UK singers have reasons to be hopeful at Metropolitan Opera district auditions
By Rich Copley rcopley@herald-leader.com
A couple of University of Kentucky students might be wondering whether the third time will be the charm at this year's Metropolitan Opera National Council Kentucky District Auditions.
REVIEW: Difficult program a rhythmic romp for guest conductor, pianist
By Loren Tice Contributing Music Critic
When the search for a new conductor for the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra began in September 2007, the Herald-Leader's Rich Copley speculated about some of the eleven programs being more difficult to conduct than others. The last two concerts certainly show that to be a valid issue.
He can trace his career to 'Fantasia'
By Rich Copley rcopley@herald-leader.com
For Jeffrey Pollock, it started with Fantasia.
“Before I'd ever seen any live music, my parents took me to a showing of Fantasia on a big screen,” Pollock says, recalling his childhood in San Diego. “That opening sequence with Stokowski conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra, where with the timpani strokes the drum would glow red or something, I was done. I was completely hooked.”Hot tickets: Jeff Dunham, Stars on Ice, Kentucky Junior Miss, more
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Critic's picks: Sonny Rollins, William Parker Quartet
By Walter Tunis Contributing Music Critic
Saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins and bassist/composer William Parker were born a generation and perhaps even a jazz lifetime apart.
Rollins remains the weary perfectionist, a product of bop tutelage who, at age 78, continues his lifelong search for the perfect — or, least the most befitting — tenor sax tone he can summon.
Choir celebrates 18 years of singing gospel
By Beth Musgrave bmusgrave@herald-leader.com
More than 18 years ago, the Rev. Arlester Washington returned to Kentucky after a 22-year hiatus in Chicago. For a state rich in music, it was missing a presence on the world gospel stage.
Al Green is always touching up his work
By Walter Tunis Contributing Music Writer
"Man, I wish the Derby was going on while I was there," said the Rev. Al Green of his upcoming performance in Kentucky. "We could go out and put some money on those horses. But seeing as I'm a preacher, I'd have to keep my bets to $2.50."
Spankers are back in town
By Walter Tunis Contributing Music Writer
With local performances that date back to the summer of 1996, has Lexington been able to succinctly sum up the music and performance strategies of the Asylum Street Spankers?
Teen pianist fills his whole life with music
By Rich Copley rcopley@herald-leader.com
Conrad Tao cannot remember a time when he was not playing an instrument.
Music review: Lexington Singers rises to challenge
By Rich Copley rcopley@herald-leader.com
Classical music audiences are so oriented to hearing works that are decades, if not centuries old, it can be easy to forget the thrill of hearing something brand new.
Singing in the new
By Rich Copley rcopley@herald-leader.com
A 50th-anniversary concert is often a chance to hit the archives and pull out grand old pieces that have sustained and been landmarks for a group over the decades. That's not what the Lexington Singers is doing, though.
Mates of State makes an instrumental change
By Walter Tunis Contributing Music Writer
Let's address the seemingly biggest shift in Mates of State's music right off the bat. Since the duo's inception more than a decade ago, Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner constructed their luminously bright indie-pop songs almost exclusively on drums and keyboards. And not just any keyboards, but a 1970s organ with a huge, swelling and marvelously organic sound.
Hot tickets: Juliana Hatfield, Bryan Adams, Rascal Flatts
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Critic's picks: Harold Budd and Clive Wright, Fripp & Eno
By Walter Tunis Contributing Music Critic
While wading through Pensive Aphrodite, the hypnotic 32-minute opening suite on A Song for Lost Blossoms, keyboardist and ambient-music pioneer Harold Budd and guitarist Clive Wright unexpectedly peel back the years.