Classical Music entertainment in USA
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Taos Chamber Music Group
For classical and jazz, this group performs at venues throughout the region.
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A
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Near-perfect acoustics match the ambitious programs of the world-renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), which performs from October to April. Conductor James Levine makes a point to challenge his audience, leading a masterful orchestra through Brahms and Beethoven, Ravel and Rachmaninoff. Though occasionally playing outdoors at the Hatch Shell, their usual home is the beauteous Symphony Hall, featuring an ornamental high-relief ceiling and attracting a crowd dressed in their finest. It was designed in 1861 with the help of a Harvard physicist who pledged to make the building acoustically perfect (he succeeded). In summer months, the BSO retreats to Tanglewood in Wester…
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B
Merkin Concert Hall
This 450-seat hall, part of the Kaufman Center, which also runs a public arts school and public school for musically gifted kids, is one of the city’s more intimate venues for classical music. Following a light-and-airy $17 million renovation designed by local-favorite architect Robert AM Stern, this space (built in 1978) hosts a remarkable array of performances – mainly classical but with some avant-garde jazz and world music tossed in. Notable series include Tuesday matinees, which highlights up-and-coming classical solo artists; the New York Guitar Festival; and Family Matinees, which presents mini-musicals geared toward kids.
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C
Seattle Symphony
Under maestro Gerard Schwartz, the symphony earned its reputation as the heart of the Seattle classical music scene. At the time of research, Schwartz was in the midst of his final season with the symphony, to be replaced by French conductor Ludovic Morlot. Since Schwartz’s arrival in 1983 the symphony has presented several successful series and released a number of recordings to critical acclaim, in addition to building a spectacular concert hall and stellar reputation. Worth noting is the symphony’s Discover Music! series – concerts designed to introduce children to various aspects of classical music.
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D
New England Conservatory
Founded in 1867, the NEC is the country’s oldest music school. The conservatory hosts professional and student chamber and orchestral concerts in the acoustically superlative hall, which dates from 1904. Perhaps for better sight lines, the floor pitches slightly forward, and while perfectly safe, it gives some on the balcony an odd sensory experience. The Boston Philharmonic, Boston Modern Orchestra Project and From the Top (of National Public Radio fame) all make use of the hall.
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E
Bargemusic
Chamber-music concerts on this 125-seat docked ferryboat are a unique and intimate affair. For almost 30 years it has been a beloved venue, with beautiful views of the East River and Manhattan and performances of classical favorites, five days a week throughout the year. A recent and typical week’s lineup included a piano concert of Haydn, Schumann, Brahms and Bellman; the Mendelssohn string quartet playing Bartók and Elgar; and a night with a stellar jazz trio.
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F
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
LA's top chamber ensemble specializes in a wide repertory of music from the 17th century to the present. Performances take place at UCLA's Royce Hall , the Alex Theater in Glendale, west of Pasadena, and the Zipper Concert Hall at the Colburn School of Performing Arts.
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G
University of Miami School of Music
Held at the Gusman Concert Hall, as well as Clark Recital Hall, these free concerts highlighting university students are a bargain. Seek out the long-running international Festival Miami, which features symphonies, chamber music and jazz, and runs from late September to late October.
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H
New World Symphony
The deservedly heralded NWS serves as a three- to four-year preparatory program for very talented musicians who’ve already graduated from prestigious music schools. There are an astonishing number of inspiring and original performances (many of which are free), held at the Lincoln Theatre.
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I
Longy School of Music
George Longy was an oboist with the BSO before he decided to found the Longy School of Music in 1915. Now approaching its centennial, Longy is a well-respected training ground for classical musicians. Students and faculty show off the goods on an almost daily basis, often free of charge.
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Chopin Foundation of the United States
This national organization hosts a treasure trove of performances for Chopin fans – the Chopin Festival, a series of free monthly concerts and the less frequent National Chopin Piano Competition, an international contest held in Miami every five years.
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K
Chamber Music Teas
On some Fridays, members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra get together to perform during afternoon teas in the Cabot-Cahners room of Symphony Hall (doors open at 13:30, concert at 14:30). Consume coffee, tea and baked goods in the finest style.
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L
Portland Symphony Orchestra
The Portland Symphony has a solid reputation in these parts; it’s been around since 1924 and continues to perform popular classical and pop concerts, often with guest conductors or star performers sharing the limelight.
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M
Los Angeles Master Chorale
It may lack the glamour of the Phil or Opera, but this 120-voice choir gives consistently strong recitals infused with vigor and lyrical sensibility. Performances are from October to June at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
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Music Hall
The acoustically pristine Music Hall is Cincy's classical music venue, where the symphony orchestra, pops orchestra, opera and ballet hold their seasons. This is not the best neighborhood, so be cautious and park nearby.
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Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra
With only seven performances between September and April, you’ll have to be lucky to be in town for one, but if you are, it’s well worth a go. Concerts are held in the Ardrey Auditorium on the NAU campus.
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O
Severance Hall
Severance Hall is where the acclaimed Cleveland Symphony Orchestra holds its season (August to May). The orchestra's summer home is Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, about 22 miles south.
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P
Miami Chamber Symphony
Its yearly series features world-renowned soloists at shows held at the University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall, which is not to be confused with the downtown Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.
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Q
St Bartholomew’s Church
Several free performance series have found an extraordinary home at this landmark Anglican church, where the fine acoustics add a special touch to choir, cello, piano, violin and ensemble performances.
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R
Florida West Coast Symphony
In addition to sponsoring the Sarasota Music Festival in June, this symphony performs masterworks and ensemble performances with the Florida String Quartet and classical concerts at local venues.
reviewed
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Los Angeles Philharmonic
The world-class LA Phil performs classics and cutting-edge works at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. In 2009, the Phil welcomed Venezuelan wunderkind Gustavo Dudamel as its music director.
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St Louis Symphony Orchestra
Grand Center, west of downtown, is the heart of St Louis' theater scene and home of the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, which has 50 free tickets for most performances.
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New Haven Symphony Orchestra
Yale’s Woolsey Hall is home to most performances by this orchestra, whose season runs from October through April. The Pops series performs on Friday evenings.
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Royce Hall
Royce Hall includes performances by LA's top chamber ensemble who specialize in a wide repertory of music from the 17th century to the present.
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Hobo's
Past the old historic storefront is a classy restaurant-piano bar popular with older gay men. It's a quiet, relaxed place for a romantic dinner or drink.
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