The Classical Review

Compelling Garrop premiere anchors Chicago Philharmonic’s Ear Taxi concert

Among the 210 composers whose music is being given this month as part of Ear Taxi Festival 2025, Stacy Garrop is the most prominent of those representing the city of Chicago.
The Classical Review

Belcea Quartet delivers world-class artistry in Chicago

Now in its 31st season, the Belcea Quartet, like many venerable ensembles, has seen its share of personnel changes. Founding first violinist Corina Belcea and violist Krysztof Chorzelski are the only ...
The Classical Review

Mäkelä returns to Chicago Symphony for a brilliant and blazing night of Berlioz

As on his recent recording with the Orchestre de Paris, Mäkelä brought a fresh approach, vast dynamic range, and richly ...
The Classical Review

Opera creators find the light of love amid the horror of “The Shining”

Since its 2016 premiere as part of Minnesota Opera’s New Works Initiative, the opera has seen repeat productions across the ...
The Classical Review

Dubious “Dutchman” and trenchant “Tosca” refract two classics through modern lenses at Santa Fe Opera

Nicholas Brownlee and Elza van den Heever in Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman at Santa Fe Opera. Photo: Curtis Brown/SFO General director Robert Meya has given Wagner fans cause to rejoice: Santa Fe Opera ...
The Classical Review

American Wang is a standout in first night of Cliburn Competition finals

Angel Stanislav Wang performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 on the first Finals night of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Tuesday night in Fort Worth. Photo: Ralph Lauer After two ...
The Classical Review

Met’s “Kavalier & Clay” mixes stunning production with largely lightweight music

Andrzej Filończyk (left) and Myles Mykkanen in Mason Bates’ The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay at the Metropolitan Opera. Photo: Evan Zimmerman / Met Opera The best works of art, in any medium, ...
The Classical Review

Aristo Sham takes the Gold at Cliburn Competition

The 2025 Cliburn medalists are, from left, Bronze medalist Evren Ozel, 26, from the United States, Gold medal winner Aristo Sham, 29, from China, and Silver medalist Vitaly Starikov, 30, from ...
The Classical Review

A Boston double-shot of Gershwin musicals proves timely and delightful

Aaron Engebreth and Abagail Paschke in George Gershwin’s Of Thee I Sing, presented by Odyssey Opera. Photo: Kathy Wittman What has been harder to come by of late, and not just locally, are ...
The Classical Review

Santa Fe Opera rounds out comeback season with brilliant Verdi and Wagner

Quinn Kelsey stars in the title role of Verdi’s Falstaff at Santa Fe Opera. Photo: Curtis Brown The most complex works on the stage this summer at Santa Fe Opera came at the end of the first full week ...
The Classical Review

Rust Belt bel canto: Met provides a dark, mostly compelling update to “Lucia”

Nadine Sierra in the title role of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor at the Metropolitan Opera. Photo: Marty Sohl Cheers greeted Simon Stone and his creative team Saturday night as they walked onstage ...
The Classical Review

Sierra and Villazón shine brightly in Met’s new “Sonnambula”

Nadine Sierra stars as Amina in Bellini’s La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera. Photo: Marty Sohl / Met Opera For such a famous opera, a vehicle for some of the great modern divas, La Sonnambula ...