I spent the weekend camped out at Helzberg Hall. I reviewed the esteemed and unparrelleled Bobby McFerrin on Friday night and "A Night of Tango" with the Bach Aria Soloists with special guests Héctor del Curto, Alon Yainaz and Jeff Harshbarger for The Kansas City Star. That was a good way to spend a weekend.... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Lyric Opera’s “The Mikado”
I reviewed the Lyric Opera of Kansas City's new production of "The Mikado" for The Kansas City Star. I'm more of a "Penzance" girl myself (anyone raised on the Kevin Kline version would be) but "Mikado" is all fun, once you get past the steroetypes. The language itself is witty and amusing and takes multiple... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Eliane Elias at Folly Theater
I reviewed Brazilian pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias for The Kansas City Star, performing with her trio for the Folly Jazz Series. During intermission and as I walked out of the theater, I overheard numerous patrons commenting on her barefoot style of playing, as well as how smoothly and efficiently she slipping in and out of... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: KCSymphony with Jennifer Holliday
I reviewed the Kansas City Symphony's pops concert with guest vocalist Jennifer Holliday and pianist Rich Ridenour for The Kansas City Star. The late, great Marvin Hamlisch was originally booked for this performance and the performers offered tribute and memories to him. For a short time, the review is available here.
REVIEW: A Modern Night at the Folly
I reviewed "A Modern Night at the Folly" for The Kansas City Star. This was the tenth anniversary performance of City in Motion's choreographer showcase.
REVIEW: KCSymphony with Garrick Ohlssohn
I reviewed pianist Garrick Ohlssohn with the Kansas City Symphony for The Kansas City Star. They played Dvorak Symphony No. 6 for the first half, earning a standing ovation. The second half featured American composers Aaron Copeland and George Gershwin, for their seminal works "Piano Concerto" and "Rhapsody in Blue," respectively.
REVIEW: New York Polyphony
I reviewed the male quartet New York Polyphony for The Kansas City Star. They performed in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
REVIEW: Kansas City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
I reviewed Kansas City Ballet's 40th production of "The Nutcracker."
REVIEW: Chamber Music Soicety of Lincoln Center, with Jeremy Denk
I reviewed the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center with pianist Jeremy Denk for The Kansas City Star. Not only is Jeremy Denk an amazing virtuoso, performing with also fantastic musicians, with a program of excellent selections, but - to the specific interest of this blogger - he has read À la recherche du temps... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: KCBallet, “Carmina Burana”
I reviewed the Kansas City Ballet's season opening performance, "Carmina Burana," for The Kansas City Star. Orff is probably best known by the punch-you-in-the-face drama of that opening "O Fortuna," but his committment to "total art" was more thorough than even Wagner's. Orff's theory of music and movement, his committment to children's music education, along with the... Continue Reading →
Proust Eats a Sandwich 