There is no shortage of triumph and turmoil in the classical music world these days, from financially strapped orchestras to fresh innovations. Track the trends that shape the current classical climate, and join discussions on a variety of musical viewpoints.
Founded in 1962, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition continues this year without the presence of its iconic namesake. But organizers and contestants believe the contest — as well as its high standards and ability to boost careers — will remain.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
A 100-year-old ballet, composed by a Russian for a French audience, has become something of a standard in an idiom which didn't exist when it premiered. Whether covered, quoted or praised, Stravinsky's masterwork has inspired multiple generations of improvisers.
by Tom Huizenga
Just try rummaging through the standard repertoire to find a tender scene between a mother and child and you'll come up stymied. Why are so many operatic moms depicted as murderous women on the verge of a nervous breakdown?
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by Anastasia Tsioulcas
A pianist ponders how far he's gone to learn to play his instrument — and suggests you try, too. Though James Rhodes says he encountered massive medical and marital problems in his quest, he believes even amateur music-making beats prepackaged entertainment.
by Anastasia Tsioulcas
See and hear examples of politically dogmatic — but extravagantly assembled — operas and ballets born during the Cultural Revolution. Glamorous photo stills by Zhang Yaxin of works like Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy were recently shown in Canada.
by Marin Alsop
Marking the 200th anniversary of the controversial composer's birth, conductor Marin Alsop and friends rethink Wagner in a series of multimedia concerts.
by Tom Huizenga
In a recent lecture on the arts, the eclectic cellist made a plea for the power of diversity. When artists from divergent disciplines commingle, Ma says, it creates a "time and space for transformation."
by Mark Mobley
Fans of the AMC series know it uses pop music as well as any TV show. But Don Draper's world has its classical corners, too. In the the sixth season's opening episode, Chopin played a key role — as Beethoven had done in the previous season.
by Anastasia Tsioulcas
Ukrainian pianist Valentina Lisitsa decided to rev up her stalled-out career in a very 21st-century way: by putting up dozens of videos of herself playing core repertoire. Now she's a superstar by any traditional standard. Do her major-label recordings matter?
by Mark Mobley
The composer of Faust also wrote music fit for a pope. Wednesday, before the introduction of Pope Francis, a marching band played opera composer Charles Gounod's Pontifical March. Hear the stately, serene Vatican anthem.
