Opera Philadelphia's 'Coffin in Egypt': third review

Contemplating death

The story is by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Horton Foote, and the music is by one of the most accessible and tuneful composers of our time, Ricky Ian Gordon. The return of Frederica von Stade in the starring role is just the icing on the cake.

Steve Cohen

Jun 10, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read

Opera Philadelphia's 'Coffin in Egypt': second review

Immortal whining?

A Coffin in Egypt immortalizes one woman’s sense of betrayal. It makes me wonder what it would be like if we turned some of today’s reality stars into operatic heroines.

Naomi Orwin

Jun 10, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read

Tempesta di Mare’s season finale

Air, earth, fire, and water

Tempesta di Mare has achieved a worldwide reputation with its recordings and tours, but it isn’t as well-known in Philadelphia as it should be. Appearances like last weekend’s in the Kimmel Center expose Philadelphia musical organizations to a larger local audience.

Tom Purdom

Jun 10, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read

Opera Philadelphia's 'Coffin in Egypt'

Von Stade nails 'A Coffin in Egypt'

A new one-act opera, with a distinctive American flavor, showcases the vocal and dramatic talents of an American opera superstar.

Victor L. Schermer

Jun 08, 2014 · Articles · 3 minute read

Why I ruined my life for music

The only way to play music is as a child, that is, for the sheer joy of it.

Michael Lawrence

Jun 07, 2014 · Articles · 2 minute read

Dolce Suono finishes its 2013-2014 season

The art of happiness

Dolce Suono ends its season with two concerts that offer weight and depth without dwelling on the pains of life.

Tom Purdom

Jun 03, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read

Composing shortcuts

How do you write down an idea that can't be put into words?

Michael Lawrence

May 25, 2014 · Articles · 2 minute read

On playing the music of dead white males

I perform music by living composers on an ongoing basis, but I'd be very sad if I had to completely give up the dead ones.

Maria Thompson Corley

May 24, 2014 · Articles · 5 minute read

Three things I learned from Verdi

Whatever we believe the function of art to be, it can’t fulfill it until it entertains us.

Kile Smith

May 20, 2014 · Articles · 5 minute read

Piffaro at Eastern State Penitentiary

The Tudors drop in at Eastern State

Piffaro brought the ghosts of Newgate and the Tower of London to Eastern State Penitentiary — a timeless setting with acoustics that brought out the best in Piffaro’s instruments.

Tom Purdom

May 20, 2014 · Articles · 4 minute read