I had the pleasure of meeting Rhina Valentin when she interviewed me about my memoir on BronxNet Television’s show OPEN. From the very first words we shared in conversation, I knew that I was in…
Award-winning pianist Donna Weng Friedman’s extraordinarily multifaceted career as a piano soloist, chamber musician, educator, curator, producer, and filmmaker has garnered her vast praise and accolades. She was selected as one of Musical America’s Top…
On May 7th, American Classical Orchestra (ACO), led by its Artistic Director and Founder Thomas Crawford, regaled audiences with a splendid concert at Alice Tully Hall—it was the last concert of ACO’s 40th anniversary season.…
I reviewed the new production of Aida in January, and would not have revisited it were it not for its new cast members. Three exceptional singers compelled me to write a few words and encourage…
Aruba is called “one happy island.” Happiness lies in the constancy of the weather, the friendly people, the soothing breeze, the welcoming, serene, perfect-temperature water. About 19.6 miles long and six miles wide, bordered by…
There has been much hype around the star-studded Othello currently playing at the Barrymore Theatre. Its two protagonists, Denzel Washington in the title role and Jake Gyllenhaal (Iago) are major Hollywood stars, and tickets to…
Think of your favorite opera composer. You have listened to many of his masterpieces over and over again. Even if you haven’t heard everything, you are aware of his body of published works and relish…
Four years after our last interview, it was a pleasure to catch up with world-renowned baritone Simon Keenlyside in Los Angeles where he was performing Mahler songs in L.A. Phil’s “Mahler’s Journey” concert. For biographical…