Erich Kunzel News

I don't know if Benny Goodman “The King of Swing” ever performed at the original Birdland on Broadway at 52nd Street which was more known for the Bebop Jazz of Charlie Parker. However, his music was gloriously celebrated last night by John Pizzarelli and his special guest Clarinetist Ken Peplowski at the current Birdland on 44th Street. The link to the past was firmly established by the extraordinary artistry of Pizzarelli and Peplowski as they toured the Benny Goodman Songbook. The link was also established by the many stories both had about Benny Goodman. Ken Peplowski played in Benny's last band, and John's father Bucky was also was a featured guitarist with Goodman. In fact as John in his “Bucky Voice” recounted a funny story, when he was a youngster tagging along with Bucky John even got to strum a few notes for Benny Goodman until Bucky said “come on kid we gotta get home”! It was all smiles and happy swing music last night as John Pizzarelli and his trio with Ken Peplowski filled Birdland with great music and great conversation. The tradition of exceptional music continues at 'The Jazz Corner of The World”

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) announced the retirement of Concertmaster Emeritus Timothy Lees, who had stepped down as Concertmaster, at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season in August. Mr. Lees, who began his tenure with the CSO in June of 1998, became Concertmaster Emeritus in September and remained a member of the CSO's first violin section, but a persistent injury prevented him from performing with the Orchestra.

Birdland will kick-off their great week of programming with the following acts:

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

Birdland will kick-off their great week of programming with Veronica Swift and Emmet Cohen Trio, Carole Sloane "Still Autumn in New York," Ken Peplowski Big Band, and more!

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra announced the November 9 release of its latest album, American Originals: 1918, under the direction of Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. The recording is inspired by America's cultural awakening at the end of the First World War one hundred years ago and the distinctly American musical styles that reflect the country's diversity. This album celebrates and reimagines popular songs of this era that remain fresh and relevant today with acclaimed musical collaborators including Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers and Pokey LaFarge. The 95th Cincinnati Pops album was recorded live at Cincinnati Music Hall November 10- 12, 2017, and is being released on the Orchestra's label, Fanfare Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra announced the November 9 release of its latest album, American Originals: 1918, under the direction of Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. The recording is inspired by America's cultural awakening at the end of the First World War one hundred years ago and the distinctly American musical styles that reflect the country's diversity. This album celebrates and reimagines popular songs of this era that remain fresh and relevant today with acclaimed musical collaborators including Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers and Pokey LaFarge. The 95th Cincinnati Pops album was recorded live at Cincinnati Music Hall November 10- 12, 2017, and is being released on the Orchestra's label, Fanfare Cincinnati.

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

Birdland will kick-off their great week of programming with the following acts:

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with Dee Dee Bridgewater with the Theo Croker Quintet, Kevin Eubanks Quartet, Anita Gillette, Ron Carter's Great Big Band, Quartet and Golden Striker Trio, Alan Broadbent Trio, Capathia Jenkins & Louis Rosen, Jay Leonhart, Pasquale Grasso Trio, Ken Peplowski with Special Guest Sinne Eeg, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more!

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) announced that Timothy Lees is stepping down as Concertmaster, a title designated for the first-chair violin, at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season. Mr. Lees, who began his tenure with the CSO in June of 1998, will become Concertmaster Emeritus in September, remaining a member of the CSO's first violin section.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will present the Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert featuring screenings of the complete film with Oscar-winning composer John Williams' musical score performed live with the film on September 7, 8 and 9 2018 at Cincinnati Music Hall. The three performances will be led by Cincinnati Pops conductor John Morris Russell.

It's getting to that time of year when we think about things that are truly American. We might think about baseball games and hot dogs.  There's also,  of course, the annual Fourth of July concert on PBS featuring Maestro Keith Lockhart and the world famous Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. If you can't wait until the 4th however, you can catch this true American institution on Sunday, April 8 at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD.  Performances are at 2 PM and 7 PM.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, due to overwhelming demand, is adding a third performance on Thursday, December 28, at 7:00 p.m.     The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to Music Hall with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert, the second film in the Harry Potter series. Previously announced, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will perform John Williams' unforgettable score live from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen on December 29-30.

The Charles Wadsworth Piano Competition (CWPC) today announces the eight semi-finalists chosen to compete in the inaugural competition held at The Donald W. Nixon Centre for the Visual and Performing Arts in Newnan, GA: Nadia Azzi (Colburn School, CA), Hilda Huang (Yale University, CT), Aristo Sham (Harvard University, MA), Zhiheng Guo (Manhattan School of Music, NY), Dominic Cheli (Colburn School, CA), Michael Davidman (Curtis Institute of Music, PA), Angie Zhang (The Juilliard School, NY), Peng Lin (The Juilliard School, NY).

Next month, the Harris Center joins Capital Public Radio in celebrating a historic moment in the history of jazz. The date was January 16, 1938 at Carnegie Hall the hallowed venue for respectable classical music. There, Benny Goodman's band played swing music for the first time, with one of the earliest racially-integrated jazz groups.

The date was January 16, 1938 at Carnegie Hall the hallowed venue for respectable classical music. There, Benny Goodman's band played swing music for the first time, with one of the earliest racially-integrated jazz groups. It was an important day in the history of American music, one worthy of celebration.

Next month, the Harris Center joins Capital Public Radio in celebrating a historic moment in the history of jazz. The date was January 16, 1938 at Carnegie Hall the hallowed venue for respectable classical music. There, Benny Goodman's band played swing music for the first time, with one of the earliest racially-integrated jazz groups.

The New York Pops, under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke, pays tribute to female composers and lyricists of the stage and screen on Friday, November 17 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall.

"Rainbows & Ribbons" a new show by Ross Hewitt will return by popular demand on Saturday, May 20th at 5:00 pm at Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46thStreet, NYC. This again is a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and ALL proceeds will go the the organization.