The Sibelius Fourth has not been in the repertoire for almost thirty years and the orchestra responded to its fresh artistic and technical challenges with unusual enthusiasm and reverence.

These were the subjects of Ytzhak Leybush Peretz ‘s poetry, and Evgeny Kissin revealed another facet of his own expansive mind and heart in his recitation of them. 

Conductor James Gaffigan, making his debut this week, began to dance to the accompaniment of the orchestra. The musicians, having played the work countless times, seemed not to need –or very much heed - all his gymnastic movements. 

An announcement just before the concert, of Kurt Masur’s death, and the dedication of this performance to his memory and legacy, brought an added gravity to the occasion.

In spite of careful study, and analysis, in spite of coaching, and listening to singers of the past, and in spite of her distinguished schooling, her liaison with pop culture insinuates itself in both music and gesture

Daniel Barenboim conducts Tristan; Seiji Ozawa conducts Queen of Spades.

Natalie Dessay, flat iron in hand outlines with flourishes of the arm the highs and the lows of her impressive coloratura

Gary Lehman, who replaced the chronically ailing Ben Hepner, has a beautiful golden trumpet voice. His phrasing was superb and his acting first-rate