The Academy of Vocal Arts presented Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin at the Helen Corning Warden Theater this week. The simple yet elegant production, directed by Marc Verzatt, focused primarily on the character development of the aloof aristocrat, Onegin, the bookish young romantic, Tatyana, and the ardently serious poet, Lensky. With most of the choruses and dance sequences omitted, the evening showcased the immense talents of the…

The 2011/2012 season for the Philadelphia Orchestra was filled with turmoil as they battled bankruptcy and began the transition to a new music director.  Such a tumultuous period could have resulted in lower attendance or lower quality performances, but just the opposite was observed in every concert I attended.  The strategy to build attendance in a potentially off year meant that Philadelphia Orchestra concerts were the best bargain in town if you took advantage of the multiple discount…