Shows
Anthony Plog on MusicAnne Midgette, Veteran Washington Post Critic, and Greg Sandow, composer, educator and former Entertainment Weekly critic, in a deep dive into music, critique, and audience engagementI was delighted to have the opportunity to sit down with Anne Midgette and Greg Sandow together. Both are influential thinkers and leaders in the world of music, each boasting remarkable careers. Anne served as the music critic for The Washington Post for 12 years, following her tenure at The New York Times. She has co-authored two captivating but distinctly different books: My Nine Lives: A Memoir of Many Careers in Music with Leon Fleisher, and The King and I: The Uncensored Tale of Luciano Pavarotti with Herbert Breslin. Currently, she is working on an exciting new project—a...2025-01-041h 21
Conversations with CinthiaFeelingsFeelings are very real but not always true. They are real because they are actual sensations that are really happening in your body, often related to the chemicals your body is creating and releasing. However, the thoughts that often come in tandem with our feelings can be untrue. Feelings do give us information, and some of it can be true. However, feelings are not reliable to give only true information. Because of this, we can experience a sense of emotional flooding that makes us kind of emotionally “drunk,” struggling to use good judgment because we are overwhelmed by sensations that seem...2024-10-1442 min
Conversations With CinthiaFeelings (10-13-24)Feelings are very real but not always true. They are real because they are actual sensations that are really happening in your body, often related to the chemicals your body is creating and releasing. However, the thoughts that often come in tandem with our feelings can be untrue. Feelings do give us information, and some of it can be true. However, feelings are not reliable to give only true information. Because of this, we can experience a sense of emotional flooding that makes us kind of emotionally “drunk,” struggling to use good judgment because we are overwhelmed by sensations that seem...2024-10-1342 min
ClexicalEp. 14: Interview with Nicolas Bell BenavidesNicolás Lell Benavides’ (Ben-ah-VEE-des) music has been praised for finding “…a way to sketch complete characters in swift sure lines…” (Anne Midgette, Washington Post) and cooking up a “jaunty score [with] touches of cabaret, musical theater and Latin dance.” (Tim Smith, OPERA NEWS). He has received commissions from groups like The New York Philharmonic/The Juilliard School, Eighth Blackbird, New Century Chamber Orchestra with Daniel Hope, SFCM Orchestra with Edwin Outwater, West Edge Opera, Washington National Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival, Music of Remembrance, Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, Fry Street Quartet, Friction Quartet, and Khemia Ensemble. His music has received suppor...2024-06-0332 min
Anthony Plog on MusicDaniel Spreadbury, Part 1: Blending Music, Literature, and Tech into a Fast Paced Career in Notation Software DevelopmentWhen I first began the podcast, producer Eddie Ludema and I thought our main goal would be to dig deeply into what makes a great musician, and we had many fascinating interviews in that vein. But as time progressed, we noticed that our interviews were with subjects that didn’t concern themselves directly with performance and practice techniques (Hamido Fujita on A.I. and music, biographer Jan Swafford, Anne Midgette on music criticism), and so we have been expanding our interviews to explore as many different aspects of music as possible. And since I am a composer who...2023-08-0148 min
Anthony Plog on MusicAnne Midgette, Bonus Room: Former Music Critic and Reviewer for the Washington Post & New York TimesIn the Bonus Room we discuss the idea of using social media to build a career in music, and from there we move on to the subject of the interpretation of Baroque music... authentic instruments and phrasing vs. modern instruments and phrasing. And we end with Anne's optimistic take on the future of classical music... "The music is just fine."Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more! As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog...2023-05-2409 min
Anthony Plog on MusicAnne Midgette, Part 2: Former Music Critic and Reviewer for the Washington Post & New York TimesPart 2 of our discussion deals with the books "The King and I", and "My Nine Lives". We talk about what it was like to work with Herbert Breslin and Leon Fleisher, both towering but very different figures in the music business. This leads to a short discussion about interpretation, and we end with Anne talking about her current project, a book of historical fiction about the person who built pianos for Beethoven, Nanette Streicher.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast...2023-05-2127 min
Anthony Plog on MusicAnne Midgette, Part 1: Former Music Critic and Reviewer for the Washington Post & New York TimesAnne Midgette was the music critic for the Washington Post for eleven years, and for seven years before that was a regular contributor to the New York Times. She is the author of two books on music, The King and I, about the relationship between Luciano Pavarotti and his manager, Herbert Breslin, and My Nine Lives, with the pianist Leon Fleisher. She is currently working on a historical novel about Nanette Streicher, the woman who built pianos for Beethoven. Oh, and she has also written some travel books! So who better to ask about what it is...2023-05-0743 min
A Music of Their OwnClassical Music’s #MeToo Moment
We’re bringing you a special episode of A Music of Their Own for Women’s History Month. Our current moment will certainly go down in women’s history as the ‘#MeToo era.’ #MeToo went viral in 2017 following the exposure of numerous sexual-abuse allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein. But Classical music has its own movement–sparked in part by Anne Midgette, who served as chief Classical music critic for the Washington Post. Host Majel Connery sits down with Anne to revisit her 2018 #MeToo article that prompted three prominent men in Classical music to lose their jobs.
Suggested...2023-03-0600 min
Phillip Gainsley's PodcastAnne Midgette, critic and writer on the arts and other important topics of our time.Anne Midgette, critic and writer on the arts and other important topics. She wrote criticism for The New York Times and The Washington Post2023-01-141h 22
Wheeling CEO's You Should Know powered by the Wheeling Area ChamberJohn Devlin - Music Director and Conductor of the Wheeling Symphony OrchestraConductor John Gennaro Devlin is an ardent champion of American music, an innovator of concert design, and a thought leader in the field of classical music. In his third season as Music Director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, Devlin is only the ninth conductor in its 90-year history to hold that title and, at 36, is one of the nation’s youngest music directors to lead a professional symphony orchestra. Devlin’s artistry and versatility make him a sought-after guest conductor with major orchestras across the nation. His engagements include performances with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Louisville Orchestra, the Hawa...2022-12-0831 min
The RecogNATION: An Employee Engagement PodcastSaying Thank YouAt National SHRM in New Orleans, we asked attendees to recognize someone, give a shoutout, or just say thank you to someone who has personally or professionally made a difference in their life. Here's what we captured! From left to right, you'll find the person doing the recognizing, those being recognized, and the time stamp you can find their snippet at:Alhaji Kargbo | Mohamed | (8:07)Andre Heath | Romika Wells | (5:33)Andrew Bishop | Everyone | (15:13)Angela Stangler Scanlon | Her Fellow HR Peeps, Mom & Dad, and Team | (12:36)Annette Fowler | Tina Mealer | (7:10)Anthony Pineda | Rami Hanna a...2022-11-2217 min
The RecogNATION: An Employee Engagement PodcastThank You from SHRM22At National SHRM in New Orleans, we asked attendees to recognize someone, give a shoutout, or just say thank you to someone who has personally or professionally made a difference in their life. Here's what we captured! From left to right, you'll find the person doing the recognizing, those being recognized, and the time stamp you can find their snippet at:Alhaji Kargbo | Mohamed | (8:07)Andre Heath | Romika Wells | (5:33)Andrew Bishop | Everyone | (15:13)Angela Stangler Scanlon | Her Fellow HR Peeps, Mom & Dad, and Team | (12:36)Annette Fowler | Tina Mealer | (7:10)Anthony Pineda | Rami Hanna a...2022-06-2115 min
Music on Mushrooms2. Opera is FATPHOBIC: Gatekeepers, Critics & SolutionsFrom abusive gatekeepers to misogynistic critics; today we discuss how and why fatphobia is so pervasive in opera culture. Weight stigma exists in all media, so it is no surprise that the same is true for the opera world. Mary talks about her own experiences with fatphobia and offers solutions to make opera a more welcoming space of all shapes and sizes. Classical Music on Mushrooms looks at various topics through a inclusive, sex-positive, and spiritual lens with the intention of making the classical music world a better place.
Good Reads: Male Critics on Female Bodies: Tara...2022-04-1514 min
Strong Songs"Nessun dorma" by Giacomo Puccini (Aria Code)The fine folks at WNYC's fabulous opera podcast Aria Code recently reached out about doing a cross-promotion with Strong Songs, and now here we are, running an episode of their show in the Strong Songs feed.If you enjoy it, you should definitely go check out the show - Aria Code is very easy to find on all major podcast platforms.ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES (via Aria Code)Aired: March 10, 2021Sometimes, the only thing that gets us through the darkest moments is knowing that the sun will rise again on a new...2021-05-1433 min
Music MattersMusic under threat in KabulKate Molleson is joined by musicians in Kabul to discuss the new restrictions on women singing - the ban, from the Afghan Ministry of Education, has caused concern that the Taliban is increasing its influence in the Afghan government as western forces prepare to pull out of the country. With contributions from Ahmad Sarmast, Director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, and pianist Maram Abdullah.Following the death earlier this month of the conductor James Levine, Kate hears from the American music critic Anne Midgette and conductor Kenneth Woods as they discuss the moral questions surrounding...2021-03-2744 min
Key Change: A COC PodcastEpisode 10: Opera & Criticism – Part ILong-time music critic Anne Midgette has reviewed and interviewed everyone from opera powerhouse Luciano Pavarotti and famed dancer Twyla Tharp to director Spike Lee and performance artist Marina Abramovic. After 11 years with The Washington Post, Anne chats with Key Change co-hosts Robyn Grant Moran and Julie McIsaac about cherished memories, perspectives on the craft, and the rapidly evolving role of the modern arts critic.2021-03-1654 min
Aria CodePuccini's Turandot: Hope Never SleepsSometimes, the only thing that gets us through the darkest moments is knowing that the sun will rise again on a new day. Puccini's final opera, Turandot, is about courage in the face of adversity, and love triumphing over fear. In other words, it is exactly what the world needs right now.
The aria “Nessun dorma” is Prince Calaf’s declaration of love and resounding victory cry. In this episode, host Rhiannon Giddens and three guests explore what makes this aria so popular even beyond the opera house, and how it became an anthem of resilience and hope du...2021-03-1033 min
Get Best Full Audiobooks in Biography & Memoir, Arts & EntertainmentThe King and I: The Uncensored Tale of Luciano Pavarotti's Rise to Fame by His Manager, Friend and Sometime Adversary by Anne Midgette, HerbPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/400678 to listen full audiobooks. Title: The King and I: The Uncensored Tale of Luciano Pavarotti's Rise to Fame by His Manager, Friend and Sometime Adversary Author: Anne Midgette, Herbert Breslin Narrator: Chris Lutkin Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 10 hours 57 minutes Release date: December 1, 2020 Genres: Arts & Entertainment Publisher's Summary: This is the story of the thirty-six-year-old business relationship between Luciano Pavarotti and his manager, Herbert Breslin, during which Breslin guided what he calls, justifiably, “the greatest career in classical music.” During that career, Breslin moved Pavarotti out of the opera house and onto the concert (and...2020-12-0103 min
The Forte PodcastAnne Midgette - Former Washington Post Chief Classical Music CriticSponsor The Forte Podcast for as little as $0.99 a month - https://anchor.fm/thefortepodcast/support
Anne Midgette was the classical music critic of The Washington Post for 11 years, from 2008 to 2019. Before that, she was for seven years a regular contributor of classical music and theater reviews to The New York Times. She has also written about music, the visual arts, dance, theater and film for The Wall Street Journal, Opera News, The Los Angeles Times, Town & Country, and many other publications, reviewing and interviewing everyone from Spike Lee to Twyla Tharp, Marina Abramovic to Plác...2020-10-0600 min
Make Monday MineANNE MIDGETTE: Stories That Come Through the Music & the Responsibilities of Sharing ThemAnne Midgette was for 11 years the classical music critic of The Washington Post, where she expanded her beat with a strong social-media presence and became known for her work on #MeToo. Before the Post, she spent seven years as a regular contributor of classical music and theater reviews to the New York Times, having earned the dubious distinction of becoming the first woman to review classical music regularly for that paper in 2001. She has also written frequently for The Wall Street Journal, Opera News, The Los Angeles Times, Town & Country, and many other publications. A graduate of Yale University...2020-09-211h 03
docu-mental: mapping the american states of mindMy fervent wish: covid kills our transactional relationship with the artsvol. 2 issue 44‘We’ve let the tangible inform the spiritual, when it should be the other way around.’~Timothy Nelson, artistic director, IN Series OperaApologies for the late release of this issue. Migraine + tech issues + deadline = no muy bueno. I regret and am irritated by these events, but that’s life. Have a great weekend!WMFGreetings,South Dakota Symphony Orchestra conductor, Delta David Gier, once remarked to me that one reason why orchestral music outfits in the US constantly found themselves struggling to remain solvent was because they...2020-09-191h 01
The Everything Will Be Okay PodcastAnne Midgette: Art Is Not the InstitutionsA big-topic chat with Anne Midgette, folks! For this episode, host Jenna Simeonov chats with the writer and critic with one of the most influential voices in today's music journalism. A little COVID closures, a little #metoo, a little opera racism... did I mention big topics?
Oh, and please forgive the audio on Jenna's end. The conversation was too good to sacrifice to technology goblins.
Original music by @natedouglasband.
Original artwork by @danikalorenart.
https://schmopera.com/ 2020-09-011h 09
5 Minute Success - The PodcastAnne Midgette’s Challenges for Life: 80x80 Movement - Secrets of a Reluctant Runner Revealed - 5 Minute Success - The PodcastAnne Midgette was the chief classical music critic of The Washington Post for 11 years, until last November; before that, she was for seven years a regular contributor to The New York Times. Her writings on opera, music, theater, film and dance have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Opera News, Town & Country, and many other publications. A graduate of Yale University, she began her journalism career during the 11 years she lived in Munich, Germany, where she edited a monthly English-language magazine, traveled around Europe contributing articles to various publications, translated everything from technical manuals to...2020-06-2021 min
The SOUNDLAB New Music PodcastTRUE STORIES 1Episode 49: TRUE STORIES: with John KORSRUD, Sally JAEGER, David JAEGER, Anne MIDGETTE, Rolf HIND, Alex MINCEK, Erin GEE, and Beverley JOHNSTON.2020-06-111h 06The SOUNDLAB New Music PodcastTRUE STORIES 1
Episode 49: TRUE STORIES: with John KORSRUD, Sally JAEGER, David JAEGER, Anne MIDGETTE, Rolf HIND, Alex MINCEK, Erin GEE, and Beverley JOHNSTON.
2020-06-111h 06
The Next TrackEpisode #181 - Classical Music Critic Anne MidgetteAnne Midgette resigned as classical music critic for the Washington Post a few months ago, but she is well placed to discuss the dangers facing live performances of classical music in The After. And she tells us about the historical novel she's writing about the woman who built pianos for Beethoven.
Help support The Next Track by making regular donations via Patreon. We're ad-free and self-sustaining so your support is what keeps us going. Thanks!
Support The Next Track.
Guest:
Anne Midgette
Anne Midgette's articles on the Washington Post
Show notes:2020-05-0843 min
The David Taylor PodcastAnne MidgetteI talk to the one and only Anne Midgette about her thoughts on the current crisis in classical music during the COVID-19 pandemic, what she's up to during lockdown, her role in the #MeToo movement, and what she thinks the future of classical music will look like.
If you haven't come across Anne before these are some of the highlights from her incredible career as a music journalist and critic:
✅ first woman to review classical music for the New York Times
✅ chief classical music critic for the Washington Post
✅ key figure in the...2020-04-2551 min
THE CONVERSATION SERIES: An interview with Classical Music Critic Anne MidgetteTodays guest is an important voice in the world of classical music. Currently the Chief Classical Music Critic for The Washington Post, Anne Midgette is a graduate of Yale University. Over her career, she has reviewed opera, music, and art throughout Europe for The Wall Street Journal, Opera News, and other publications.
Returning to the United States, she became the first woman to review classical music for The New York Times on a regular basis in 2001. She continued as a classical music critic, theater critic, and arts writer for the newspaper from 2001 to 2007.
In 2008, Midgette landed at The Washington Post as the n...2019-11-1932 min
Aria CodeVerdi's Lady Macbeth: Sleepwalk with Me, featuring Anna NetrebkoSometimes you get up in the middle of the night realizing that what is done can never be undone. For Lady Macbeth, no amount of handwringing (or hand-washing) can clear her conscience. She and her husband have done some really, really bad things in their pursuit of power, but it’s Lady Macbeth whose ambition drives her to midnight rantings about her crimes.
In this episode, host Rhiannon Giddens and her guests reflect on Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene – her final appearance in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera based on Shakespeare. It’s a rumination on ambition and the danger...2019-11-1337 min
Aria CodeVerdi's Lady Macbeth: Sleepwalk with Me, featuring Anna NetrebkoSometimes you get up in the middle of the night realizing that what is done can never be undone. For Lady Macbeth, no amount of handwringing (or hand-washing) can clear her conscience. She and her husband have done some really, really bad things in their pursuit of power, but it’s Lady Macbeth whose ambition drives her to midnight rantings about her crimes.
In this episode, host Rhiannon Giddens and her guests reflect on Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene – her final appearance in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera based on Shakespeare. It’s a rumination on ambition and the danger...2019-11-1337 min
All Songs ConsideredThe 2010s: Classical Music's Decade Of ReckoningIs classical music dying? No. But its institutions, artists and promoters took some hits in the past decade, from bankruptcies to sexual harassment. Still, along the way, we heard a lot of terrific music.On this episode of All Songs Considered, we look at the roller coaster ride of high points and derailments in classical music. Symphony Orchestras and opera companies floundered financially, some going belly up and others rebounding as newly created organizations flourished. Women seemed to take a few steps forward and a few backward: While five of the last ten music Pulitzers were awarded to...2019-10-2137 min
Aria CodeFlower Power: Don José and Dangerous Love in Bizet's CarmenYou hear the message over and over in pop culture: love overcomes everything. But when Don José sings “The Flower Song” in Bizet's Carmen, you're reminded that love has a dark side, too.
In the Season 1 finale, host Rhiannon Giddens welcomes tenor Roberto Alagna, critic Anne Midgette and psychologist Andrew G. Marshall to consider the crazy, possessive side of love and the importance of experiencing art that doesn’t have a fairy-tale ending. Then, you’ll hear Alagna sing the role of the passionate and violent Don José onstage at the Metropolitan Opera.
2019-02-0628 minAria CodeFlower Power: Don José and Dangerous Love in Bizet's CarmenYou hear the message over and over in pop culture: love overcomes everything. But when Don José sings “The Flower Song” in Bizet's Carmen, you're reminded that love has a dark side, too.
In the Season 1 finale, host Rhiannon Giddens welcomes tenor Roberto Alagna, critic Anne Midgette and psychologist Andrew G. Marshall to consider the crazy, possessive side of love and the importance of experiencing art that doesn’t have a fairy-tale ending. Then, you’ll hear Alagna sing the role of the passionate and violent Don José onstage at the Metropolitan Opera.2019-02-0628 min
Strategy Soundbites poker podcastFlower Power: Don José and Dangerous Love in Bizet's CarmenYou hear the message over and over in pop culture: love overcomes everything. But when Don José sings “The Flower Song” in Bizet's Carmen, you're reminded that love has a dark side, too.
In the Season 1 finale, host Rhiannon Giddens welcomes tenor Roberto Alagna, critic Anne Midgette and psychologist Andrew G. Marshall to consider the crazy, possessive side of love and the importance of experiencing art that doesn’t have a fairy-tale ending. Then, you’ll hear Alagna sing the role of the passionate and violent Don José onstage at the Metropolitan Opera.2019-02-0628 min
Classical ClassroomClassical Classroom, Episode 174: Critiquing Anne MidgetteAnne Midgette, chief classical music critic at the Washington Post, recently wrote an article that caught our attention called, "A beginner’s guide to enjoying classical music. No snobs allowed." We figured she must have been listening to Classical Classroom. In this episode, Midgette discusses the pointers in her article, talks about her own circuitous path to classical music critic stardom, and recommends some pieces of music to get you on your way to learning to love classical music more.2018-09-2445 min
Classical ClassroomCritiquing Anne MidgetteAnne Midgette, chief classical music critic at the Washington Post, recently wrote an article that caught our attention called, "A beginner’s guide to enjoying classical music. No snobs allowed." We figured that she must have been listening to Classical Classroom, so we invited her on to chat. In this episode, Midgette discusses the pointers in her article (gems such as, "Classical music can do things no other music can"), talks about her own circuitous path to classical music critic stardom, and recommends some pieces of music to get you on your way to learning to love classical music more...2018-09-2445 min
INtune - The In Series PodcastINtune: Episode 3 - "Hurricanoes" UpdateIn this episode of INtune, In Series Artistic Director Timothy Nelson gives a short update of on the opening of "Viva V.E.R.D.I. - The Promised End" and talks about Anne Midgette's recent review in the Washington Post2018-09-1317 minThe Next TrackEpisode #118 - No Snobs Allowed - Anne Midgette on Classical Music for BeginnersAnne Midgette, chief classical music critic for the Washington Post, discusses her article about classical music for beginners.
Guest:
Anne Midgette
Show notes:
A beginner’s guide to enjoying classical music. No snobs allowed
El Sistema
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
National Symphony Orchestra
Hilary Hahn
Hilary Hahn's encore project
Simone Dinnerstein
New World Symphony
Glyndebourne
Our next tracks:
Hilary Hahn: In 27 Pieces
Iggy Pop and James Williamson: Kill City
If you like the show, please subscribe in iTunes or your favorite podcast app, and please rate the podcast.Special Guest: An...2018-08-1746 min
Opera Box ScoreFamily Ties!Oliver Camacho returns from a father and son-in-law concert at the Ravinia Festival for a double-header ‘Monday Evening Quarterback’ review... Matt Cummings offers up a family feud style ‘Pop Quiz’ with disastrous results... In the ‘Two Minute Drill’, Anne Midgette follows up on her sexual harassment expose with a classical music primer, "Bel Canto" rears its head again, and Kathleen Battle turns 70...
www.facebook.com/OBSCHI1/2018-08-1546 min
Opera Box ScoreThe Bernstein 100!Matt Boresi returns as a guest co-host to help celebrate Leonard Bernstein's 100th birthday. Hear the team's favorite clips from the best of Bernstein and get an inside look at 'Mass', performed last weekend at the Ravinia Festival... But first, the crew react to an exhaustive -- and exhausting -- article by Anne Midgette in 'The Washington Post' detailing the stories of over fifty victims of sexual harassment within the classical music world... Then, find out the connection between baseball and opera, and who'll be stepping up to the plate at the Kennedy Center Honors...
www.facebook.com/OBSCHI1/2018-07-311h 00
Opera Box ScoreOBS Hall of Fame Vol. 1!We introduce our new segment ‘The OBS Hall of Fame’, in which one of our team shares stories and clips about the ways in which one artist -- or one opera -- changed their life. Weston Williams kicks things off. Find out who -- or what -- he chose...
But first, we take a look at an article in last week’s Washington ‘Post’, in which music critic Anne Midgette wrote: “Every once in a while in the life of a critic, something one does on one’s beat comes to define them for some time to come. I had one such momen...2018-05-221h 00
The Indie Opera PodcastOpera Fix: April 16, 2018Anne Midgette will be honored at the New York Opera Fest Kickoff event, Lady Swanwhite at Opera Tampa, The passing of J.D. McClatchy, Opera America announces $1.2 Million in Innovation Grants, The Wake World wins Best New Opera from the Music Critics Association of America, David Cote Songs at Weill Hall and Fest Tix discounts are available for the New York Opera Fest.2018-04-1602 min
Two Broads Talking PoliticsThe Politics of ArtSophy and Kelly and joined by painter/illustrator Julia Mills, screenwriter Anna Siri, and Washington Post classical music critic Anne Midgette, in a free-ranging discussion about the relationship between politics and art.2017-10-261h 21
Opera Box ScoreKara Dugan! | 14.viii.17Mezzo-soprano Kara Dugan goes ‘Inside the Huddle’ with Oliver. She’s a current Steans Vocal Fellow at Ravinia who just sang a premiere with the San Francisco Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas...
But first, “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs”, an opera with music by Mason Bates and libretto by Mark Campbell, opened at the Santa Fe Opera Festival last month. Washington Post critic Anne Midgette took that as an opportunity to talk about the way opera is built, and to compare it to TV and other art forms. Oliver and George respond...
And but of course you get all your opera...2017-08-151h 05
Conducting BusinessValentina Lisitsa Episode: Lessons in Damage ControlThe Toronto Symphony Orchestra's decision to drop its piano soloist Valentina Lisitsa this week because of her Twitter comments about Ukrainians and other ethnic groups raises a crucial point: orchestras and arts organizations find themselves walking a fine line with protecting their brand when they engage an artist with controversial views.
In this episode, Washington Post classical music critic Anne Midgette argues that the Toronto Symphony handled the Lisitsa situation poorly by not presenting its case properly to the public. "The orchestra decorously cited distasteful Tweets and Lisitsa, who is a very savvy social media person, went on...2015-04-0917 min
Conducting BusinessValentina Lisitsa Episode: Lessons in Damage ControlThe Toronto Symphony Orchestra's decision to drop its piano soloist Valentina Lisitsa this week because of her Twitter comments about Ukrainians and other ethnic groups raises a crucial point: orchestras and arts organizations find themselves walking a fine line with protecting their brand when they engage an artist with controversial views.
In this episode, Washington Post classical music critic Anne Midgette argues that the Toronto Symphony handled the Lisitsa situation poorly by not presenting its case properly to the public. "The orchestra decorously cited distasteful Tweets and Lisitsa, who is a very savvy social media person, went on...2015-04-0917 minConducting BusinessThe Highs and Lows of 2014 in Classical MusicA pianist recited Yiddish poetry during a Washington, DC recital, the Seattle Symphony premiered a Pulitzer Prize-winning piece about the environment, and Anna Netrebko made a surprising transformation as Lady Macbeth – these were a few of the high points of 2014, according to three top music critics. Joining host Naomi Lewin for this discussion of the year's highs and lows of classical music are Anne Midgette, the classical music critic of the Washington Post; David Patrick Stearns, classical music critic of the Philadelphia Inquirer and for WQXR's Operavore blog; and Zachary Woolfe, freelance classical music critic for the New...2014-12-1724 minConducting BusinessDejan Lazic, Pianist Who Demanded Removal of Review, Confronts CriticIn 2010, the Croatian pianist Dejan Lazic played a recital in Washington, D.C., and got a mildly critical review. Somehow that stuck: It's the second item that comes up when you Google Lazic's name, after his own website. Now he wants it permanently removed from the search engine in Europe, citing the European Union's new "right to be forgotten" ruling as legal justification. The review, titled "Sparks But No Flame," is by Washington Post classical music critic Anne Midgette. It describes Lazic's performance as technically well-played but a little superficial. In this WQXR exclusive, the two parties in...2014-11-0417 minConducting BusinessYou Said What on Facebook? Musicians Discover Perils of OversharingMany of us have posted things online that we wish we hadn’t. The question of how unfiltered classical musicians should be on Facebook and Twitter re-emerged recently with the controversy surrounding American bass-baritone Valerian Ruminski. His contract with Opera Lyra, a Canadian company, was cancelled after he posted a rant on Facebook about seeing a man on a bus with diamond-studded fingernails. The man turned out to be a drag queen and Ruminski's post – which was screen-grabbed by other social media users – attracted a barrage of criticism.
Ruminski later apologized for his remarks but the dama...2014-09-1120 min
1370 Connection: Arts FridayArts Friday: Future of Classical MusicBrenda with look at the future of classical music with Washington Post classical music critic Anne Midgette and Ray Ricker, Acting Director of the Arts Leadership Program (ALP) at the Eastman School of Music.2013-11-0100 minConducting BusinessThe Dangerous Business of Being an Opera SingerIn the old days, opera singers were expected to just "park and bark," as the static style of performing on stage is referred to within the business. But that’s a thing of the past. Singers now not only have look to like their characters, but also bound across raised platforms, fly through the air and undertake graphic fight scenes. With this growing emphasis on HD-quality realism, what physical skills must an opera singer have to make it today? Is opera becoming too dangerous?
Recent accidents in major opera houses have put a renewed focus on this qu...2012-10-1227 min