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Christmas in Vienna (in the Desert)

The Vienna Boys Choir at The McCallum Theatre
Nov. 22, 2025 – The Vienna Boys Choir at The McCallum Theatre.

Tonight felt like the true beginning of the holidays for me. The Vienna Boys Choir performed a program titled Christmas in Vienna at the McCallum Theatre. It included a mixture of classical works by Brahms, Pergolesi, Bruckner, and Mozart, alongside recognizable carols like “Silent Night” (sung with lights dimmed and each boy holding a candle), “Little Drummer Boy,” and “O Tannenbaum.” It was a truly mesmerizing concert.

It is easy to see why this group is so legendary. The Vienna Boys Choir is one of the world’s most famous and historic choral ensembles, made up of boys aged 10 to 14, trained in the rich tradition of Austrian sacred and classical music. Founded in 1498, the choir is known for its pure, bell-like sound and its close association with composers like Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert, whose works helped define its legacy. Today, the boys live and study at the Palais Augarten in Vienna and travel the globe performing everything from Renaissance polyphony to modern pieces.

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Complexions Contemporary Ballet

McCallum Theatre Program with members of Complexions Contemporary Ballet on the front cover.
Close up of Complexions Contemporary Ballet dancers taking a bow.
Wide shot of Complexions Contemporary Ballet dancers taking a bow.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet delivered a brilliant performance last night at the McCallum Theatre. The first half of the program showcased a diverse repertoire of five works, including the poignant “Deeply,” set to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s “Spiegel im Spiegel.” The entire second half, titled “Love Rocks,” featured choreography set to the music of Grammy-winner Lenny Kravitz. The high-energy finale got the audience on their feet!

Complexions Ballet is a prominent American dance company based in New York City, renowned for its innovative fusion of classical ballet and contemporary styles, and celebrated for its diversity, athleticism, and expressive choreography. Founding Co-Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson are both alumni of the illustrious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, a company that I have enjoyed seeing numerous times over the years.

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Mozart’s Requiem at the Hollywood Bowl

Sept. 4, 2025 - LA Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale on stage.
Sept. 4, 2025 – The LA Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale.

Last night’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl was an unforgettable evening. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by guest conductor James Gaffigan, delivered an awe-inspiring performance of Mozart‘s “Requiem in D Minor,” featuring the celebrated Los Angeles Master Chorale. The first half of the program was also impressive, with a new LA Phil commission by Ellen Reid titled “Body Cosmic” followed by Brahms‘s moving “Schicksalslied” (Song of Destiny). It’s a truly amazing venue for a concert under the stars, and it brought back great memories of my summer working there back in 1993. Nights like these are what make the Hollywood Bowl so special.

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The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall

August 8, 2022 – A memorable night in London.

Attending The Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall was a surreal and unforgettable experience. This storied venue has welcomed everyone from classical titans like Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Stravinsky to popular icons such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin — a testament to its place at the heart of musical history.

The BBC Proms — short for “Promenade Concerts” — is an eight-week summer festival founded in 1895 by conductor Henry Wood to make great music accessible to all. Today, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated classical music events, bringing together leading orchestras, soloists, and conductors for an extraordinary range of performances.

Our evening featured the world premiere of Gavin Higgins’s Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra, a new work performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and The Tredegar Band under the baton of Ryan Bancroft, followed by a powerful rendition of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique — a fitting finale in such an iconic hall.

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Coachella Valley Symphony

April 25, 2025 – CV Symphony plays Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture.”

The Coachella Valley Symphony is an impressive, community-driven orchestra made up of professional musicians, talented amateurs, and dedicated volunteers who all come together for the love of music. Their final concert of the season, held last night at the McCallum Theatre, was a lot of fun. The program, titled “Best of Stage & Screen,” featured recognizable pieces from movies, with a few classical gems mixed in for good measure.

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Tango Obsession

March 19, 2025 - Camaraderie performs Piazzolla.
March 19, 2025 – Camarada performs Piazzolla.

Last night at the Rancho Mirage Library, the distinguished chamber music ensemble Camarada delivered an invigorating performance of Argentine musical masterworks in a program titled Camaraderie: Tango Obsession. Andrés Martín, the group’s bassist and composer-in-residence, introduced each piece with brief comments about its cultural and historical context. I enjoyed hearing the scintillating rhythms and seductive melodies of Tango Nuevo music and learning how it evolved.

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Jean-Yves Thibaudet!

March 11, 2025 – Maestro St. Clair takes a bow.

Music Director Carl St. Clair led the Pacific Symphony tonight in an exciting concert at the McCallum Theatre. It began with an energetic rendition of Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and concluded with the great composer’s uplifting Symphony No. 7. In between, celebrated French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet delivered a virtuosic performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ exotic Piano Concerto No. 5, “Egyptian.”

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Missing MTT

Feb. 15, 2025 - San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center
Feb. 15, 2025 – San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center.

On Saturday night, we attended the San Diego Symphony’s concert at the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center. Unfortunately, scheduled guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas had to cancel. I was disappointed to miss him conducting his own composition, “Street Song” (for Symphonic Brass). Teddy Abrams, Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra, stepped in as his replacement. Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 1” were also on the program.

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Euclid Quartet Delivers

Euclid Quartet at the Richards Center for the Arts.
Feb. 9, 2025 – Euclid Quartet at the Richards Center for the Arts.

A brilliant performance this afternoon by the highly regarded chamber ensemble the Euclid Quartet, at the Richards Center for the Arts in Palm Springs. The program included string quartets by Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Schubert. “Entr’ acte” by Caroline Shaw was a pleasant surprise, and the Astor Piazzolla encore was an excellent finale to the concert.

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Mahler’s Influence

Mahler's Influence on Opera
Jan. 22, 2025 – Soprano Natalie Mann accompanied by pianist Jeffrey Panko.

I attended an interesting lecture/concert at the Rancho Mirage Library today that focused on Gustave Mahler’s influence on opera, despite his never composing one. Soprano Natalie Mann provided facts about the topic, and accompanied by pianist Jeffrey Panko, performed beautiful renditions of Mahler’s “Rückert-Lieder” and songs by R. Strauss, Britten, and others.

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Tanglewood Music Festival

Tanglewood Music Festival
Aug. 19, 2023 – Eagerly waiting for the BSO concert to begin.

Renowned conductor Andris Nelsons, leading the great Boston Symphony Orchestra, was the grand finale to an exciting week of travel & music events. Violinist Leonidas Kavakos played Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto in D” brilliantly in the 1st half of the program. The Tanglewood Music Festival is an annual event held in Lenox, Massachusetts, known for its world-class performances and scenic setting in the Berkshires.

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TIME:SPANS Music Festival

Aug. 13, 2023 - Jack Quartet at Dimenna Center for Classical Music in NYC.
Aug. 13, 2023 – JACK Quartet at Dimenna Center for Classical Music.

One highlight of my trip to NYC was seeing the acclaimed JACK Quartet perform the German composer Helmut Lachenmann’s “String Quartets Nos. 2 & 3” at the intimate DiMenna Center for Classical Music in Midtown Manhattan. The concert was part of TIME:SPANS 2023 Music Festival, a cutting-edge festival focused on showcasing adventurous, experimental, and forward-looking music from living composers.

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Liszt Ferenc Square

Liszt Ferenc Square
Aug. 21, 2022 – A cool, drizzly day in Budapest.

The statue of Franz Liszt by sculptor László Marton in Budapest, Hungary, shows the great composer dramatically poised mid-performance. Seated before an invisible piano, his large right hand reaches outward, symbolizing his legendary virtuosity. The sculpture captures Liszt’s flair and intensity. This is the last stop on our Europe trip—tomorrow we fly home. I’m still recovering from COVID, but we had a nice day exploring the city.

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The Royal Philharmonic Rules!

Jan. 12, 2022 – Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, led by the dynamic conductor Vasily Petrenko, delivered a thrilling evening tonight at the McCallum Theatre. The program opened with Britten’s Four Sea Interludes, vividly capturing the drama of the sea. Pianist Olga Kern, renowned for her dazzling technique and charismatic stage presence, captivated the audience in Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, blending power with poetic finesse. Elgar’s Enigma Variations closed the night with emotional depth and grandeur. A world-class performance in an intimate desert setting.

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Branford Marsalis Shines

Jan. 13, 2022 - Branford Marsalis w/Orpheus Chamber Orch.
Jan. 13, 2022 – Branford Marsalis w/Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

Tonight at the McCallum Theatre, saxophone great Branford Marsalis lit up the stage in three of five pieces, with the standout being Carmen Jazz Suite on Themes by Bizet, an 18-minute reimagining of Bizet’s Carmen by composer Courtney Bryan. Commissioned by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the piece recasts the opera from Carmen’s point of view, celebrating her love, freedom, and fearlessness—ending not in tragedy, but in triumph. Marsalis brought it all to life with a stunning blend of jazz and classical, delivering a performance that was both soulful and bold.

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Michelle DeYoung Sings Mahler

Oct. 17, 2021 – Mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung sings “Ich hab’ ein glühend Messer.”

Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung delivered an exquisite performance of Mahler’s song cycle “Songs of a Wayfarer” tonight at the Rady Shell. The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Music Director Rafael Payare, began the evening with Lili Boulanger’s “D’un soir triste” and concluded with Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.”

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The Met Live in HD

Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD Movie Transmission
Met Opera’s Live in HD Transmission of Massenet’s “Manon.”

I like going to Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD movie theatre transmissions. It’s not as rewarding as attending a live opera, but it’s a good way for me to see current productions without driving to L.A.

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Backhausdance

June 18, 2019 – Backhausdance Company, Sabrina Xiao He & Paul Cracchiolo

Earlier today at the McCallum Theatre, Orange County dance company Backhausdance presented an impressive performance set to Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” accompanied by distinguished pianists Sabrina Xiao He and Paul Cracchiolo. The 50-minute program was offered as part of the McCallum Theatre Education initiative.

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Handel’s Glorious Messiah

Handel's Glorious Messiah
Dec. 9, 2018 – Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale perform Handel’s “Messiah.”

This afternoon, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts resonated with the soaring sounds of Handel’s Messiah, a cherished holiday tradition. This inspiring performance brought together the acclaimed Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale under the baton of conductor Christopher Warren-Green. The stellar cast of soloists included soprano Julie Roset, countertenor Lawrence Zazzo, tenor David Walton, and bass Joshua Conyers, each delivering stirring renditions of Handel’s timeless score. From the jubilant “Hallelujah” chorus to the poignant arias, the performance reminded the audience why Messiah remains a beloved seasonal masterpiece year after year.

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Hilary Hahn Plays Bach

Hilary Hahn Plays Bach
Sept. 29, 2018 – Hilary Hahn takes a bow at the Alex Theatre.

What a GREAT concert last night! Brilliant violinist Hilary Hahn graced the stage of Glendale’s Alex Theatre to open the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s 2018–19 season with a program titled Hilary Hahn Plays Bach. Under the baton of guest conductor Gemma New, the evening featured Hahn and LACO Concertmaster Margaret Batjer in a performance of Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins—a work they had previously recorded together in 2003. The program also included Bach’s Violin Concerto in E Major, Andrew Norman’s Try, Franco Donatoni’s Eco (in its U.S. premiere), and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, “Italian.”

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San Francisco Ballet at Stern Grove

July 30, 2018 - Poise and strength in motion—San Francisco Ballet at Stern Grove.
July 30, 2018 - San Francisco Ballet dancers in perfect harmony.
July 30, 2018 - San Francisco Ballet dancers in a graceful moment.
July 30, 2018 - San Francisco Ballet after Balanchine’s "Serenade."

This afternoon, we attended the Stern Grove Festival to see the San Francisco Ballet perform, and it was an amazing experience! The program featured stunning pieces like Balanchine’s Serenade, Justin Peck’s Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes, and a captivating pas de deux from Don Quixote. The dancers were excellent, and the live orchestra truly enhanced the atmosphere. It was so impressive to see such a high-quality performance offered for free in such a casual outdoor setting. Stern Grove really delivered that day, making for an unforgettable afternoon.

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A Magical Evening with Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony

Oct. 19, 2017 - Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony.
Oct. 19, 2017 – Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony.

What a pleasure to hear Maestro Riccardo Muti and the incomparable Chicago Symphony Orchestra last night at the McCallum Theatre. Having seen them several times during my years in Chicago—always at the magnificent Symphony Center—it was a treat to reconnect with this extraordinary ensemble here in the desert. The program offered a beautifully balanced trio of works: Schubert’s mysterious “Unfinished” Symphony, Mozart’s sublime Clarinet Concerto, and Schumann’s radiant Second Symphony. Principal clarinetist Stephen Williamson played the Mozart with elegance and warmth.

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Simon Rattle & The Berlin Philharmonic

Nov. 20, 2016 - The Berlin Philharmonic at the Segerstrom.
Nov. 20, 2016 - Maestro Simon Rattle takes a bow.

Last night, I experienced a truly unforgettable concert: the illustrious Berlin Philharmonic with the legendary conductor Simon Rattle at Segerstrom Hall. The evening was a masterclass in contrast. The first half featured modernist works by Webern, Schoenberg, and Berg — intensely strange, yet hauntingly beautiful. After intermission, the mood shifted dramatically with Brahms’s Second Symphony, overflowing with warmth and serenity. The stark contrast between the two halves was striking, but under Rattle’s direction, it all felt cohesive. What a thrill to finally see this great conductor and orchestra — I walked out of the hall absolutely elated.

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An Evening with Lang Lang

March 27, 2015 - Lang Lang at the McCallum Theatre.
March 27, 2015 – Lang Lang at the McCallum Theatre.

Last night, I had the thrilling opportunity to see the celebrated Chinese pianist Lang Lang perform at the McCallum Theatre. His performance was nothing short of impressive; his playing was bold, confident, and bursting with energy, making it clear why he’s an international sensation. While a few moments leaned into his signature showmanship, his extraordinary talent was undeniable. It was a truly memorable night and a privilege to experience his artistry live.

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Lyric Opera Stars Shine!

Sept. 10, 2011 - Renee Fleming sings "Jewel Song" from Gounod’s Faust.
Sept. 10, 2011 – Renee Fleming sings “Jewel Song” from Gounod’s Faust.

The Stars of Lyric Opera concert last night was a memorable evening, marking the start of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s upcoming 57th season. Held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the free outdoor event attracted a full-capacity crowd, all eager to experience a night of operatic brilliance under the stars. Renée Fleming, newly appointed as Lyric’s creative consultant, served as both headliner and host. The evening featured a stellar lineup of performers, including Matthew Polenzani, James Morris, Susanna Phillips, and Jamie Barton. The Lyric Opera Orchestra, under the baton of French conductor Emmanuel Villaume, provided the musical accompaniment for the evening.

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Music, Music, and More Music

Saint James Chapel of the Archbishop Quigley Center
April 9, 2011- Saint James Chapel in Chicago.

I did three fun, music-related things this week. On Saturday, the University of Alabama Contemporary Ensemble performed works by Twentieth-Century classical composers. It was presented by Les Amis Des Vitraux in the beautiful Saint James Chapel. Saturday night we stopped at The Tonic Room to have one drink before going to our planned venue B.L.U.E.S. But an excellent jazz saxophonist named Frank Catalano and his band were playing, and they were so good we stayed until the end, never making it to our original destination. Last night I went to “VIVID 2011″ at the beautiful Auditorium Theatre. It was a concert by the students of Chicago College of the Performing Arts. I especially enjoyed the “Tribute to Miles Davis” and Edvard Grieg’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor” with the talented, young pianist Chanmi Ryu.