No wonder the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral was almost filled.  I was among many who were prepared to hear a joyful masterpiece of baroque music.  Bach certainly knew how to begin the celebration, starting with four confident beats of timpani, a sweet trill of the flute, and the bright ring of trumpets.  I…

This is the second season for the Bach@7, a collaboration of Choral Arts of Philadelphia with the Bach Festival of Philadelphia to present a Bach Cantata, as well as a baroque instrumental program. 

The small and lovely church of St. Clement’s was filled.  There were many reasons to anticipate an excellent concert, not only because of the reputation of the performing groups; but also for the promise of a well-balanced program selected by very talented and capable director,…

Gianandrea Noseda - Conductor

James Ehnes - Violin

Michael Stairs - Organ

Casella - Symphonic Fragments from La donna serpente

Prokofiev - Violin Concerto No. 2

Saint-Saëns - Symphony No. 3 ("Organ")

I left this concert saying “Wow.”  I’m not sure why, but I like it…

“Nu-Shu: The Secret Songs of Women” Tan Dun’s music tells the story of an ancient secret language spoken only by women and transmitted from mothers to daughters. The work, with solo harp, was given its US premiere last Thursday by The Philadelphia Orchestra. I found this work very moving.



Tan Dun spoke at a pre-concert interview. He said he had learned to play a…