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2012

5/18 - Northwestern Opera Theater presents an admirable “Albert Herring”
5/17 - CSO, van Zweden offer taut, energetic performances
5/17 - Chicago Chamber Musicians name new exec
5/15 - MusicNow closes season on mixed, deafening note
5/15 - Rembrandt Chamber Players serve up contrasted takes on “A Soldier’s Tale”
5/14 - Lyric Opera balances its budget and renews Davis contract through 2021
5/14 - Kirill Gerstein’s invitation to the dance makes for a memorable afternoon
5/14 - CSO names new principal bass
5/14 - Chicago Chorale provides robust performance of Vierne mass
5/13 - Lang Lang shows top artistry as well as fireworks at Lyric Opera recital
5/11 - Muti receives highest papal honor at the Vatican
5/11 - Koopman, CSO serve up a bracing program of (mostly) Classical and Baroque rarities
5/9 - About to turn 30, Lang Lang is looking for new challenges
5/8 - Ryan Center singers and Civic Orchestra make terrific Mozart together
5/8 - CSO to make debuts in Korea, Taiwan and Mexico next season
5/7 - Orion Ensemble closes season with jazz-flavored world premiere
5/6 - Elgin Symphony closes season colorfully with “Scheherazade”
5/6 - Yo-Yo Ma delivers fresh and eloquent Dvořák with CSO
5/5 - Singers and Fulcrum Point band shine in JacobTV’s mixed-media mashup, “The News”
5/4 - Fifth House Ensemble bracingly mixes music with the Arab Spring at Cultural Center
5/2 - Critic’s Choice
4/30 - Yo-Yo Ma and friends serve up a Brazilian feast to sold-out audience
4/30 - Lewis continues his Schubert cycle with strength and intelligence
4/30 - May 21
4/29 - Ferris Chorale wraps its 40th season with a grand tribute to its founder
4/25 - Critic’s Choice
4/23 - Chicago Philharmonic energetically serves up Beethoven and two concertos
4/23 - Music of the Baroque conveys the joyous element of Bach’s Mass in B minor
4/23 - At 40, Kissin shows that virtuosity is still child’s play
4/22 - COT wraps Medea cycle with a supremely stylish and well sung “Teseo”
4/21 - Chicago Master Singers offer a Russian salute of their own
4/20 - Sinfonietta has a mixed night with yet another look back
4/17 - Upshaw, Australian Chamber Orchestra, provide heartfelt advocacy for new song cycle
4/15 - COT’s young cast and lively production shine in Shostakovich’s charming “Moscow, Cheryomushki”
4/14 - Rebel brings eclectic aplomb to UC’s Early Music series
4/13 - Cellist Capuçon’s poetic CSO debut highlights Dutoit’s French program
4/12 - CCM’s Kernis program explores shifting colors with dramatic intensity
4/11 - The Chicago Ensemble spans three centuries with four quartets
4/7 - Chicago Opera Theater to open season with light-hearted Shostakovich operetta (no, really)
4/6 - Lugansky makes triumphant CSO debut with powerhouse Rachmaninoff
4/5 - After shaky start, Nelson’s “St. John Passion” belatedly reaches the heights
4/3 - Chicago Opera Theater plans adventurous 2013 season of Glass, Piazzolla and Verdi
4/2 - Chroma Chamber Orchestra brings panache to dance-inspired program
4/1 - Ryan Center artists shine and rise at Lyric Opera
4/1 - April 29
3/31 - Paquito D’Rivera sparks a lively program of Latin music with CCM
3/31 - Gerstein to replace an ailing Pollini in May recital
3/30 - Uchida and CSO team up for more memorable Mozart
3/30 - Fulcrum Point parks the car in Harvard yard with mixed results
3/27 - Music of the Baroque soars with Handel rarity
3/26 - With insight and sensitivity, Uchida scales the challenge of Schubert’s late sonatas
3/23 - With a belated debut, CSO serves up admirable program of Russian rarities
3/23 - Less proves to be more with eighth blackbird’s Minimalist program at MCA
3/22 - Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony provide dynamic advocacy for mixed “Mavericks’ program
3/19 - Bella Voce offers stellar advocacy for ambitious Renaissance program
3/17 - West meets East in revelatory blend of new works by Chinese composers
3/15 - Muti, CSO and Chorus provide expert advocacy for Cherubini
3/15 - Countertenor Davies displays vocal gleam and casual bravura with Baroque Band
3/15 - UC Presents to offer starry lineup and inaugurate new venue in 2012-13
3/14 - CCM presents a season highlight with memorable Schubert Octet
3/14 - Heatherington, Ars Viva provide eloquent advocacy for Dvořák
3/12 - Orion Ensemble serves up a diverse array of women composers
3/11 - Ferris Chorale provides fine advocacy for Jackson “Requiem”
3/8 - Muti’s thrilling Brahms symphony proves worth the wait
3/7 - Chinese soprano’s exciting debut sparks Lyric’s second-cast “Aida”
3/6 - Music of the Baroque to mark Glover’s tenth anniversary in 2012-13
3/6 - MusicNOW offers three works of attractive virtues at the Harris
3/6 - Worthy choral singing lifts an uneven “Missa Solemnis”
3/5 - Richard Goode’s pianism once again shows the art that conceals art
3/3 - Soprano Bayrakdarian, pianist Kradjian light up Mandel Hall
3/2 - DeYoung’s artistry lifts CSO’s middling Mahler
3/1 - Stellar vocalism and goofy charm make for an engaging “Rinaldo” at Lyric Opera
2/28 - March 31
2/28 - “Bel Canto,” a new opera based on Patchett novel, to premiere at Lyric Opera in 2015
2/27 - Luca Pisaroni’s passion for music leads to a Lyric Opera debut in “Rinaldo”
2/27 - Kraemer, Music of the Baroque serve up an array of lesser-known treasures
2/26 - CSO delivers imaginative theatrical take on masterworks of Schoenberg and Stravinsky
2/25 - Haymarket Opera offers fascinating time travel with charmingly retro “Orphee”
2/24 - French conductor strikes sparks in CSO debut
2/24 - Strange mix of music and shadow puppetry in “Fjords” proves mesmerizing
2/22 - Critic’s Choice
2/22 - Grant Park Music Festival to offer two choral world premieres in 78th season
2/21 - Andsnes displays daunting if cool command in well-balanced program
2/20 - Spivakov and Kern team up for a virtuosic, audience-pleasing program
2/18 - Fauré Quartet makes a superb stand at Mandel Hall
2/16 - Critic’s Choice
2/16 - Contempo honors Gubaidulina with compelling performances
2/16 - Long-time CCM exec director moves to UC Presents
2/16 - CSO receives $1 million gift from McCormick Foundation
2/14 - ACM presents an admirable evening of Adams
2/14 - Boulez cancels CSO appearances
2/12 - A triumphant “Show Boat” rolls along magnificently at Lyric Opera
2/11 - St. Olaf Choir celebrates its centennial on a snowy night
2/10 - Clyne’s powerful premiere given first-class advocacy by Muti, CSO
2/7 - Anna Clyne’s “Night Ferry” set to sail after a long creative voyage
2/6 - Muti, CSO announce a 2012-13 season heavily reliant on standard repertoire
2/5 - Serkin masterfully scales the summit of Beethoven’s “Diabelli” Variations
2/3 - Despite dynamic advocacy by Muti and CSO, Bates’ “Alternative Energy” runs out of fuel
2/1 - Critic’s Choice
1/31 - Chicago Symphony renews contract of composers-in-residence for two years.
1/31 - Kraemer, Music of the Baroque serve up a delightful double-shot of Haydn
1/31 - February 29
1/29 - Polished and poetic, Joshua Bell’s artistry remains remarkable
1/29 - Chamber Society of Lincoln Center opens Harris series in Romantic style
1/27 - Muti returns with an elegant and electrifying “Carmina Burana”
1/26 - Critic’s Choice
1/23 - Pacifica Quartet, Osorio prove eloquent collaborators in Romantic program
1/23 - Dutoit, Royal Philharmonic show impressive fire and flair
1/22 - Giordani and a worthy cast belatedly ignite Lyric Opera’s “Aida”
1/20 - Critic’s Choice
1/18 - Honeck, CSO heat up a chilly night with combustible Dvořák
1/17 - Netrebko’s debut, Fleming as Blanche, and a Wagner spectacle on tap in Lyric Opera’s 2012-13 season
1/17 - Sinfonietta offers a rousing and eclectic MLK birthday program
1/16 - Pacifica Quartet to join North Shore Chamber Music Festival
1/13 - Elder, CSO deliver another beautifully played Bardic program
1/11 - Critic’s Choice
1/9 - Tenor makes impressive debut in Lyric’s delightful “Magic Flute”
1/9 - Ars Viva presents an enchanting Sunday serenade
1/8 - A night for stars and tributes at the Lyric Opera’s annual concert
1/8 - Grant Park Music Festival memberships on sale
1/7 - Cecilia Quartet spans the centuries in Winter Chamber Music Festival opener
1/6 - Elder, CSO brush up on Berlioz’s Shakespeare, brilliantly
1/2 - Nicole Cabell: Chicago’s un-diva opera star
1/2 - Chicago’s Strauss concert takes the chill out of the New Year

2011

12/30 - January 31
12/22 - The Top 10 Performances of 2011
12/22 - “Sonic Arboretum” proves rapt and hypnotic at MCA
12/19 - Vamos concert showcases a gifted family’s music-making
12/17 - Music of the Baroque breathes new life into holiday program
12/16 - CSO, Salonen close year with new violin concerto, powerful Mahler
12/13 - Clyne’s moving elegy a highlight of MusicNOW’s local premieres
12/12 - Pianist Fray proves most impressive with Beethoven in recital debut
12/12 - Lyric Opera chief provides details, defends hiring of Fleming press rep
12/11 - William Ferris Chorale looks back to its roots to open 40th season
12/10 - Tallis Scholars bring a seasonal Marian celebration to Rockefeller Chapel
12/9 - Lyric Opera appoints Renée Fleming’s manager as director of public relations
12/9 - Tilson Thomas, CSO serve up exhilarating and eloquent rarities by Brahms and Mahler
12/8 - Chicago Chamber Musicians provide an illuminating evening with Lowell Liebermann
12/7 - Cabell and two outstanding Chicago debuts spark Lyric’s irresistible “Magic Flute”
12/6 - Envelope-pushing Andreas Mitisek tapped to succeed Brian Dickie at Chicago Opera Theater
12/2 - van Zweden, CSO team up for stirring Mahler
11/30 - December Events
11/29 - Ferris Chorale marks four decades by reflecting on its past and looking to the future
11/28 - Anaphora offers two compelling world premieres at Green Mill
11/26 - With the Chicago Symphony as studio band, “West Side Story” packs fizzing musical impact
11/22 - Orion Ensemble serves up a Beethoven and Schubert trifecta
11/22 - Arvo Pärt mass receives solid performance from Chicago Arts Orchestra
11/20 - Lyric’s winning production and a worthy cast make for a mostly delightful “Ariadne”
11/19 - Chicago Chorale soars in Baltic and Scandinavian music
11/18 - Labèque sisters make a belated downtown Chicago Symphony debut
11/17 - JacobTV’s multimedia works spark Fulcrum Point benefit concert
11/17 - Phyllis Chen and ICE team up for strange and compelling evening
11/17 - Genre-crossing Contempo program serves up a dizzying musical mix
11/14 - Kraemer, Music of the Baroque bring stylish vivacity to populist Bach
11/14 - Ars Viva offers up stirring account of early Sibelius
11/14 - Chicago Philharmonic presents eclectic American-Russian program
11/11 - Denève strikes sparks in CSO debut
11/8 - Czar power: A riveting Furlanetto leads a superb cast in Lyric’s “Boris”
11/7 - CCM and guests shine in wide-ranging string program
11/6 - Chicago Master Singers present a moving, powerful account of Dvořák’s “Stabat Mater”
11/5 - Violinist Sergey Khachatryan makes remarkable Chicago debut at Mandel Hall
11/2 - Labadie leads CSO in vital and stylish Handel evening
11/1 - Budapest Festival Orchestra makes a worthy stand in lightish program
11/1 - November Events
10/31 - Pacifica Quartet opens season with compelling, mostly Russian program
10/29 - Irish Chamber Orchestra plays with drive and devotion at Mandel Hall
10/28 - Haitink, CSO scale Haydn’s “Creation” with insight and aplomb
10/25 - Avalon Quartet’s Beethoven cycle spotlights revolutions in sight and sound
10/24 - Ars Viva, Heatherington at their finest with inspired English program
10/24 - Soprano Kim bows out of Lyric’s “Magic Flute”
10/24 - Hilary Hahn brings sterling advocacy and personal charm to music old and new
10/22 - Borodin Quartet makes admirable debut at Mandel Hall
10/21 - Haitink, CSO prove golden once again in Mahler
10/20 - Hilary Hahn to focus on small things with new encores project
10/20 - Chicago Symphony posts first deficit in five years
10/19 - Violinist withdraws from CSO program
10/18 - MusicNow offers a bravura plugged-in season opener
10/18 - Lyric Opera raises a half-million in radio marathon
10/17 - Ehnes, St. Louis Symphony present U.S. debut of Manoury concerto
10/17 - Chicago Chamber Musicians present an impassioned evening of French music
10/17 - Lewis upholds Viennese tradition in Schubert series
10/16 - Bella Voce gets nostalgic with contemporary choral works
10/15 - English Concert kicks off UC Presents series with style and intimacy
10/14 - Finnish conductor makes sensational Chicago Symphony debut
10/13 - With Emma Kirkby, Baroque Band launches fifth season in delightful fashion
10/11 - Bland heroine makes for a lackluster “Lucia” at Lyric Opera
10/10 - Chicago Ensemble marks 35 years with a typically venturesome program
10/7 - Muti and the CSO mark Mahler’s passing with retro Italian program
10/6 - ICE opens with bracing blast from the modernist past
10/5 - Two veteran CSO members retire
10/4 - Music of the Baroque opens season with the decidedly un-Baroque Beethoven
10/3 - Chicago Philharmonic opens with colorful Spanish program
10/3 - Chroma Chamber Orchestra proves golden in debut concert
10/2 - Inspired cast sparks a worthy “Hoffmann” to open the Lyric Opera season
10/1 - Muti and CSO have got a little Liszt
9/30 - Pianist Imogen Cooper eager for return visit with Music of the Baroque
9/30 - October 31
9/28 - Polenzani ready for the challenge in Lyric Opera’s “Hoffmann”
9/28 - Critic’s Choice
9/27 - Chen launches new era for Sinfonietta with blazing Beethoven
9/26 - Orion Ensemble opens with flavorful semi-Spanish program
9/26 - Chicago a cappella presents a richly varied program of Jewish music
9/26 - Chicago Chamber Musicians and guests make a golden sound in brassy season opener
9/26 - Ars Viva opens season with first-rate trifecta of Jewish composers
9/24 - A Terpsichorean Muti, Bronfman lift a lightweight gala program with fizzing performances
9/24 - William Mason looks back on five decades at the Lyric Opera
9/24 - Muti offers a sampler of his mentor Nino Rota
9/23 - Muti, Chicago Symphony kick off season at South Side church to rousing ovation
9/22 - Felder plays Felder at Ars Viva’s opening concert
9/21 - Critic’s Choice
9/21 - Lyric Opera announces cast changes
9/20 - Chicago Chamber Musicians to mark 25 years with an eye toward the future
9/19 - Rembrandt Chamber Players open season with a vibrant vocal program
9/18 - Keith Conant, violist, dead at age 49
9/16 - Critic’s Choice
9/14 - Lyric Opera announces partnership with Merit School of Music
9/12 - Fulcrum Point marks September 11 with a diverse meditation on loss
9/11 - Fleming and friends preview Lyric Opera season at Millennium Park
9/10 - Season opener of Heatherington’s “other” orchestra offers a diversity of delights
9/10 - Haymarket Opera makes eloquent debut with Handel
9/7 - Haymarket Opera Company debuts with Handel this weekend
9/6 - Grant Park Music Festival names former artistic advisor as new chief
8/31 - Chicago Classical Review wants you to advertise
8/31 - September 30
8/29 - Bailey brings a robust yet light-footed approach to Bach
8/29 - Chicago Symphony announces two new principals
8/25 - The Knights bring blazing vitality to offbeat Schubert and Liszt program
8/23 - Steve Reich’s 75th marked in youthfully energetic style
8/22 - Lyric Opera gets 5 percent wage concession in new AGMA contract
8/20 - Kalmar, Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus wrap the summer with a combustible Verdi Requiem
8/19 - Light Opera Works’ “Student Prince” proves vocally strong yet dramatically uneven
8/19 - Lisitsa offers blazing virtuosity and heart at Ravinia
8/18 - Kalmar, Grant Park Orchestra serve up superb night of Adams and Shostakovich
8/15 - Boston Classical Review to debut in September
8/15 - Takács Quartet delivers sterling performances at Ravinia
8/13 - Kalmar, Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus give stirring advocacy to uneven Schmidt oratorio
8/12 - Philharmonia Baroque’s “Orlando” makes for an evening of musical delights at Ravinia
8/11 - Rare Schmidt oratorio to be unsealed at Grant Park this weekend
8/10 - The 5 Browns unveil Muhly premiere at Ravinia
8/6 - Lyric Opera’s Ryan Center singers shine at the Harris
8/5 - Rare Mahler and disappointing Perlman make for mixed rewards at Ravinia
8/4 - Violinist Koh strikes sparks with Kalmar, Grant Park Orchestra
8/2 - Stylish production lifts a variable cast in Santa Fe Opera’s “Faust”
8/1 - East meets West in bracing style at Chinese Fine Arts Society concert
7/31 - Terfel’s gripping Scarpia ignites an outstanding “Tosca” at Ravinia
7/30 - August 31
7/30 - Sibelius’s “Kullervo” given a rousing performance by Lintu, Grant Park Orchestra
7/28 - Lintu, Grant Park Orchestra lift a lightweight Russian program
7/23 - Bell, Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus soar in sacred program
7/22 - Conlon, CSO and guests serve up Rachmaninoff rarities at Ravinia
7/21 - Grant Park Orchestra shows its mettle on a hot and muggy night
7/20 - CSO winds shine in Ravinia program
7/20 - Lyric Opera to present Lang Lang next May
7/19 - Orion Ensemble announces 2011-12 season
7/18 - Voigt withdraws from Lyric Opera’s “Ariadne”
7/18 - CSO to open season with free concert at South Side church
7/16 - Composer Penderecki strikes sparks with Grant Park Orchestra
7/15 - Dohnanyi and Ax team up with CSO for a memorable night of Brahms at Ravinia
7/14 - Penderecki to conduct the Grant Park Orchestra this weekend
7/10 - Deborah Voigt revisits Strauss and Wagner roles at Ravinia with mixed success
7/8 - de la Parra offers a U.S. premiere in mixed program with Grant Park Orchestra
7/8 - Lang Lang the star at CSO’s Ravinia opener but Eschenbach’s Berlioz strikes the most sparks
7/7 - Emerson Quartet brings luminous drama to three final works at Ravinia
7/6 - Young conductor makes impressive debut at Grant Park
7/3 - W(h)ither American opera?
7/2 - Kalmar, soloists and Grant Park Orchestra shine with inspired Mahler
6/29 - July 31
6/29 - Bell, Grant Park Chorus serve up illuminating program of American music
6/28 - San Francisco Opera’s “Ring”
6/25 - Kalmar, Grant Park Orchestra serve up a program of worthy South American music
6/24 - CSO adds Russian dates to European tour
6/22 - Inspired cast and magnificent conducting lift a mixed “Rheingold”
6/20 - Tales from Chicago’s South Side, told with music and heart
6/18 - Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus give stirring advocacy to Mendelssohn rarity
6/18 - Spektral Quartet closes first season with impassioned playing and a mesmerizing new work
6/15 - Soggy weather can’t dampen fiery music-making at Grant Park season opener
6/12 - Kalmar and Bell prove a dynamic working duo at the Grant Park Music Festival
6/12 - Combustible Brahms closes North Shore Chamber Festival in style
6/11 - As Ravinia goes pop, summer chamber music thrives elsewhere on North Shore
6/9 - North Shore Chamber Festival debuts with impassioned performances
6/7 - Violinist’s new chamber festival to add spice to summer music season
6/7 - CCM’s encore of Lieberson cycle becomes a moving memorial
6/7 - Chicago Ensemble offers compelling program of American music
6/6 - Light Opera Works’ “Brigadoon” will draw your heart to the Highlands
6/6 - ICE gives sterling advocacy to an array of fascinating new works
6/5 - MacMillan choral work premiered at Rockefeller Chapel
6/3 - Amid rough moments, Baroque Band brings worthy advocacy to Handel rarity
6/2 - Haitink and the CSO close season with a memorable Mahler Ninth
5/31 - MacMillan choral premiere to take place in Hyde Park
5/30 - Civic Orchestra closes season with two symphonic showpieces
5/30 - June Events
5/29 - Wayward Sisters serve up illuminating program on a rainy night
5/27 - Haitink leads Chicago Symphony in a fiery, dramatic Brahms Fourth
5/24 - Freeman passes Sinfonietta baton to Chen in overstuffed season finale
5/24 - Lyric Opera breaks even again with $4.4 million assist from reserves
5/23 - Music of the Baroque wraps 40th season with triumphant Mozart
5/23 - Lewis’s compelling Schubert series continues with Impromptus and sonata rarity
5/20 - CSO’s French program spotlights Chris Martin, 20th-century rarities
5/19 - Anaphora offers engaging premiere in an evening of new music
5/17 - Chicago Chamber Musicians offer a compelling evening of contemporary music
5/16 - Combustible Brahms closes Chicago Philharmonic season
5/16 - Carlos Kalmar gets contract extension, new title as artistic director of Grant Park Music Festival
5/15 - Florentine Opera downsizes gracefully for English Baroque double bill
5/13 - A rousing premiere, Yo-Yo Ma and an Italian musical postcard (mailed from Germany) close Muti’s first season
5/10 - Muti and CSO provide blazing advocacy for Hindemith rarity
5/10 - Orion Ensemble closes season with characteristic musical mix
5/9 - Chicago Chamber Musicians find depth and variety in generous French program
5/9 - Pianist Cohen delivers an individual, revelatory recital
5/8 - Two terrific singers keep COT’s song cycles focused on the music
5/7 - Ian Bostridge brings his singular enlightened artistry to the Harris
5/6 - Glorious Strauss and world premiere highlight Muti’s return
5/5 - Fleming to add star power to Lyric Opera’s Millennium Park concert
5/4 - Bach Week closes in admirable style
5/2 - Ars Viva artfully bridges the centuries in season finale
5/2 - Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra closes Mandel Hall residency in style with Josefowicz
5/2 - Ferris Chorale’s salute to Dominick Argento offers an evening of vocal delights
4/30 - Bach Week Festival opens with spirited performances
4/30 - Quasthoff cancels Sunday recital
4/28 - Avalon Quartet serves up bracing night of American music
4/28 - Offbeat Baroque and dance hybrid works for CSO, Hubbard Street
4/25 - COT’s fine cast, stylish staging make a worthy case for static “Médée”
4/23 - Sizzling Shostakovich from Conlon and CSO
4/21 - Lyric Opera must be “relevant” and reach new audiences, says director
4/21 - Nelson leads majestic performance of Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion”
4/21 - Houston’s Freud to take top job at the Lyric Opera
4/18 - Bashmet and Kissin show close rapport in Schubert and Shostakovich
4/18 - Chicago Philharmonic strikes sparks in Baroque program
4/17 - Conductor John Nelson to bring a strong spiritual emphasis to Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion”
4/16 - Muti, CSO take Manhattan with “Otello”
4/16 - Glover leads Music of the Baroque in a mostly admirable “Messiah”
4/16 - Chicago Master Singers prove too overwhelming for Bach and Mozart in reverberant venue
4/13 - French National Orchestra has mixed showing at Orchestra Hall
4/12 - Soprano Majeski sparks venturesome Civic program
4/12 - Chicago Chamber Musicians announce new directions for 25th anniversary season
4/11 - Lise de la Salle delivers engrossing recital under difficult circumstances
4/11 - Biss brings out the delicacy but is lacking in passion
4/10 - New Millennium Orchestra mixes it up with Mozart at Mayne Stage
4/10 - Chicago Chamber Choir takes flight in windy program
4/9 - Back at Mandel Hall, the Pacifica Quartet offers a mixed program
4/8 - A renewed Muti, CSO return to Shostakovich
4/8 - Muti returns, victorious in Verdi’s “Otello”
4/5 - Muti’s rehearsal promises an intense “Otello”
4/5 - Andsnes recital offers a mixed bag of Beethoven and Brahms
4/4 - COT’s “Death and the Powers” proves a dazzling, thought-provoking multimedia experience
4/3 - Lyric Opera’s young singers shine in Ryan Center showcase
4/2 - ACM serves up new scores to disquieting, wryly humorous silent films
4/1 - May events
4/1 - Masur, CSO scale the heights with Bruckner
3/31 - St. Petersburg Phil shows brawny strength and refinement
3/31 - Jonathan Biss to replace Perahia who was to replace Pollini
3/30 - Music minus one: Cost-saving maestro move contributes to rough night by the Sinfonietta
3/30 - Singer bows out of CSO “Otello”
3/29 - Genualdi steps down as Chicago Chamber Musicians artistic director
3/28 - Rembrandt Chamber Players deliver exhilarating performances of rarely heard works
3/27 - Machover’s “robot opera” to kick off Chicago Opera Theater season
3/25 - Dutoit and CSO deliver a knockout “Petrushka”
3/25 - Murray Perahia to replace an ailing Maurizio Pollini
3/24 - Lyric Opera names Martin Wright new chorus master
3/24 - Fulcrum Point serves up an evening of ritual with two substantial new works
3/24 - A Shostakovich operetta and autumn Mozart on tap for Chicago Opera Theater in 2012
3/24 - Chicago Ensemble offers a generous program with mixed rewards
3/22 - MusicNow ends season on a mixed, at times piercing note
3/20 - Bach Collegium Japan at their finest in joyous moments of epic mass
3/20 - William Ferris Chorale shines in Gailloreto premiere
3/19 - Soprano Lucy Crowe, conductor Bicket spark memorable night of Handel with Baroque Band
3/18 - Dutoit leads CSO, soloists in compelling Penderecki premiere
3/17 - Acclaimed Bach Collegium Japan to perform Mass in B minor at Valpo
3/17 - Riccardo Muti receives million-dollar Nilsson Prize
3/15 - It’s Bach to basics with Music of the Baroque’s engaging Brandenburg program
3/15 - From B-minor Mass to Beethoven, Music of the Baroque to offer a varied season
3/14 - Yuja Wang shows flame-throwing virtuosity as well as artistic maturity
3/13 - Strong second-cast “Carmen” provides fine finish to Lyric Opera season
3/12 - Rilling and CSO storm the heavens in Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”
3/8 - Perlman, CSO offer fizzing performances for a worthy cause
3/8 - ICE gets to the heart of Davidovsky’s electronic and acoustic music
3/6 - A mighty cast makes up for directorial lapses in Lyric Opera’s American military take on “Hercules”
3/4 - Salonen and CSO show close rapport in worlds old and new
3/3 - Spektral Quartet brings full-metal intensity to Empty Bottle
3/2 - Grant Park Music Festival to offer richly varied lineup with several choral masterworks
3/2 - Berlin and CSO musicians join forces for an engaging night of chamber music
3/2 - Wisdom of Salonen evident in Civic Orchestra’s Sibelius and Scriabin
3/1 - March Events
3/1 - Lyric Opera’s “Hercules” to bring the war home in modern fashion
3/1 - Orion Ensemble unveils a new work with dance to the fore
2/28 - Pacifica Quartet wraps a remarkable Shostakovich cycle
2/28 - No surprises but plenty of fire and artistry in Kissin’s exhilarating Liszt
2/27 - The unbearable lightness (and length) of John Luther Adams’ music
2/25 - Salonen, CSO take flight with fiery new concerto and magnificent Sibelius
2/23 - Post-L.A., Esa-Pekka Salonen looks to take up new challenges
2/23 - Japanese conductor wins Solti/CSO Competition
2/23 - Orion Ensemble to premiere dance work based on the Tarot
2/21 - Heatherington, Ars Viva deliver a generous Finnish-Hungarian program
2/19 - DiDonato scores a triumph in Chicago recital debut
2/17 - Andsnes’ memorable Brahms blends intimacy and bravura with CSO
2/17 - Hvorostovsky’s recital plumbs the depths of the Russian soul
2/15 - Muti’s second CSO season to include touring, populist repertoire
2/15 - Chicago Chamber Musicians explore the (mostly) lighter side of Beethoven
2/14 - Pacifica Quartet transcendent in penultimate entry of revelatory Shostakovich cycle
2/14 - An admirable start to an ambitious Schubert project
2/13 - A knight to remember: Botha leads a magnificent cast in Lyric Opera’s “Lohengrin”
2/12 - Muti diagnosed with irregular heartbeat, gets pacemaker
2/10 - A late Muti replacement, Oramo makes outstanding CSO debut
2/8 - Muti bows out of final week of winter residency
2/7 - Muti surgery successful, says CSO
2/7 - Giordani bows out of two “La fanciulla” dates at Lyric
2/5 - Ginastera fares best in a mixed, gimmicky Chicago debut for pianist Montero
2/4 - Muti fractured jaw in fall; will undergo surgery, miss two weeks of concerts
2/3 - Unsettled atmosphere at reshuffled CSO concert after another sudden Muti illness
2/3 - Muti faints, is taken to hospital; Slatkin, Uchida to conduct tonight
2/2 - Cleveland Orchestra concert cancelled
2/1 - February Events
2/1 - From Handel to Hammerstein, the Lyric Opera will just keep rolling along next season
2/1 - Tonight’s CSO concert cancelled due to expected blizzard
2/1 - Mouse on Mars at MusicNOW: Unplug the juice
1/31 - Yo-Yo Ma and friends launch new CSO project and seal it with superb concert
1/31 - Pacifica members deliver memorable, deeply moving account of Shostakovich’s Eighth Quartet
1/31 - Heatherington, Ars Viva soloists bring fresh approach to Mozart
1/29 - ICE’s edgy Art Institute concert reflects its canvas inspiration
1/28 - Uchida’s Mozart extraordinary once again with CSO
1/25 - Mitsuko Uchida brings unique mix of scholarship and intimacy to Mozart and Schumann
1/25 - Miami-based Seraphic Fire makes memorable Chicago debut under trying circumstances
1/24 - Music of the Baroque banishes the winter chill with Haydn and the Mozarts
1/23 - Lyric Opera’s lively and engaging “Fanciulla” almost golden
1/23 - Kaler, Lake Forest Symphony give stirring advocacy to Russia music, familiar and rare
1/21 - dal niente’s world premieres warm up a very cold night
1/20 - CSO back on track with fizzing Bartok and Elgar led by Slatkin
1/20 - Critic’s Choice
1/19 - Chicago Chamber Musicians give Gabriela Frank’s edgy music commanding advocacy
1/17 - Slatkin to replace Gardiner for this week’s CSO concerts
1/17 - Freeman’s final MLK program with Sinfonietta takes a nostalgic look back
1/14 - Baroque Band’s English program finds common ground across the centuries
1/14 - Violinist Capuçon makes outstanding debut with CSO
1/12 - Brian Dickie to exit Chicago Opera Theater in 2012
1/12 - Laurie Anderson presents a meditation on loss at the Harris Theater
1/11 - ICE receives very cool $340,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation
1/9 - Contempo’s program of American music finds a solace amid the dissonance
1/8 - The Emerson String Quartet warms up a wintry night with a memorable concert
1/7 - Hurley to leave Grant Park Music Festival for Art Institute
1/7 - CSO, Elder, and Hough lead off new year with Russian program
1/6 - Critic’s Choice
1/3 - Kicking off the New Year, Viennese style, at Symphony Center

2010

12/31 - Canadian conductor out, Spanish conductor in for January CSO program
12/31 - January Events
12/23 - The Top 10 Performances of 2010
12/22 - Acclaimed Miami choir to make Chicago debut
12/22 - Ars Viva adds extra performance of Mozart program
12/18 - CSO’s “Welcome Yule” offers a festive family show
12/17 - Music of the Baroque delivers a polished if expressively cool Christmas program
12/17 - Chicago Symphony brass make a glorious sound in a non-holiday program
12/15 - Chicago Chamber Choir’s salsa-laden Spanish Christmas a sure cure for holiday blues
12/14 - MusicNOW closes year with lively mix of young composers
12/13 - Zhang and Civic deliver Bartok’s filmic barbarism
12/13 - Rembrandt Chamber Players offer the Neo as well as the Baroque
12/12 - Fleming charms Lyric Opera audience with music from her past and future
12/12 - Britten’s Nativity setting spotlighted in Ferris Chorale’s first Christmas concert at Loyola
12/9 - Renée Fleming takes artistic advisory position with the Lyric Opera of Chicago
12/9 - Pianist Hough serves up thrilling fireworks in rarely heard Tchaikovsky concerto
12/8 - Pierre-Laurent Aimard brings out the unpredictable in varied recital
12/7 - A largely enjoyable “Mikado” this, at Lyric Opera
12/7 - Chanticleer brings reverence and panache to wide-ranging Christmas program
12/7 - With a new name, ACM finds bracing music in newspaper excerpts
12/6 - Music of the Baroque marks season with memorable performance of Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio”
12/6 - Ars Viva explores the Austro-German road less taken with three delightful rarities
12/3 - Boulez, CSO and Chorus soar in Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass
12/3 - CSO recordings nominated for multiple Grammys
11/30 - December Events
11/30 - Charles Ives—still radical after all these years, courtesy of the Callisto Ensemble
11/29 - The Chicago Ensemble serves up two rarities along with stormy Brahms
11/27 - A quirky Hungarian concerto amid luminous Debussy and Ravel from Boulez and the CSO
11/20 - Trpčeski and colleagues deliver shattering Shostakovich at Mandel Hall
11/19 - Vaughan Williams’ Ninth receives eloquent CSO debut with Davis
11/18 - Orion Ensemble digs up another gem with DuBois Quintet
11/18 - Zukerman and Bronfman bring sense of discovery to their partnership
11/17 - A strange, compelling musical tale weaved by Fifth House Ensemble
11/16 - With Radvanovsky and Fisch, Lyric’s “Masked Ball” is the right ticket
11/15 - Fearless cellist Kleijn tackles new music that’s more than skin deep
11/15 - Schumann spotlighted in stalwart salute by Chicago Chamber Musicians
11/15 - Lincoln Trio serves up bracing music by women composers
11/13 - Spivakov, Moscow Virtuosi bring boisterous energy to varied program
11/12 - CSO cellist to offer seven premieres based on hazardous cosmetics
11/12 - Pappano returns to the CSO with an operatic approach to Mendelssohn
11/10 - Spivakov, Moscow Virtuosi mark three challenging decades
11/9 - Marc-André Hamelin traverses neglected Alkan work with flair
11/8 - Choral Handel and Vivaldi in the spotlight with Music of the Baroque
11/7 - Kremer, Baltic musicians serve up compelling, dizzyingly varied program
11/6 - Lyric Opera delivers inspired singing and hilarity with triumphant “Midsummer Night’s Dream”
11/6 - Chicago Master Singers soar in rare masterworks by Schumann and Bruckner
11/5 - Tilson Thomas takes CSO on a fascinating Copland road less traveled
11/3 - David Daniels returns to Lyric Opera in Britten’s “Dream”
11/2 - A busy Michael Tilson Thomas keeps his focus on the music
11/1 - Pacifica Quartet and Civic Orchestra strike sparks in double helping of Shostakovich
10/31 - November Events
10/29 - Powerful Shostakovich from van Zweden, CSO
10/28 - Fulcrum Point puts the pedal to the metal
10/27 - A modernist tribute to a murdered young musician
10/26 - Chicago Chamber Musicians showcases all members in varied program
10/26 - Schiff’s Schumann program explores a Romantic poet’s eclecticism
10/25 - New Glass violin concerto a work for all seasons
10/25 - Chicago Chamber Choir and friends take ambitious journey through music of war and peace
10/25 - From Barber to Broadway, Ars Viva leads off with American music
10/23 - Despite a fine cast, “Rio de Sangre” fails to stir the blood
10/23 - Multimedia opera mixes striking images with tedious dancing
10/22 - Glass on Glass
10/21 - Critic’s Choice
10/20 - Shaham and scaled-down CSO prove congenial partners
10/20 - Revised Muti programs announced
10/18 - Pacifica Quartet launches Shostakovich cycle with riveting performance
10/17 - Bella Voce mixes music of Tudors and today in stimulating program
10/15 - Detailed and technocratic, Boulez’s Mahler lacks a fine madness
10/14 - Lyric Opera’s sturdy “Carmen” dealt a fatal card by singer’s cancellation
10/14 - dal niente opens with a rewarding night of new music
10/13 - Pacifica Quartet set to launch exploration of Shostakovich
10/13 - Gergiev, Matsuev and Mariinsky ignite in memorable evening of Russian music
10/12 - Muti’s illness diagnosed as “extreme exhaustion”: full recovery expected
10/11 - Chicago Philharmonic launches season with powerful Rachmaninoff
10/9 - Baroque Band opens season with lively, lesser known Italian music
10/7 - Subbing for Muti, Asher Fisch makes an impressive CSO debut
10/7 - Critic’s Choice
10/7 - Carmen’s delicate condition
10/6 - Sinfonietta opens season with uncommon salute to the common man
10/5 - Plugged-in MusicNOW opener offers mixed rewards
10/4 - Baroque Britisher Thomas Arne rules in Newberry Consort season opener
10/4 - Rembrandt Chamber Players open third decade with youthful verve
10/3 - Muti cancels rest of CSO fall residency due to illness; revised programs announced
10/2 - Muti takes ill, Mutter takes the helm for CSO’s gala concert
10/2 - Murderously magnificent: Soprano shines in Lyric Opera’s sharp, stylish “Macbeth”
10/1 - CSO principal bassist to retire
10/1 - October Events
9/30 - Muti takes the CSO for a Classical canter with Mozart and Haydn
9/30 - Anne-Sophie Mutter returns to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Saturday after a 21-year absence
9/28 - Zimmerman’s “Candide” offers the most of all possible words
9/28 - Lyric Opera’s season-opening “Macbeth” to be pure Gaines
9/27 - With Glover sidelined, Music of the Baroque still delivers worthy Purcell
9/24 - Muti sparks exhilarating CSO opener with brilliant and bizarre Berlioz
9/23 - Fulcrum Point marks 12 years with a bravura program of new music
9/23 - Jane Glover, felled by appendicitis, withdraws from Music of the Baroque opener
9/23 - From Beethoven to Buenos Aires, Orion Ensemble brings out the dance element
9/23 - Muti’s influence already evident in Civic Orchestra season opener
9/22 - Chicago Chamber Musicians open season with intense and powerful Bartok
9/21 - Turning 40, Music of the Baroque sees a bright future
9/19 - Muti’s season debut with the CSO draws 30,000 to Millennium Park
9/19 - Five premieres in great Chicago buildings illuminate a rainy Saturday
9/17 - The moment for Muti
9/16 - Critic’s Choice
9/14 - ACM to premiere new music in historic Loop venues this Saturday
9/13 - ICE opens season in audacious style
9/12 - Lyric Opera stars shine at Millennium Park, even with cancellations
9/11 - Lake Forest Symphony opens season with enjoyable French program
9/9 - Critic’s Choice
9/7 - Muti and much more on tap for an exciting Chicago music season
8/31 - Chicago Classical Review wants you to advertise with us!
8/30 - September Events
8/26 - Violinist Josefowicz shines in Stravinsky and Tüür at Ravinia
8/25 - Claremont Trio still shows need for greater polish and artistic maturity at Ravinia
8/25 - WFMT to revive live chamber concerts in Rogers Park
8/23 - Kalmar, Grant Park Orchestra close the summer in grand style with Mahler
8/21 - Downpours cannot dampen Silk Road Ensemble’s milestone celebration
8/19 - Gutiérrez, Kalmar strike sparks in Brahms concerto
8/16 - Soprano’s unhinged intensity proves overwhelming in Santa Fe Opera’s “Butterfly”
8/14 - Kalmar, Grant Park forces deliver electrifying account of Dvorak Requiem
8/12 - Grant Park Orchestra plays back-up band for African kora virtuoso
8/7 - Mezzo Emily Fons steals show at uneven opera concert
8/7 - Lyric Opera single tickets on sale, Millennium Park concert set
8/5 - Teztlaff’s stylish Dvorak lifts a mixed program at Grant Park
8/4 - Pacifica Quartet showcases its virtuosity
8/4 - Mei-Ann Chen named music director of the Chicago Sinfonietta
8/2 - Viva Mexico! Barrios and Grant Park Orchestra deliver a lively night of Mexican music
7/31 - August Events
7/29 - A Russian composer’s breakdown and recovery, all in 105 minutes
7/29 - Grant Park Orchestra serves up enjoyable night of lightish showpieces
7/28 - American jazz filtered through experimental Europeans at Ravinia
7/27 - Chorus master Nally to leave the Lyric Opera
7/25 - Fleming’s Strauss soars in Eschenbach anniversary night at Ravinia
7/24 - Tippett’s “A Child of Our Time” makes moving impact on a stormy night
7/23 - Sub pianist Barto rises to challenge in Goerne recital at Ravinia  
7/21 - Midori shows first-class artistry in rich program at Ravinia
7/17 - Alondra de la Parra has the inside track to become next Sinfonietta conductor
7/16 - Osorio’s Beethoven a revelation on every level at Ravinia
7/15 - Cellist Gerhardt sparks Russian program at Grant Park
7/12 - Two young pianists spotlighted in CSO’s American program at Ravinia
7/9 - Sibelius soars on a glorious evening with the Grant Park Orchestra
7/9 - Zukerman and Forsyth provide quick immersion in ripe Romanticism
7/8 - Grant Park Orchestra provides rousing if chaotic Latin program on a rainy night
7/7 - Bell, Grant Park Chorus provide epicurean evening of French music
7/7 - Mason to retire as Lyric Opera chief after 2011-2012 season
7/3 - Emerson Quartet and David Shifrin join forces for successful evening of Mozart
7/1 - Chopin, police choppers, and an impressive podium debut at Grant Park’s Polish night
7/1 - Night of thrilling Wagner excerpts plays to sparse crowd at Ravinia
7/1 - July Events
6/29 - Ohlsson opens CSO summer at Ravinia with mixed Chopin on a chilly night
6/26 - Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus serve up adventurous program of 1940s Americana
6/25 - Conlon’s Wagner detox transitions conductor for flexible CSO summer at Ravinia
6/19 - Bernard Haitink bids farewell to the CSO with a mature and sophisticated Beethoven Nine
6/19 - Carlos Kalmar delivers stunning Haydn and finds majesty in Beethoven at Grant Park
6/17 - Elina Vähälä lights up a spirited opening to Grant Park Festival’s summer season
6/16 - Haitink’s fanatical view of Beethoven proves an electric experience
6/14 - Kalmar set to open his tenth season with the Grant Park Music Festival
6/14 - Fliter’s Bach and Beethoven offer compelling keyboard artistry
6/11 - Haitink’s polished style misses some of Beethoven’s idiosyncrasy
6/10 - Music of the Baroque names new chorus director
6/7 - Chamber music program reveals Beethoven at his most revolutionary
6/7 - Uneven production apart, Lecuona’s “Maria” worth seeing
6/6 - dal niente closes season with memorable program of modern French music
6/6 - Beethoven Fest continues with a spirited Second and a mixed “Eroica”
6/5 - Light Opera Works opens 30th season with a delightful “Yeomen of the Guard”
6/5 - Baroque Band serves up Bach harpsichord extravaganza in season finale
6/4 - Blind “miracle” pianist a marvel, yet artistically a work in progress
6/3 - Haitink and CSO open Beethoven Festival in spirited, dynamic style
6/1 - Sterling Brahms opens Rush Hour summer series
5/31 - June Events
5/31 - Corigliano Festival ends in style, drawing large crowd to Millennium Park
5/27 - A routine Rush Hour for de Burgos, CSO
5/24 - Lyric Opera breaks even with help from its reserves
5/24 - Composer Stucky, Chicago Chamber Musicians team up for bracing afternoon of music
5/22 - Corigliano’s “Ghosts” remains problematic but receives a spirited revival at Northwestern
5/21 - Powerful U.S premiere and magnificent Mahler provide a CSO season highlight with Bychkov
5/20 - Fulcrum Point closes out season with plugged-in evening
5/18 - Sinfonietta’s lightweight finale may prove significant for orchestra’s future
5/17 - Haefliger’s keyboard artistry at its finest in Mozart
5/15 - Corigliano’s Third Symphony gets a local debut with maximum impact
5/15 - Dudamel and L.A. Phil deliver thrilling performance at Orchestra Hall
5/14 - New concerto an effective star vehicle for Yo-Yo Ma, but short on musical substance
5/13 - Past, present and future well represented at Rembrandt Chamber Players’ season finale
5/12 - Flicka’s farewell
5/10 - Ferris Chorale serves up a bracing, richly varied Baltic blast
5/9 - “Three Decembers” is slight stuff, but von Stade luminous in her opera farewell
5/9 - “Circus Maximus” to open two-week Corigliano Festival with a blast
5/8 - Music of the Baroque closes season with a vocal feast including Telemann rarity
5/7 - Rare Martinů and familiar Debussy and Tchaikovsky make for compelling CSO program
5/7 - Harris Theater extends discount for 2010-2011 season
5/4 - dal niente serves up two contrasted world premieres
5/4 - Chicago Philharmonic’s Beethoven Ninth thrilling and thoughtful
5/3 - Young violist’s debut sparks Ars Viva’s season finale
5/2 - Marking its 60th anniversary season, the Elgin Symphony takes a trip to Hollywood
5/1 - Belcea Quartet’s artistry blooms in hothouse conditions
5/1 - Russian cellist makes spectacular American debut with Pinnock and the CSO
5/1 - May Events
4/27 - Prize-winning teen violist to be center stage in Ars Viva season finale
4/27 - Timeless and individual, Richard Goode’s artistry shines in Bach and Haydn
4/26 - Trio Settecento closes Chicago Early Music Festival in buoyant French style
4/26 - Fine cast and musical values undermined by postmodern silliness in COT’s “Giasone”
4/23 - Van Zweden’s fresh, invigorating Rachmaninoff sparks populist CSO program
4/22 - Chicago Early Music Festival opens despite volcanic impact on scheduled artists
4/21 - Piston’s music fares best in Chicago Ensemble’s mixed season closer
4/20 - Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, soloists, and choirs make a mighty sound with Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand”
4/19 - Clarinetist McGill returns home to join Avalon Quartet in Brahms
4/18 - Chicago Opera Theater’s excellent cast and superb conductor lead Rossini’s static “Moses” out of the desert
4/17 - Zehetmair brings austere audacity to Viennese program with Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
4/16 - Mason Bates’ musical notes from underground a mesmerizing vehicle for CSO, Hubbard Street Dance
4/16 - ABT’s engaging principals and handsome production provide a worthy “Swan Lake”
4/15 - American Ballet Theatre opens in lively style with short blasts from the recent past
4/14 - Suburban orchestra to tackle Mahler’s epic Symphony of a Thousand
4/12 - Pollini’s grace and spontaneity provide magical Chopin program
4/12 - Lang Lang serves up propulsive Prokofiev and mixed Mozart at the Harris Theater
4/12 - Chicago Chamber Choir offers wide-ranging selections in earthy program
4/11 - Back to the future with Rossini’s “Moses” kicking off Chicago Opera Theater season
4/9 - Poetic and elegant, Ax’s Chopin does Polish composer proud with Elder, CSO
4/8 - Rachlin and Academy deliver fiery take on Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons”
4/6 - Colorful Civic Orchestra program provides Constant pleasure
4/6 - Callisto Ensemble closes season in style with folk music, East and West
4/5 - Lang Lang strives for delicate balance between celebrity and artistry
4/2 - Elder, CSO bring sterling advocacy to Elgar’s majestic Second Symphony
4/1 - Orion Ensemble brings heartfelt lyricism to contrasted works
3/31 - April Events
3/30 - Young Mexican conductor makes terrific Chicago debut with Sinfonietta
3/29 - Winning Mozart concerto aces Music of the Baroque’s mixed doubles
3/29 - Bella Voce delivers engaging account of Monteverdi’s astonishing Vespers
3/28 - Polish pianist makes impressive U.S. debut in Chopin tribute concert
3/26 - Jurowski makes admirable CSO debut yet Russian rarities offer mixed rewards
3/25 - Yo-Yo Ma provides engrossing journey in wide-ranging program
3/25 - Fulcrum Point serves up bracing night of diverse new music
3/24 - Rembrandt Chamber Players make a case for slenderized Mahler
3/22 - The enterprising Chicago Ensemble serves up 20th-century rarities along with Bach and Brahms
3/21 - MAVerick Ensemble offers a bracing program on a wintry night
3/20 - Barton Pine shines in Newberry Consort feast of violin rarities
3/19 - In duo roles, Uchida provides a memorable Mozart evening with CSO
3/17 - Music of the Baroque to expand in 40th anniversary season
3/17 - MusicNOW closes season with an arrivederci and Adams (not that one)
3/16 - Cabell’s Countess makes Lyric Opera’s stellar “Figaro” complete
3/15 - Eclectic Dominican University benefit concert offers something for everyone
3/15 - Pianist, Chicago Philharmonic strike sparks with Romantic program
3/14 - A wry, quirky take on hypochondria and a theatrical retooling of Schubert’s “Winterreise”
3/14 - Ferris Chorale and friends convey the luminous solace of Faure’s Requiem
3/13 - A Lenten feast with Labadie: CSO, soloists and chorus soar in Bach’s “Saint John Passion”
3/12 - Ambitious festival of Soviet music and art to launch in October
3/11 - In Spano’s bland CSO program, less is sometimes less
3/9 - Nicole Cabell to take over the Countess role in the Lyric’s “Figaro.”
3/9 - Civic’s Sibelius a bit too civilized in lackluster evening
3/8 - Isbin and O’Connor provide mellow pleasures at the Harris
3/7 - Chicago Opera Vanguard offers a modern, theatrical take on Schubert’s winter journey
3/6 - Chung, French orchestra offer luminous immersion in Ravel
3/5 - Gilmore winner Gerstein makes electrifying CSO debut with Rachmaninoff
3/5 - de Falla concerto makes worthy opener for Beyond Flamenco festival
3/4 - Baroque Band books an exquisite “Grand Tour”
3/3 - Music of the Baroque offers a Handel choral program fit for a king
3/2 - Kovacevich reveals variety and eccentricity at Symphony Center
3/1 - Violinist spotlights a Northern program from Ars Viva
3/1 - With a mostly terrific cast, Mozart’s “Figaro” closes Lyric season in style
3/1 - March Events
2/28 - dal niente’s reductionist take on Mahler’s “Das Lied” offers mixed success
2/27 - Orion String Quartet returns to Mandel Hall with generous program
2/26 - Rachmaninoff’s First Symphony receives a belated, electrifying CSO debut
2/26 - East meets West successfully as Fulcrum Point celebrates the Year of the Tiger
2/25 - New works and familiar faces to mark Muti’s debut CSO season
2/24 - Swedish Radio Choir soars in wide-ranging program
2/23 - Eclecticism and intimacy still stalwarts of the Chicago Ensemble experience
2/23 - Newberry Consort gives inspired advocacy to Biber rarities
2/21 - Glorious singing trumps audacious but muddled production in Lyric Opera’s “Damnation of Faust”
2/20 - Schubert trios given thrilling advocacy at Mandel Hall
2/19 - “Oedipus” rules! CSO, Tilson Thomas serve up a memorable night of Stravinsky
2/17 - Chorus to be in the spotlight this summer at Grant Park Music Festival
2/17 - Palomar Quartet brings a full evening of modern music to the Empty Bottle
2/16 - David Finckel and Wu Han find the right balance on and off the stage
2/15 - Berlioz makes a belated Lyric Opera bow with “Damnation of Faust”
2/15 - Chicago Chamber Musicians reveal the more intimate side of Bruckner
2/15 - Dalbavie’s Piano Trio the surprise hit of Bronfman chamber program
2/14 - With “Oboe Overload” ICE doubles the double-reed pleasure
2/13 - St. Olaf Choir shows adventurous spirit in wide-ranging program
2/12 - Bronfman, CSO majestic in Brahms, but Berg the surprise show-stealer under Tilson Thomas
2/11 - Avalon Quartet digs into mostly Russian program at Gottlieb Hall
2/11 - Boston’s Liber Ensemble to replace canceled Trio Mediaeval
2/9 - Dark and tantalizing CCM program spotlights Lee Hyla and friends
2/9 - Oundjian and Civic outstanding in Mahler’s bizarro Seventh
2/7 - Lyric Opera’s second cast makes for a still-enjoyable “Elixir”
2/6 - Music of the Baroque delivers an impassioned Mozart Requiem
2/5 - Oundjian, CSO get to the English heart of Vaughan Williams with a radiant Fifth Symphony
2/4 - Munro and Gunn deliver some of the finest flute playing of the season at Ganz Hall
2/1 - Lupu’s detached style shorts Schubert’s drama in mixed program
1/31 - February Events
1/30 - Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet triumphs over distractions at Mandel Hall
1/27 - Muti to lead concert performances of “Otello” in inaugural season
1/26 - Lyric Opera to offer a balanced, conservative lineup next season, with 11% fewer performances
1/26 - Brett Dean’s “Eclipse” highlights Callisto Ensemble program
1/25 - Winter Chamber Festival closes with warm-hearted Schubert and Boccherini
1/25 - MusicNow’s Boulez program rounds off month-long tribute in style
1/24 - Winning cast provides the magic brew in Lyric Opera’s delightful “Elixir”
1/23 - Europa Galante brings bracing, aggressive weather to “Four Seasons”
1/22 - In duo roles, Boulez spotlighted, magnificently, with CSO
1/19 - King’s dream fuses with Beethoven for heart-warming Sinfonietta event
1/18 - Winter Chamber Festival continues with memorable Tchaikovsky
1/18 - Webern’s concise music given sterling advocacy by Robertson, Civic Orchestra
1/17 - Contempo’s classical and jazz mix makes for bracing night at the Harris
1/15 - Robertson, CSO ignite in Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”
1/13 - Young conductor takes a low-key approach to life and music
1/12 - Brahms’ Classical roots manifest in his most epic chamber works
1/11 - Pacifica Quartet scales the Everest of Beethoven’s Op. 130
1/11 - Ars Viva takes an eclectic and enjoyable musical road trip
1/11 - Emanuel Ax brings warmth to a chilly afternoon
1/10 - Tenor makes impressive debut in Lyric’s second-cast Tosca
1/9 - Winter Chamber Music Festival opens with wide-ranging program
1/9 - Baroque Band pays homage to Pergolesi with a moving “Stabat Mater”
1/8 - Boulez, CSO open year with compelling Bartok and ravishing Ravel
1/7 - CSO to mark Boulez’s 85th birthday in style
1/4 - Strauss salute leads off new year in Viennese style

2009

12/29 - January Events
12/28 - Despite some creaky planks, Light Opera Works’ “Pirates” manages to stay afloat
12/20 - The Top 7 Performances of 2009
12/19 - Even with the diva distractions, Battle’s artistry still shines
12/19 - CSO welcomes Yule in family-friendly fashion
12/18 - Festive music shines brightest in Music of the Baroque’s Christmas program
12/18 - Chicago Symphony serves up an offbeat seasonal take on Tchaikovsky
12/15 - Chicago Chamber Choir sings the season, French style
12/15 - Yo-Yo Ma named CSO consultant
12/14 - “Hammerklavier” summit unscaled, Goodyear elsewhere shows elegance and virtuosity
12/12 - ICE chills with three new works for bass clarinets and flutes
12/11 - Kraemer and the CSO team up for delightful Haydn and Mozart
12/10 - Critic’s Choice
12/9 - eighth blackbird’s artsy staging of Schoenberg’s “Lunaire” proves a wounded duck
12/9 - Henze premiere in the spotlight with Stenz and the Civic Orchestra
12/9 - Chanticleer’s Christmas show continues appealing mix, sacred and profane
12/8 - Singer, Callisto Ensemble make strong case for Respighi’s neglected vocal music
12/8 - Nicholas Kraemer, a conductor who thrives on defying expectatations
12/7 - Messiaen’s transcendent quartet is the people’s choice for Rembrandt Chamber Players
12/6 - With its flaws, Lyric Opera’s lively “Merry Widow” pops the vocal cork successfully
12/6 - Bella Voce offers tasty and eclectic holiday buffet
12/5 - Ferris Chorale rings in the season in wide-ranging, adventurous style
12/4 - An individual take on Mahler highlights Stenz’s CSO program
12/4 - dal niente serves up disturbingly memorable night of new music
12/4 - Strike averted as Lyric Opera musicians and management come to terms
12/3 - Lyric Opera musicians call a strike for Saturday’s “Merry Widow” opening
12/3 - Critic’s Choice
11/29 - December Events
11/23 - MusicNOW’s British program offers spirited jazz and a tragic song cycle
11/23 - Jovanovich makes impressive debut, Mattila disappoints in Lyric’s uneven “Katya”
11/22 - ACM serves up array of modern works, mostly made in America
11/21 - ICE heats up MCA with Saariaho’s timeless, compelling music
11/20 - Pianist’s stellar CSO debut a high point of Dohnanyi’s program
11/19 - Song cycle given compelling premiere by soprano, Orion Ensemble
11/19 - Upshaw, eighth blackbird take flight in Golijov’s “Ayre”
11/17 - Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic return with warmth and brilliance
11/17 - Kraemer mixes familiar Vivaldi with rarities in elemental Music of the Baroque program
11/16 - Kaler’s superb Brahms performance with Ars Viva, a season highlight
11/16 - Chicago Philharmonic offers fitful passion in chamber program
11/15 - Rzewski’s powerful premiere highlights Contempo concert
11/13 - Fulcrum Point’s “Inner Torments” merely skims surface of multi-media misery
11/13 - Bernstein’s “Mass” gets a rare but welcome revival at Northwestern
11/13 - CSO’s majestic Bruckner eventually reaches the summit
11/11 - Violinist Ilya Kaler brings a scholar’s evolving perspective to Brahms
11/10 - Feltsman’s remarkable virtuosity cuts to the music’s heart of darkness
11/10 - Chicago Chamber Musicians go for Baroque
11/7 - Dawn Upshaw, Saint Paul ensemble unveil new song cycle at Mandel Hall
11/7 - Young Italian singer’s recital showcases a genuine rising star
11/6 - Haitink and the CSO glorious in Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer” music
11/3 - Sinfonietta’s night at the musical comedy club provokes mixed guffaws
11/3 - Colnot, Civic Orchestra take a musical flight to Rio
11/3 - Venezuela-born Italian bass is rising to great heights
11/2 - After a broken string, a memorable afternoon with the Pacifica Quartet
11/1 - November Events
11/1 - When Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” are upstaged by the instrument
10/31 - Details prove devilish with Lyric’s second-cast “Faust”
10/30 - “Adam” song cycle given first-rate sendoff by young baritone and CSO
10/29 - Vocal firepower and a handsome production overcome the stilted drama in Lyric’s “Ernani”
10/28 - Former CSO fund-raiser hired as new Grant Park Music Festival chief
10/26 - Ars Viva’s rousing Mendelssohn program avoids the usual repertorial suspects
10/26 - Garrick Ohlsson brings refined power to Romantic program
10/26 - Strings in the spotlight as Rembrandt Chamber Players open 20th season
10/25 - Chicago Chamber Choir takes audience on a spiritual journey
10/23 - Muti’s Verdian take on Brahms’ Requiem high on drama, low on consolation
10/21 - Injured by offstage mugger and onstage tenor, Sondra Radvanovsky perseveres to sing in Lyric Opera “Ernani”
10/19 - Fiddlers three at Chicago Philharmonic opener
10/19 - Bella Voce gives eloquent voice to two rare requiems
10/17 - Andy Vores’ riveting “No Exit” a combustible winner for Chicago Opera Vanguard
10/17 - The heart of Glass
10/17 - CSO remains in the black and Muti charms at annual meeting
10/17 - Handel with care: Music of the Baroque’s “Acis” opener celebrates long legacy
10/16 - Muti returns, with balletic Bruckner and memorable Mozart
10/16 - “Keeping Score” kicks off new season Sunday
10/15 - Being and Opera-ness: Chicago Opera Vanguard enters season with “No Exit”
10/14 - Glennie’s powerful solo turn sparks São Paulo orchestra’s Chicago debut
10/13 - Orion Ensemble leads off with robust, thoughtful program
10/12 - Racing to Chicago, Tetzlaff puts individual stamp on Bach violin marathon
10/10 - ICE opens season with Italian modernist cool
10/10 - ATOS Trio opens Mandel Hall series with emotion and brilliance
10/9 - CSO opens subscription concerts with a maestro switch, Joshua Bell in two works, and a debut by a 268-year-old
10/9 - With guest Alex Klein, Baroque Band takes a trip to Italy
10/8 - When authors dare to compose
10/8 - Indiana native to conduct Orquestra de São Paulo in Chicago debut
10/7 - Lyric Opera’s searing “Faust” offers one hell of a vocal feast
10/6 - MusicNOW spotlights a pair of American and Hungarian originals
10/6 - Chicago Chamber Musicians bring exuberance and depth to Barber and Stravinsky
10/4 - West meets East as Sinfonietta kicks off transitional season
10/4 - Fleming’s Strauss soars in CSO gala concert
10/3 - Back from Europe, Chicago Symphony opens season in exhilarating style
9/30 - October Events
9/29 - CSO’s training orchestra remains a Civic treasure
9/28 - Chicago Chamber Musicians give voice to Lieberson premiere
9/27 - Lyric Opera’s “Tosca” opens season with mixed success
9/24 - Russian tenor takes a less-traveled path to Puccini
9/24 - Chicago Chamber Musicians to premiere Wright-inspired work this weekend
9/23 - Met’s “Tosca” opens season with hoary new cliches
9/19 - Avalon String Quartet opens 15th season in refined style
9/17 - Critic’s Choice
9/14 - High-voltage Tchaikovsky spotlights Chicago Chamber Musicians opener
9/12 - Stars and young artists strut their stuff at Lyric Opera’s lakefront concert
9/11 - Chicago Symphony principal flutist takes a job in LA—while keeping his CSO post
9/8 - Pianist’s musical passion helped him triumph over near-fatal illness
8/28 - September Events
8/26 - Bailey and Dinnerstein take disruptive Ravinia audience on epic Beethoven journey
8/26 - The Eroica Trio returns to Ravinia with light, engaging program
8/23 - Vickers’ Moor revisited and Domingo’s “Otello” farewell
8/20 - Hvorostovsky brings operatic intensity to Russian song
8/16 - Hvorostovsky’s persona, dramatic vocalism make Rigoletto a sexy villain
8/15 - Grant Park Festival storms the heavens in Beethoven finale
8/15 - Yo-Yo Ma draws a vast crowd to Ravinia
8/14 - Tokyo String Quartet celebrates its 40th anniversary at Ravinia
8/13 - Kalmar, Grant Park Orchestra take trip to Italy on second-class fare
8/13 - Lyric Opera to serve up pasta with Puccini
8/12 - Habermann and the Desert Chorale do Handel right
8/10 - Galway shows relaxed charm at Ravinia
8/8 - Mahler’s farewell given gleaming advocacy by Kalmar and the Grant Park Orchestra
8/7 - Hyperactive Dessay upstages Violetta in French soprano’s “Traviata” debut
8/6 - Pianist Fliter offers an unconventional performance of a conventional work at Grant Park
8/6 - A trifecta of Russian concertos with a Fort Worth connection
8/6 - Divine decadence with Weill and Stravinsky
8/5 - Santa Fe Opera shoots and scores with stylish opera noir “The Letter”
8/4 - At 70, the versatile Sir James Galway finds his inner Latin
8/3 - Fine cast, glitzy production provide mixed rewards in Santa Fe’s “Alceste”
8/2 - Public and private Shostakovich both given their due at Ravinia
8/1 - Kalmar, Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus scale the heavens in Elgar’s “Gerontius”
8/1 - August Events
7/30 - Finnish conductor makes impressive lakefront debut in music of his homeland
7/29 - Library nerds find love in delightful revamp of Handel’s “Acis and Galatea”
7/29 - When jazz and classical piano worlds collide—with surprising success
7/28 - Chicago Opera Theater to present Mostly Medea series
7/28 - Goerne, Eschenbach unforgettable in Schubert’s “Mullerin”
7/27 - Lang Lang shows mature virtuosity in the 10th anniversary of his Ravinia debut
7/26 - Cabell and Thomas prove a charismatic operatic duo at Grant Park
7/25 - Matthias Goerne set to launch Schubert marathon at Ravinia
7/25 - Eschenbach and Barto bring swing and panache to American music
7/24 - Hamelin’s traversal of four centuries of music more eclectic than effective
7/20 - Conlon’s Mahler cycle closes with a powerful, moving Ninth Symphony
7/19 - Ravinia’s gala plumbs deeper notes this year with Beethoven and Copland
7/18 - Violinist strikes sparks with belated Shostakovich premiere at Grant Park
7/17 - Hampson and Rutenberg take audience on memorable journey through American song
7/16 - Conlon, Chicago Symphony Orchestra serve up powerful Prokofiev
7/16 - Conductor makes impressive lakefront debut with French music, mostly from the dark side
7/14 - Susan Graham engages the head and the heart with a century of French song
7/11 - Mahler song-cycle caught between heaven and Earth at Ravinia
7/11 - A Grant Park evening mostly sublime with Gilbert and Sullivan
7/9 - Magnificent Bruckner by Graf, Grant Park Orchestra warms a chilly night
7/8 - CSO’s summer opener with Bronfman upstaged by Ravinia’s Jumbotrons
7/6 - Bronfman and Zukerman ChamberPlayers team up for glorious Mozart and Schumann
7/3 - Leon Fleisher shines at Ravinia with a little help from his friends
7/2 - Grant Park Festival marks 75th season with charming blast from the past
7/1 - Grant Park Chorus soars in American program
7/1 - July events
6/27 - Kalmar, Grant Park musicians give strong and eloquent advocacy to American music, circa 1935
6/24 - Haydn’s “Sun” quartets also rise, taking the genre with it
6/20 - Indian corn adds little to Elder’s illuminating visit to Dvorak’s “New World”
6/20 - With unplanned weather, Torke’s “Plans” receives ardent if soggy premiere
6/19 - CSO’s Dvorak Festival closes with a generous serving of rarities
6/18 - Making no small musical plans: Grant Park to premiere new work inspired by Daniel Burnham
6/17 - Violinist Ehnes strikes sparks in a lively lakefront program of English music
6/15 - Emerson Quartet spices Dvorak fest with varied menu of chamber works
6/14 - Dvorak rarities, youthful and mature, spotlight CSO’s festival
6/14 - Lincoln tribute lost in morass of muddled music and multimedia
6/13 - The joys of Soviet reforestation, delivered in a rousing performance by Kalmar and the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus
6/11 - Dvorak Fest offers another impressive CSO debut and a magnificent Eighth Symphony
6/11 - Teaching Russian warhorses new tricks at Grant Park’s 75th season opener
6/10 - MusicNOW wraps season with varied lineup of hits and misses
6/6 - Celebrating its 75th, Grant Park Music Festival to look back and forward this season
6/6 - Glorious but gutted “Camelot” opens Ravinia Festival
6/5 - Bohemian rhapsody: Dvorak fest opens with blazing debut by violinist Jansen
6/5 - Xenakis on ICE draws a sell-out crowd at MOCA
6/4 - Baroque Band closes season with Purcell and the best work Handel never wrote
6/4 - Chicago Early Music Festival to debut next spring
6/3 - Chicago Symphony’s three-week Dvorak Festival to close season in style
6/3 - “Greek” is no classic, yet young company gives Turnage opera an energetic local premiere
6/2 - June events
6/1 - Down-sized Philharmonic closes season with Mozart, will return to full strength in the fall
5/31 - Backer pulls funding, but Chicago Opera Vanguard will forge ahead with Turnage’s controversial “Greek”
5/27 - Conductor Labadie fails to strike sparks with CSO in monochrome Mozart and Haydn.
5/25 - No looking Bach with Angela Hewitt’s forward-looking “Goldberg” Variations
5/22 - Turnage’s “Scorched” ignites Orchestra Hall in triumphant melding of jazz and classical
5/20 - When musical worlds collide, politely
5/19 - Haydn in plain sight
5/17 - COT’s fine cast and stylish staging can’t save Britten’s talky, turgid “Wingrave”
5/15 - Sibelius 5, Beethoven 2 in Vanska’s CSO program with Znaider
5/12 - Sinfonietta closes season with aquatic theme, looks to the future
5/11 - Chicago Opera Theater strikes sparks with post-Bizet “Carmen”
5/9 - Haitink, CSO majestic in final Shostakovich symphony
5/8 - Introduction and Allegro
5/8 - May events
5/5 - At 70 (no, really), Ellen Taaffe Zwilich remains as energetic and youthful as her music

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