A decade ago, on this day, at this time, I was in London wearing a paper poppy and listening to a British military band play Elgar outside Westminster Palace. There was some anti-American sentiment abounding, not specifically at that time, but within the general culture for sure. It was a year past 9/11, and America... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Lyric Opera, “Il Trovatore”
I reviewed the Lyric Opera of Kansas City's production of Verdi's "Il Trovatore" for The Kansas City Star. Sitting in front of me was celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich, I think. I'm pretty sure, anyway.
INTERVIEW: Organist Cameron Carpenter
I interviewed organist Cameron Carpenter for The Kansas City Star. He is performing on the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant organ in Helzberg Hall tonight. Do not ask him about Liberace. And this is just fun:
REVIEW: Richard Elliot, organist
I reviewed Richard Elliot, principal organist for the Mormon Tabernacle, on the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant organ in Helzberg Hall for The Kansas City Star. He played the first concert of the Kansas City Symphony's organ recital series on Wednesday evening. I was especially taken with the arrangment of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," scored... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Ailey II at the Folly Theater
I reviewed Ailey II at the Folly Theater for The Kansas City Star. Once again, the Ailey organization put on an exciting, theatrical, challenging performance.
REVIEW: The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra
I reviewed The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra's performance in Helzberg Hall for The Kansas City Star. They opened their 10th season with a tribute to Count Basie, with vocalist Kevin Mahogany. At the end of the concert, as we were all standing up to leave and I was putting my notepad back in my purse,... Continue Reading →
PREVIEW: Fall 2012, Smaller, Independent Arts Organizations
The Kansas City Star published its Fall Arts Preview for 2012. I reported on the events for smaller organizations and university series, featuring chamber music, dance and keyboard work. There are some exciting events ahead and my wishlist for this season is filling out quickly. My highlights for the next few months: newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble at... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Willie Nelson at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
I reviewed the man, the legend, Willie Nelson for The Kansas City Star. He performed at the Kauffman Center's Muriel Kauffman Theatre with his family band. He's a showman, and he and his family band put on a smooth act, but presented the material without any dross. No pandering to the audience, no talking about... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Summerfest Concert 4
I reviewed the final concert for Summerfest's "An Invitation to the Dance" for The Kansas City Star.
REVIEW for KCStar: Summerfest program 1
I reviewed the Summerfest chamber music series' first program of their 22nd season, "Invitation to the Dance," for The Kansas City Star. They performed Sunday at the Country Club Christian Church, a new venue for the festival.
Proust Eats a Sandwich 