Author Archives: Alan Rich

The news is not all bad. Over the usual sour coffee and sweet rolls last week, the Los Angeles Philharmonic announced its upcoming season with something close to justifiable pride. It begins to look as if we have a music … Continue reading →

The mastery in “Kullervo” extends from the work itself — the words and music by Aulis Sallinen — to the splendor of the production at the Music Center. However strange Peter Hemmings’ gamble may have appeared, when he announced in … Continue reading →

It took about ten notes, sung by the Helsinki University Choir at the Music Center, at the start of last week’s Philharmonic concert, to remind us of what is sadly missing in the musical life of Los Angeles, and of … Continue reading →

Memories of last Wednesday’s unspeakable weather were handily dispelled that night at the Music Center, in the spell of enchantment cast by Barbara Hendricks. When did we last hear, anywhere in town, a program of pure art song — no … Continue reading →

The notion of a cultural entente between Los Angeles and Helsinki may seem somewhat far-fetched, but it seems to be working. Evidence is easily at hand this month, as the shadow of Kullervo falls upon the Music Center. This week … Continue reading →

When the roster of Los Angeles culture heroes is next compiled, the name of Lynn Harrell will figure close to the top. The smiling cellist, New York-born but of tall, blond Texas stock, has been a part of the local … Continue reading →

The curtain went up on the Music Center Opera’s new production of Bizet’s “Carmen,” which began its five-performance run on Wednesday night. There, on the empty stage, stood the Carmen, a figure in whom beauty and menace were equally merged. … Continue reading →

These haven’t been very good weeks at the Philharmonic. Two of the orchestra’s former leaders have been around as guest conductors, presenting new evidence as to why not to mourn their absence from our midst.Zubin Mehta’s visit ended earlier this … Continue reading →