It is said there are two things you want to be very certain about handing to a composer: a microphone, and a conductor’s baton. That’s obviously not true of everyone, but I definitely try to avoid the baton. Read the full post

I heard a surprising number of people claim “I’m not smart enough for classical music” while out at a public event recently. I have some things to say about that, but if you read only this introduction to the post let me sum it up in three words: Yes, you are! Read the full post

This isn’t exactly a new complaint on my part, so it’s really no secret that I’m not a fan of performers defaulting to concert black most of the time. It came up in conversation again recently, and there was actually a specific request for me to write a post about it, so let’s dive in to my thoughts. Read the full post

It has been another Remembrance Day for another year.  In the course of this year’s services, I was able to hear three different choral settings of John McCrae’s famous WWI poem “In Flanders Fields”, and I found myself musing on how all the settings I’ve heard over the years are maybe too “pretty.” Read the full post

Excelsis: A New Choral Project has now had its first concert.  And I think, though I may be somewhat biased having been a member of the choir, that it was a resounding success. Read the full post

First off:  yes, I know, I have committed the ultimate musical sacrilege – the stones are being gathered, and the pitchforks are being sharpened.  But I really and truly do not like Handel’s Messiah.  (And I’m actually not alone) Read the full post