Gezim Myshekta as Don Giovanni.By Greg StepanichChekhov’s rule in theater was this: If you’ve got a gun on stage, you’re going to have to fire it at some point.By the same token, if you promise people a monster, you’re going to have to show it. But the Palm Beach Opera’s new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which opened Friday night at the Kravis Center, dispenses with the … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Feb. 19-21
Anne-Marie Duff, Helen Mirrenand Paul Giamatti in The Last Station. Film: Fans of great acting have a new must-see movie opening this weekend in The Last Station, a diary-based fictional account of the final days of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy. He is played with crafty charm by Christopher Plummer, but the film really revolves around his wife Sofya (Helen Mirren, giving the … [Read more...]
Music review: Platt bids farewell to Boca Symphonia with distinctive program
Conductor Alexander Platt.By Greg StepanichAlexander Platt’s final concert over the weekend as the principal conductor of the Boca Raton Symphonia was a good example of the kind of event that has distinguished his three-year tenure: fresh programming, young, rising soloists, and an affection for canonical works that allows him to see well-established pieces with new eyes.He’s … [Read more...]
Music review: Cellist Gabetta a standout at Detroit SO concert
Cellist Sol Gabetta. (Photo by Marco Borggreve)By Greg StepanichIf Sol Gabetta had done nothing else besides come out and play her concerto, the young Argentinian cellist might have attracted additional attention for the balletic, kinetic way she moved behind her cello, or the way she smiled and nodded her head along with the music during the moments she wasn’t playing.But … [Read more...]
Weekend picks: Feb. 12-16
You (2010), by Sibel Kocabasi.Next week, Upon a Time, an exhibition featuring collaboration between ceramic sculptor Brian Somerville and painter Sibel Kocabasi, opens on the Eissey Campus of Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens.Kocabasi, a Turkish-born artist who received the Hector Ubertalli Award in 2006 and exhibits widely, creates paintings that “reflect the … [Read more...]
Music review: Amelia Trio excellent in program of teen trios
The Amelia Piano Trio: Anthea Kreston, Rieko Aizawa and Jason Duckles.By Greg StepanichFrederic Chopin did not write much chamber music, but it's fair to say that the two major works that qualify -- the early Piano Trio and the late Cello Sonata -- have been too often overlooked.In this bicentenary year of Chopin's birth, the Connecticut-based Amelia Piano Trio is redressing … [Read more...]
Music review: Claremonts offer high spirits, taste in Four Arts concert
The Claremont Trio.By Greg StepanichThe Claremont Trio began in modest fashion 11 years ago at the Juilliard School, and since then the threesome has made well-received recordings and built up a strong following.And the three players -- violinist Emily Bruskin and her twin sister, cellist Julia Bruskin, and the Canadian-born pianist Donna Kwong -- have shown some … [Read more...]
Music review: Piano fest wraps with three names to watch
Pianist Gen Tomuro.By Greg StepanichLike better-known programs of its ilk, the young International Certificate of Piano Artists program is a good way for rising stars of the classical piano to get expert advice, and for aficionados of the art to catch some rising stars.Thursday night at the DeSantis Family Chapel on the campus of Palm Beach Atlantic University, the Palm Beach … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Feb. 5-10
Dovima With Elephants (1955), by Richard Avedon.(© 2010, The Richard Avedon Foundation)Art: On Tuesday at the Norton Museum of Art, an exhibit opens featuring the work of fashion photographer Richard Avedon (1923-2004). Avedon revolutionized the look of fashion photography, and did much to turn photographers and models into celebrities. His innovative and imaginative … [Read more...]
Music review: O’Connor dazzles in Wellington show
Violinist Mark O'Connor.By Bill MeredithForty-eight-year-old violinist Mark O'Connor already has a 35-year recording career covering almost every style of music.And he drew upon all of his experience -- starting out as a guitarist in legendary French violinist Stephane Grappelli's swing band, working with iconic bluegrass mandolinist David Grisman, doubling on violin and … [Read more...]