who turns 40 this month, is going to be an international force, and his concert with the CSO amply demonstrated why. *****
Lyric Opera’s powerful ‘Boris Godunov’ recaptures tragedy’s original stark beauty
![Lyric Opera’s powerful ‘Boris Godunov’ recaptures tragedy’s original stark beauty Boris featured image](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Boris-featured-image-125x125.jpg)
Tortured soul of a Russian czar. 4 stars!
In Handel’s ‘Water Music,’ Labadie and Chicago Symphony provide a splash of Baroque authenticity
![In Handel’s ‘Water Music,’ Labadie and Chicago Symphony provide a splash of Baroque authenticity Portrait of Handel by Edouard Jean Conrad Hamman (1819–88)](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/GeorgFriedrichHaendelHamman-125x125.jpg)
What a pleasure it was Thursday night to hear Handel’s vivacious “Water Music” in the hands of a conductor who knows it so intimately that he doesn’t require a score – and who understands what charms it possesses that induced a delighted monarch to command repeated performances at its first hearing.
Calling all composers! Win up to 5 minutes on a Hilary Hahn recital! And be recorded!
![Calling all composers! Win up to 5 minutes on a Hilary Hahn recital! And be recorded! HilaryHahnYouTube](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/HilaryHahnYouTube-125x125.jpg)
No, this is not an appeal on the back of a cereal box, although it’s definitely got that gee-whiz feeling.Leave it to Hilary Hahn, the nimble-witted concert violinist and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist, to announce her Encore Contest in a whisper on YouTube by candlelight.
Review: Pacifica Quartet pairs Shostakovich and Beethoven, showing them as peers
![Review: Pacifica Quartet pairs Shostakovich and Beethoven, showing them as peers PacificaPerformingD](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/PacificaPerformingD-125x125.jpg)
Review: The Pacifica Quartet offered a stunning reminder in its concert Sunday at the University of Chicago that the quartets of Shostakovich stand shoulder to shoulder with Beethoven’s as exemplars of the form, great and deeply personal expressions. *****
In a meeting of grey eminences, Haitink scores a fine first in Haydn’s oratorio ‘The Creation’
![In a meeting of grey eminences, Haitink scores a fine first in Haydn’s oratorio ‘The Creation’ Bernard Haitink conducts Chicago Symphony Orchestra Bostridge Ek Mueller-Brachman](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/CSO-Creation-continuo-125x125.jpg)
Review: Is there an optimal year in one’s life to conduct a masterpiece of Haydn for the first time? In the case of Dutch conductor Bernard Haitink and Haydn’s oratorio “The Creation,” the magical number would appear to be 82. ****
Amid Beethoven and Shostakovich quartet cycles, Pacifica to glimpse both at University of Chicago
![Amid Beethoven and Shostakovich quartet cycles, Pacifica to glimpse both at University of Chicago PacificaPortraitC](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/PacificaPortraitC-125x125.jpg)
The Pacifica Quartet has been playing complete cycles of Beethoven’s 16 string quartets and Shostakovich’s 15 in international venues over the last couple of years. Violist Masumi Per Rostad talks about the enduring importance of both composers.
Bernard Haitink charms Chicago Symphony with twin beauties from Schubert and Mahler
![Bernard Haitink charms Chicago Symphony with twin beauties from Schubert and Mahler Bernard Haitink Chicago Symphony Orchestra](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Bernard-Haitink_BeethovenFestival-Chicago-Symphony_credit_Todd_Rosenberg-125x125.jpg)
Review: Conductor Bernard Haitink and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra summoned performances of exceptional clarity in Schubert’s chamber-size Fifth Symphony and Mahler’s grand-scaled Fourth Symphony. *****
Chicago Symphony MusicNOW opens season with ping-pong balls and rhythms a-tumble
![Chicago Symphony MusicNOW opens season with ping-pong balls and rhythms a-tumble Music Now](https://chicagoontheaisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Music-Now-Oct-2011-featured-image-Amy-Briggs-piano--125x125.jpg)
Review: MusicNOW, the contemporary series of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, began its 2011-12 season alive with the music of ping-pong balls, marimba, country fiddle and eerie vocals. Composers converged from Dublin, Connecticut, Minnesota and London to hear their works performed.