DETROIT — The compositions of Wynton Marsalis now extend to a substantial catalog in jazz and classical genres that includes many works for jazz ensembles, oratorios (Blood on the Fields, All Rise), a string quartet, sacred works (In This House, The Abyssinian Mass), numerous film and dance scores and four symphonies. This is a hugely impressive accomplishment, and the bulk … [Read more...]
RSNO, brilliant Benedetti make for exceptional night of music
Founded in 1891 as the Scottish Orchestra in Edinburgh, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra added the word “National” in 1951 and in 1977, when Queen Elizabeth II became its patron, the word “Royal” took precedence as its prefix. Over the years great conductors have led the orchestra: Sir John Barbirolli, Walter Susskind and George Szell to name three. Its principal … [Read more...]
Violinist Benedetti taking career (and Marsalis concerto) to new level
Last week, as she prepared for her Florida tour with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Nicola Benedetti was having a little trouble getting used to her instrument again, particularly the bow. “It’s like a cello bow right now. Or a double bass,” she said, speaking by phone from her home base in London. That’s because she had just gotten off the road after a 13-concert … [Read more...]