KPAC Blog

Imani Winds: Tiny Desk Concert

Tom Huizenga — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:18:50 +0000

When Igor Stravinsky began composing The Rite of Spring, his ballet for vast symphonic forces, he could hear the music in his head but couldn't quite figure out how to write it down.

100 Years Of Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring"

James Baker and Ron Moore — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:03:46 +0000

2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the first performance of Igor Stravinsky's landmark ballet "Le Sacre du Printemps," commonly known as "The Rite of Spring."

James Baker and Ron Moore, for many years co-hosts of KPAC's Alternate Routes, recently took time out to reflect on the meaning of 100 years of The Rite of Spring.

There are essentially two versions of Igor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.

200 Years Of Richard Wagner And The Will Of Music

Ron Moore — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:45:07 +0000

Wagner's incredible and improbable success is one of the fairytale's of high art. The late Jacques Barzun referred to his position in later life as: "That of a Lord of all the arts."

Randy Anderson has rightly commented on his association with the highest circles of the intellect and art: De Gobineau, Nietzsche, Semper, Meyerbeer, Berlioz and later Liszt, as Wagner would wed Cosima, the pianist's daughter.

So how did all this happen?

Gods And Monsters: 5 Unforgettable Wagner Moments

Tom Huizenga — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:34:11 +0000

How much do you know about Richard Wagner? Probably two unfavorable facts: He wrote very long, grandiose operas and was Hitler's favorite composer. As true as they are, those simple examples barely hint at the complexity of this endlessly creative and confounding artist.

Two centuries after Wagner's birth (he was born in Leipzig May 22, 1813), the man and his music continue to beguile and bewilder fans, detractors and critics.

Opera Gala Premieres World Class Singers At The Majestic

John Clare — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:56:17 +0000

The Little Metronome That Wouldn't

Robert Krulwich — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:04:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1TMZASCR-I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWToUATLGzs

Chichester And Fern Hill On Horizon For Choral Society

John Clare — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:08:28 +0000

"Beyond the Horizon" is the season finale for the San Antonio Choral Society. The concert this Sunday afternoon at 3pm will be led by Jennifer Seighman.

Seighman will lead Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein, as well as music by living composers like John Corigliano. "I've based the program on poetry," Jennifer states. "What lies behind us, what lies before us, what lies beyond us - are tiny matters compared to what is within us. It comes from a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote."

French Master Shows Romantic Side With Mozart Gem

John Clare — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:43:34 +0000

Two works share the San Antonio Symphony program this weekend with conductor Sebastian Lang Lessing: Shostakovich's Symphony No.8 and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22 with soloist Michel Dalberto.

Music Of The Sun Lights Up Carver Center Friday

John Clare — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:14:32 +0000

For over 15 years, Ethel has been on the edge of chamber music - performing with rockers, on soundtracks, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and in the Grand Canyon.

Friday evening is a chance to hear the string quartet live and in person, along with Native American flutist Robert Mirabal.

Soothing Sounds From Pine's New Violin Lullabies

John Clare — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:32:39 +0000

London saw the printing of "Mother Goose-Melody" around 1765 - you might remember it from childhood, and perhaps even sung it to your child. Violinist Rachel Barton Pine has been singing to her daughter Sylvia, and decided to make an entire album of lullabies.