Julia Figueras's blog

Every Sunday, Democrat and Chronicle music maven Jeff Spevak posts an entry to his blog called "I read the New York Times so you don't have to," highlighting some stories of interest.  This week, he discussed 2 obituaries.  One has haunted me.

Chilean conductor Felipe Hidalgo is coming to Rochester to bring the Gospel of Fun to our young classical musicians. 

The order forms offering music for the year-end festivities begin crossing my desk in September.  All lovely, pretty stuff.  All pretty much the same as last year.  And then we have a banner year, and newly minted magic fills the airwaves.  So here's a short list of holiday CD's I found this year--some with a new take on old pieces, and some with something entirely new. 

While reading through my emails, I found one slugged "Touching story RE: Andre Watts."  It both broke my heart and reaffirmed all that we can do with music, and with TV.  I was once told that Andre Watts is a great and generous man.  This confirms that beyond all doubt.  Enjoy.

http://www.artsjournal.com/creatived/2009/11/public-concert-private-musi...

This is a big year for the Ying Quartet.  Tomorrow, they take part in the grand unveiling of the newly-refurbished Narzareth Arts Center, accompanying a new work by Garth Fagan Dance.  In October, they begin the complete Beethoven cycle, and Frank Huang gives his premier faculty Kilbourn Hall recital in November.  Today, the Ying Quartet return to Studio E, with a new line-up and a new sound. 
 

Erich Kunzel lost his battle with cancer today.  We have lost a friend.

The LAGQ came to town for multiple concerts, both with your RPO and without, and master classes at the Eastman School of Music.  Much to our surprise and pleasure, they agreed to appear on Backstage Pass.  We got ready.