The blog for the Celebrity Series of Boston- a Boston based arts organization which presents an annual concert series. Here you can find news about our season, local and international arts, and much more! www.celebrityseries.org
Gustav Leonhardt
The renowned Dutch harpsichordist, organist and conductor Gustav Leonhardt has died at 83. A pioneer of period instrument performance, Leonhardt performed four harpsichord recitals on the Celebrity Series from 1978 to 1990. Reviewing for The Boston Globe in 1980, Richard Dyer said of one Celebrity Series Leonhardt recital, "... one listened not through the music to what it used to be, but to it for what it is."
Not that you needed an excuse to come to Roby Lakatos' performance (Jan. 27, Sanders Theatre), but this is pretty darn hard to resist ...
Celebrity Series of Boston
Gary Dunning, President and Executive Director
Announces Cancellation of Thomas Quasthoff and
Michael Schade performance at Jordan Hall
Quasthoff to Retire
(Boston) Celebrity Series President and Executive Director, Gary Dunning announced today that the Thomas Quasthoff and Michael Schade recital has been cancelled due to Mr. Quasthoff’s retirement. The performance was scheduled for Friday, March 23. The performance will not be rescheduled or substituted.
Ticket holders will be notified of options to donate or exchange tickets or to request a refund and are requested to retain their tickets until they receive notification. Patrons may call Celebrity Series of Boston at (617) 482-2595.
Said Mr. Quasthoff in a statement released by his management, “After almost 40 years, I have decided to retire from concert life. My health no longer allows me to live up to the high standard that I have always set for my art and myself. I owe a lot to this wonderful profession and leave without a trace of bitterness. On the contrary, I am looking forward to the new challenges that will now enter my life. I would like to thank all my fellow musicians and colleagues, with whom I stood together on stage, all the organizers, and my audience for their loyalty.”
Gary Dunning, Celebrity Series President and Executive Director, says “We understand and respect Mr. Quasthoff’s decision. He’s had an impressive musical career full of artistic integrity and quality performances and recordings. Each of his previous three Celebrity Series performances have been met with delight and praise. We only have admiration for his artistry and personal character.”
About Celebrity Series of Boston
The Celebrity Series of Boston is New England’s leading presenter of music, dance and the performing arts from around the world. Now in its 73rd season, the Celebrity Series brings performances by instrumental and vocal soloists, orchestras and chamber ensembles, dance companies, jazz, folk and ethnic artists and ensembles to Boston’s major concert halls. Through the Arts, Education and Community Program, the Celebrity Series reaches thousands of youngsters annually with opportunities to experience and participate in the performing arts through concerts, workshops and the award-winning AileyCamp Boston, an intensive six-week summer dance program for Boston middle school students. For more information on Celebrity Series of Boston, call (617) 482-2595 or visit us online at www.celebrityseries.org.
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I have shared the Globe's review of the Celebrity Series' December 9 Vijay Iyer/Miguel Zenon concert on this blog, but I would be remiss if I didn't also share two reviews from other publications. JazzTimes Magazine and India New England both covered the concert and both reviews are worth a look:
JazzTimes
India New England
Max Raabe on German Sesame Street. Is Sesamstrasse in Brooklyn?
Max Raabe & Palast Orchester (minus Bert & Ernie) visit the Celebrity Series and Symphony Hall Sunday, March 4.
Vijay Iyer during his Celebrity Series performance Friday night
Steve Greenlee reviewed the Celebrity Series of Boston's double bill of the Miguel Zenon Quartet and the Vijay Iyer Trio at Berklee Performance Center for The Boston Globe:
"Two of jazz’s most exciting and innovative artists - pianist Vijay Iyer and alto saxophonist Miguel Zenón - brought their groups to town Friday night for a 2 1/2-hour roof raiser of a show."
Read the complete review (login required)
Check out Jon Garelick's extensive interview with pianist Vijay Iyer in today's Boston Phoenix.
Iyer performs tomorrow night, December 9, at the Berklee Performance Center as part of a double-bill with saxophonist Miguel Zenon.
