KPAC Blog

An extended ovation greeted conductor James Levine last May when he returned to performing after a two-year absence. In 2011, he resigned as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and cancelled his performances at the Metropolitan Opera. He'd been plagued by health problems, injuries and operations, and it was painful for him to move. Many of his admirers, even he himself, feared he might never conduct again.

Sunny Yang joined Kronos Quartet in June 2013. Now, just five months later, the cellist she says she's learned quite a few new works — not just a handful, but about 70 pieces.

While the Saltarelli String Orchestra has been around for quite a while -- 45 years -- they've pretty much been under the radar.

"The Saltarelli String Orchestra is recognized at one of the oldest all-volunteer community string orchestras in the United States," said Linda Hart-Garrahan, who plays viola in the group.

The group is conducted by Florence Saltarelli and their concert for tonight has a pair of special guests.

Composer Benjamin Britten was born 100 years ago today, and the occasion is being marked by performances of his music around the world, from Carnegie Hall in New York to Memorial Hall in Tokyo.

Britten was a central figure of 20th-century classical music: He was a conductor, pianist and festival producer, as well as a composer. His best-known works include the opera Billy Budd, his War Requiem and The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.

[This post has been edited from when it first went online to reflect some of the winners in this year's categories.]