The lights have gone down at the Cairo Opera House, one of the African continent’s most celebrated venues for classical and contemporary music, as unrest in Egypt continues. Via WQXR, read more
Monthly Archives: January 2011
A Powerhouse Pianist Shakes Up the State Dinner
January 25, 2011—Diplomats and luminaries from around the world were treated to a performance by Lang Lang—and a front row seat to a White House classical music controversy. Via WQXR, read more
Nixon in China: An Insider’s Perspective
January 24, 2011— “Nixon asked Kissinger to go with him and Kissinger, in turn and to my eternal gratitude, asked me to accompany him.” Lord had a front-row seat to the opening of U.S.-China relations, the subject of John Adams’ opera Nixon in China. Via WQXR, read more
Acoustics a Driving Force in New Gehry-Designed Hall
January 19, 2011— On January 25, Miami’s New World Symphony will unveil its just-completed concert hall, the work of famed architect Frank Gehry. But the facility’s acoustic design, as much as its physical one, will be the focus of concertgoers. Via WQXR, read more
That Was Then: Zeffirelli on La Traviata
January 14, 2011— As the Met replaces a staple production by Franco Zeffirelli, an archive interview with the director illuminates the rich grandeur that opera requires, and the wisdom of “certain liberties.” Via WQXR, read more
Helvetica: Your Biggest Fan Just Turned 80
Helvetica is one of the world’s most ubiquitous fonts. We read it, stare at it, and pass by it every day. The font is especially prevalent in New York, where the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority uses the commonly seen, round-lettered type in its maps and signs. Via WNYC, read more
Love that Symphony? Your Brain Does Too
January 10, 2011— New research suggests the music you love doesn’t just sound good, it can provoke natural chemical reactions in the brain associated with pleasure and positive feeling. Via WQXR, read more
From Deep in a Mountain, a Cache of Classics
January 10, 2011—A huge number of musical gems are now being transferred in what the Library has described as “a major gift to the nation.” Via WQXR, read more
Raphael Hillyer, Juilliard Quartet Violist, Dies at 96
January 7, 2011—Raphael Hillyer, a founding violist of the Julliard String Quartet, died on Dec. 27 in Boston. He was 96. Via WQXR, read more
Caroline M Cooper 