Classical Spotlight

Alison Balsom's U.S. tour covers the east coast, west coast and luckily, Texas! Trumpet fans around the country have been heralding Balsom as she performs with the Scottish Ensemble.  

In this interview, she shares insights about traveling with two trumpets and a two year old,  as well as keeping things fresh musically night after night. Alison is also excited to be on stage this summer in a new play written for her!

Mixing genres in music can be easily compared to cooking, or baking. But none of them are easy tasks. While Simone Dinnerstein and Tift Merritt make it sound (and even look) effortless, their journey together wasn't easy. Night, their collaboration out now on Sony Classical, is delicious.

The Uptown Brass Quintet consists of the principal brass players from the Minnesota Orchestra (according to writer/critic Alex Ross as "the greatest orchestra in the world.") This particular ensemble of musicians have been playing over a decade together, and you'll hear it in their comradery and especially in their music making.  Typically the group presents community concerts and educational outreach around Minnesota and whereever the orchestra is touring. But since last October, these musicians have been locked out of work.

The Cypress String Quartet has been together for over 15 years, and the latest project shows their roots - and their uncanny charm in Antonin Dvorak's "Cypresses," & "Opus 106." The album also marks their first recording with Avie Records, having previously produced their own albums and worked with Naxos and Summit Records.

The Cypress Quartet's playing is refined and passionate. Both works on the album are highly crafted, although they come from different times in Dvorak's life, and the quartet allows each to shine. 

Tom Dooling leads Parts 2 & 3 of Handel's masterpiece  

Handel's Messiah Parts II and III are the program this Sunday for the Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church, accompanied by a baroque ensemble playing on period instruments. Tom Dooling conducts the free concert that starts at 4 p.m.

"Messiah was popular in its day, and throughout history a real staple," says Dooling. "It is probably one of the most, if not THE most recognizable choral/orchestral works in the repertoire."