The late dramatic soprano Elizabeth Connell who died on February 18th, sings Mild und Leise from Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde. She thrilled audiences around the world with the beauty and power of her voice. Her legacy will endure. RIP.
The brilliant composer, conductor, pianist and educator Leonard Bernstein was born on August 25, 1918 (d 1990). In this video clip he conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in the zippy overture to his operetta Candide.
Pianist Garrick Ohlsson has recorded both of Brahms’ piano concerti with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Tadaaki Otaka. The 2 CD set from Deutsche Grammophon on the MSO Live Series, is scheduled for release on July 19th. In this video he gives a brief account of what to listen for in music.
Sergei Prokofiev and William Shakespeare were born on April 23rd in 1891 and 1564 respectively. Here’s a tribute to both these men of genius. Valery Gergiev conducts the London Symphony Orchestra playing the Dance of the Knights from Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet.
Celebrating the birthday of Arcangelo Corelli, born 17th Februry 1653 (d 8 January 1713). This is a gorgeous rendition of the Сoncerto grosso, Op.6 No.4, in D major, on You Tube, performed by Enrico Onofri and Riccardo Minasi, violins, Balazs Mate, violoncello and conducted by Jordi Savall.
Joss Stone features on STVDIO’s Friday night 8.30 broadcast of the closing night concert from the 2011 Melbourne Festival. (See our post for more information.) In this video clip she delivers an unforgettable rendition of People Get Ready.
Rome based chamber ensemble I Musici celebrate their 60th anniversary this year and soon perform in Sydney in the Utzon Music Series. Go behind the scenes of their 60th anniversary recording.