Julia Figueras

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. 

Midday host Julia Figueras goes On Record to find out about a new opera production.

Mercury Opera Artistic Director Benton Hess, Olga Makarina from the Metropolitan Opera and Dinyar Vania from the New York City Opera join Julia Figueras on Wednesday, 1/13 at 1:00 p.m. to talk about the company’s newest production of La Traviata.  David Bartholomew returns to direct the production, and Metropolitan opera star Olga Makarina will be making her Mercury Opera debut as Violetta.

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...

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

First of all, Eastman Theatre is a MESS, according to Eastman student and WXXI intern Dylan Smith. He poked his head in the other day, and tipped us off to the fact that the School is posting pictures.  Thanks, Dylan!
 
Workers have less than two months to finish major renovations before the RPO opens the new digs October 8th, 9th, and 10th with a performance of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony.” The Rochester Oratorio Society will sing the famous ending (“Ode to Joy.”) Members of the Society got an e-mail this week announcing the group has been asked to sing Verdi’s “Requiem” next May with the RPO. This is a significant change. The orchestra’s current schedule lists Verdi's “Aida” in concert May 20th and 22th. So now, as it stands, ROS will bookend the season of Philharmonic concerts. 

Mozart turned 250, and you couldn't turn around without banging your shins on another recording of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.  Mendelssohn turns 200 and...not so much.