In the world of classical music, one can choose to either look to the constantly modern for inspiration or search through the centuries past for brilliant surprises. The Lyric Opera of Chicago tends to do both. Last season, the opera company put on John Adams’ Dr. Atomic and this year, the Lyric brings us this…

On an uncommonly warm, but commonly torrential, March day in Chicago, I was in attendance at the first concert of the new year for Chicago’s period-instrument orchestra, Baroque Band. The concert was entitled Suite Candy and featured, get this, suites. It was a decidedly French and German affair, with pieces by Lully and Rameau in the…

The following is a paragraph from Zukerman’s official biography for this year, outlining his ambitious plans in celebration of his 60th birthday: “Pinchas Zukerman turned 60 on July 16, 2008 and celebrates with a schedule which comprises more than 112 concert engagements and travel to 17 countries including France, India, Israel, China, Turkey, Peru, New…

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recently released its next season, and I believe it is probably the most dynamic and varied season we have seen in recent memory. The season is focusing on the three conductors that make up the universe of excellence at the CSO: Bernard Haitink, who will be leaving us after this season,…