Music nerds! I am thrilled to announce my induction as the newest contributor to ‘Burgh Vivant, Pittsburgh’s cultural talk magazine! Earlier this month, I chatted with host Brian Edward about the opening concert of the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble‘s summer … Continue reading
Summer in the city is typically a slow time for classical music events. Aside from orchestras with summer pops series, classical groups either take a well-deserved break or decamp to various festivals in scenic non-urban locations. I don’t often make … Continue reading
Did you know, Music Nerds, that classical music can be fun? I know, many people will tell you differently, but I am here to testify that it is so, and I solemnly swear to tell you the fun, the whole … Continue reading
When most people think of the GRAMMY awards, they think of the annual television broadcast where the hottest current pop stars perform by and winners are revealed in major categories like Best New Artist and Record of the Year. But … Continue reading
Day 24: “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” words by Phillips Brooks; music by Lewis Redner This song is a sentimental favorite of mine. I’ve always found it very calming, like a lullaby, yet it’s poignant at the same time. There’s … Continue reading
Day 23: “I’ll Be Here For Christmas,” Meaghan Smith Not to be confused with “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” today’s song is a more recent composition, and another selection from this fabulous Canadian Christmas album I keep going on about. … Continue reading
Day 22: “In Dulci Jubilo,” attributed to Heinrich Seuse It’s a dream of mine to attend the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols presented at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England every year on Christmas Eve. The service, which alternates … Continue reading
Day 21: Paul McCartney, “Wonderful Christmas Time” Well, everyone has their musical guilty pleasures, and here’s one of mine! I realize that this in one of the Christmas songs that people love to hate, and I understand It’s not profound, … Continue reading
Day 20: John Jacob Niles, “I Wonder as I Wander” I’ve always loved the Christmas song “I Wonder as I Wander,” but I never gave much thought to its origins. It was folk music, which meant its exact authorship might … Continue reading
2013 is drawing to a close, and I just realized I’ll be flying to Los Angeles for GRAMMY week just about a month from today! So I’m contemplating both the classical nominations and year in classical music in general. The … Continue reading