Mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens and soprano Ruth Ann Swenson sing during the finale of Beethoven's Ninth at the Kravis Center on Friday night.By Greg StepanichSeeing the gigantic forces arrayed on the stage of the Kravis Center, one couldn't help wondering whether the audience was about to hear a performance of the Mahler Eighth Symphony.But all those people were there Friday … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Dec. 11-15
Ann Curry, before one of her photosat the Palm Beach Photographic Centre.(Photo by Bill Antaleck)Art: Emotionally moving and dynamic color and black-and-white photographs by NBC's Ann Curry are currently featured at the newly reopened Palm Beach Photographic Centre. The exhibit, titled Empathy, will be on display through Jan. 21. Curry was at the Centre last Friday and Saturday … [Read more...]
Music review: Delray brings power, passion to Beethoven, Franck
César Franck (1822-1890). By Greg StepanichThere were two moments Sunday afternoon in a concert by the Delray String Quartet that gave encouraging hints about the kind of ensemble this foursome is becoming.The first moment came in the first movement of the Beethoven Fourth Quartet (in C minor, Op. 18, No. 4), around about the recapitulation, when it suddenly became clear that … [Read more...]
Music review: Soloists shine for Judd’s return in ‘Messiah’
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759).By Greg StepanichAnnual performances of George Frideric Handel's oratorio Messiah at this time of year are always of the so-called Christmas portion, that close-to-half of this Easter piece that touches on the birth of Jesus.In his return to area podiums for the first time since 2001, former Florida Philharmonic director James Judd leads … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Dec. 4-7
Twin Palms, by S. Bart Barchat.Art: Some people may believe that all the art action is happening in Miami this week, but there’s plenty to see on the art scene in Palm Beach and Martin counties:Falls at Manitoga, by S. Bart Barchat.At the Lake Park Library, S. Bart Barchat is the featured artist for December 2009. A New York native, Barchat has traveled the world with his … [Read more...]
Music feature: Delray Quartet embarks on expansion
The Delray String Quartet rehearses last Sunday.(Photo by Greg Stepanich)By Greg StepanichIt's difficult to predict what will happen years down the road in any arts endeavor, given the vagaries of unreliable economics and audience taste.But for the foreseeable future, there will be a Delray String Quartet in some form or another. Founder Don Thompson won't have it any other … [Read more...]
ArtsPaper Interview: James Judd moves ahead, moves on
James Judd. (Illustration by Pat Crowley)By Greg StepanichWhen James Judd takes the stage during the first week of December to lead the Boca Raton Symphonia and the Master Chorale of South Florida in three performances of George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Messiah in Boca, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it will mark his first appearances with local musicians since 2001.The former … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Nov. 27-29
Domestic Deity, by Bethany Krull. Art: Sculptor Bethany Krull's technical expertise is matched by the strength of her intellectual concepts, which focus on the relationship of humans to the natural world. This Saturday evening, Mulry Fine Art in Palm Beach hosts the opening of a solo show by Krull called Dominance and Affection. "It seems that the most intimate connection we … [Read more...]
Music review: New chamber group shows heart, nerve in debut
William Blake's A Poison Tree.By Greg StepanichStarting a chamber music collective isn’t necessarily the easiest thing in the world to do, but in their debut concert Saturday at the Steinway Gallery in Boca Raton, the members of Vivre Musicale showed they have a good sense of what it will take for long-term success.Founded by tenor Jorge Toro and clarinetist Berginald Rash, … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Nov. 20-22
A pitcher by Ellen Bates.Art: Today and tomorrow, the Ceramic League of the Palm Beaches is holding its annual holiday sale and exhibit. On display will be affordable, handmade art that is ideal for gifts, including pottery, sculpture, fused glass and mixed media. The Ceramic League is a nonprofit artist group dedicated to the advancement of its members as well as promoting … [Read more...]