Berger’s “velvet touch” with SPCO
“William Berger was a standout as a Pilate at first smug but increasingly compassionate and finally flummoxed by a mob’s virulence. Not only that, but he could quickly cast off his character to lend a velvet touch to one of the arias that asked listeners to reflect upon the story’s lessons.” – Read more at […]
Taylor “sends the music heavenwards”
“The University of Toronto’s Schola Cantorum joined by members of the Choir of the Theatre of Early Music, all under the direction of Daniel Taylor, send the music heavenwards, Ainsworth’s bright, coloratura in the lead. The effect is utterly mesmerizing.” — Read more at Opera Going Toronto.
McGegan, Williams, and Van Doren shine with STLSO
On Saturday night at Powell Symphony Hall, the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and Orchestra gave a superb performance of “The Creation,” with a trio of fine soloists, a well-trained chorus, and the orchestra nailing its part, all under the inspired direction of Nicholas McGegan…American bass-baritone Douglas Williams’ angel Raphael set the tone; his big, dark […]
“Murrihy thrills with her voice” in Bluebeard’s Castle
“From the softest whisper to her high C at the opening of the castle’s fifth door, and in Bartók’s deliberate mismatch between Judith’s initial optimism and the dark oppression of the orchestra, Murrihy thrills with her voice while fully inhabiting her symbolic assignment with her presence.” — Read more at The Irish Times.
Murrihy “is a marvel to behold”
Murrihy as Judith is a marvel to behold, giving an impassioned and physically-committed performance, her voice rich and expressive, full of colour. — Read more at goldenplec.com.
…”thrilling surprises” from Sherezade Panthaki
“Soloists added to the work’s thrilling surprises: Soprano Sherezade Panthaki, warm in her lower register before hitting the stratosphere…” — Read more at Orlando Sentinel.
Date Book: Philharmonia Chorale takes the spotlight in an all-Mozart season opener
“McGegan led his forces with a combination of fleet phrasing — his longtime interpretive stock-in-trade — and a certain respectful calm that seemed entirely appropriate to the repertoire.” — Read more at datebook.sfchronicle.com
NY Times: Maestro of the Influential Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra to Step Down
“He helped make the West Coast a period-instrument power. He expanded the repertory, conducting little-known Baroque works as well a new ones written for antique instruments. And he made the music of Handel and Rameau seem new again through acclaimed collaborations with the Mark Morris Dance Group.” — Read more at NYTimes.com. Photo: Hiroyuki Ito […]
Nicholas McGegan to Retire as Music Director of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale at the conclusion of the 2019-20 Season
National Public Relations: Amanda Sweet, Bucklesweet 347-564-3371 amanda@bucklesweet.com Nicholas McGegan to Retire as Music Director of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale at the conclusion of the 2019-20 Season McGegan to become Music Director Laureate after leading America’s foremost early music ensemble for 35 years Nicholas McGegan, Music Director for the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale […]
LA Times: McGegan/PBO to open Phil’s 65th season
““I’ve done ‘Exultate, jubilate’ 12 times with six different sopranos,” he said. “But this time, a new soprano will sing it. We’ve never worked together before, so that will be exciting. And while I’ve done the `Coronation’ Mass as well, I never conducted the opening work on the program, the `Litaniae Lauretanae.’ It’s new to […]
