Iveta Apkalna makes her debut with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under Mariss Jansons
Iveta Apkalna will make her debut with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under Mariss Jansons on Februray 2 and 3, 2012 at the Philharmonie im Gasteig in Munich, performing the organ solo part in Janacek's Glagolitic Mass. The concert will be repeated in Lucerne on March 31, 2012 and will be taped for television broadcast as well.

Conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl will make his debut with the Orchestra of the National Opera of Lorraine in Nancy, France
After his recent success with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, Ankush Kumar Bahl will make his debut with the Orchestra of the National Opera of Lorraine in Nancy, France, conducting Sibelius's Symphony No. 7 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 4.

Rune Bergmann conducts "Fledermaus" in Augsburg
After a very successful premiere of Thorleifur Orn Arnarsson's new staging of "Die Fledermaus," Rune Bergmann will be back in Augsburg for performances on February 4, 21 & 26 and March 2, 2012. For more information, visit the Theater Ausburg website.

Marc Coppey performs Elliott Carter's Cello Concerto in Spain and Beethoven's Triple Concerto in Dublin
On February 17-18, 2012, Marc Coppey returns to the Orquesta Sinfonica de Castilla y Leon at the Centro Cultural Miguel Delibes in Valladolid, Spain to perform Elliott Carter's Cello Concerto under Jimmy Chiang's baton. He then continues on to Ireland for a concert at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on March 4, 2012. Together with Finghin Collins and Valeryi Sokolov, Coppey will perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra under Alexander Briger's direction.

David Fray on a tour of US Orchestras
French pianist David Fray will be on a tour of US orchestras for the month of February 2012 performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in Dallas, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Please see below for full concert details:

Full concert details:
February 2-4, 2012 at 8:00 PM; February 5 at 2:30 PM
Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, Texas
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Jaap van Zweden, conductor

February 9, 2012 at 7:30 PM; February 11 at 8:00 PM; February 12 at 2:00 PM
Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Xian Zhang, conductor

February 24 and 25, 2012 at 7:30 PM
Hilbert Circle Theater, Indianapolis, Indiana
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Susanna Malkki, conductor

Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla conducts in Heidelberg and in her native Lithuania
Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla will continue her run of Marcela Rodriguez's Las Cartas de Frida with the Philharmonisches Orchester Heidelberg on February 1 & 11 and March 24, 2012 at the Theater Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany. She will then continue to Lithuania to make her debut with the Kaunas Symphony Orchestra on March 16, 2012 in a program that includes works by Beethoven and the Lithuanian composer Šerkšnyte.

Gilad Karni appears with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra
On February 9, 2012 at 7:30PM, February 10 and 11 at 8PM and February 12 at 3PM violist Gilad Karni will make his debut with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra at the Belding Theatre at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, CT under the direction of Alexander Mickelthwate. Mr. Karni, who is the principal viola of the Tonhalle Orchestra, will perform Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet.

Numerous engagements for Ken-David Masur in February and March
Ken-David Masur keeps a busy conduting schedule in February and March, with engagements in Russia, Germany and the US. Masur will lead the National Philharmonic of Russia on two dates in Moscow (20 Feb and 11 Mar). The February concert features Brahms: Symphony No. 2 and Academic Festival Overture, plus Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with piano soloist Joyce Yang; the March concert features Mendelssohn's oratorio Elijah. Between those concerts, Mr. Masur will visit the Münchner Symphoniker for a pair of concerts (29 Feb and 1 Mar) that include Schubert: Symphony No. 4 ("Tragic") and two Mozart violin concertos performed by Serge Zimmermann. On March 23-24, Ken-David Masur will lead the San Antonio Sympony in a program featuring Respighi: Ancient Airs & Dances, Suite 1, Corigliano: Chaconne from The Red Violin (with Nancy Zhou, violin), Ravel: Tzigane, and Liszt: Dante Symphony. For further details, see Mr. Masur's calendar.

Ankush Kumar Bahl steps in for Kurt Masur with the Concertgebouw Orchestra
American conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl will make his debut with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra tonight, January 20, 2012 at 8:15 PM and on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 2:15 PM at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Mr. Bahl is stepping in for Maestro Kurt Masur who has had to withdraw from his scheduled concerts with the orchestra due to a stomach flu.

Full concert details:
Friday, January 20, 2012 - 8:15 PM - Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
Sunday, January 22, 2012 - 2:15 PM - Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam

Brahms: Academic Festival Overture
Bruch: Violin Concerto with soloist Vesko Eshkenazy
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, "Pastoral"

"Zagreb Soloists" have appointed Marc Coppey as their Artistic Director
As of September 2011, Marc Coppey becomes the new artistic director of the Zagreb Soloists. It will be Marc Coppey's and the Ensemble's common interest to explore various repertoire with an equal dedication, opening up to new territories from Baroque to Avant-garde music and to preserve the wonderful spirit of the Ensemble. Marc will not only create interesting programming but he will also perform and conduct the Ensemble. The press release for his appointement can be read here [PDF].

Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla wins the second prize of the 5th Conducting Competition of the German Universities
On November 26, 2011, Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla won the second prize of the 5th Conducting Competition of German Universities together with the Special Prize of the Middle German Radio Symphony Orchestra (MDR Symphonieorchester) in Leipzig. In addition to receiving a cash prize, she will conduct the MDR Symphony Orchestra in concert. She was selected from 23 young conductors.

Violist Gilad Karni has joined the Bolero Artists Management roster
Bolero Artists Management is delighted to announce that violist Gilad Karni has joined its roster. Violist Gilad Karni has been praised throughout the world for his tone and interpretation. His technique and musicality have earned him countless honors, from first prizes at competitions to leadership roles in some of the world's finest orchestras. Equally at home in orchestral and solo or chamber music settings, Karni can be heard on concert stages around the globe in a range of repertoire, as well as on recordings. Gilad Karni is currently Principal Violist of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, a post he was appointed to in 2004 by David Zinman. Prior to his tenure there, he was Principal Viola for two years at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Karni's vast orchestra experience ranges from being the youngest member of the New York Philharmonic, which he joined in 1992, to Principal Viola positions of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, a post he held between 1996-2002, and the Rishon Le-Zion Symphony Orchestra in Israel. His complete bio can be read here [PDF].

Ken-David Masur conducts his first concerts with the Münchner Symphoniker as their principal guest conductor
Ken-David Masur will conduct his first concerts as principal guest conductor of the Münchner Symphoniker on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 8PM and Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 3:30 PM. Program details are as follows:
------
Schubert: Overture in D Major, D.556
Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216
Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, K. 219
Schubert: Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D.485

Serge Zimmermann, Violin

For complete details, see Mr. Masur's calendar, his website, or the Münchner Symphoniker website.

David Fray makes his recital debut at Symphony Center in Chicago
This Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 3:00 PM will mark French pianist's David Fray's recital debut at Symphony Center in Chicago. David will be performing works by Mozart and Beethoven. Please see full program details below:
------
Mozart: Sonata in D Major K. 311
Beethoven: Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28, "Pastoral"
Mozart: Fantasy in C Minor, K. 475
Beethoven: Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53, "Waldstein"

For complete details, see Mr. Fray's calendar and the Chicago Symphony website.

Pianist Helen Huang keeps busy in October and November
American pianist Helen Huang collaborates with Maestro Kurt Masur in Paris with the Orchestre National de France on October 6, 2011 and with the Tonhalle Orchestra in Zurich on November 30, December 1 and 2, 2011. For the rest of October, Ms. Huang will give a series of chamber music concerts with violinist Chi-Liang Lin in Taiwan. Please see below for program details

October 6, 2011 - Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, France
Orchestre National de France - Kurt Masur, conductor
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 27 KV 595
------
October 12, 2011 - Taitung Cultural Center, Taitung, Taiwan
October 14, 2011 - Jong-Jeng Galler and Music Hall, Pingtung, Taiwan
October 18, 2011 - Chiayi Performing Arts Center, Chiayi, Taiwan
October 19, 2011 - National Concert Hall, Taipei, Taiwan
Music Ambassador Project with violinist Cho-Liang Lin
Dvorak: Violin Sonatina in G Major Op. 100
Lutoslawski: Subito
Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major "Spring", Op. 24
Debussy: Violin Sonata in g minor
Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen Op. 20
------
November 30 (7:30 PM), December 1 (12:15 PM and 7:30 PM) and December 2 (7:30 PM) - Zurich, Switzerland
Tonhalle Orchestra - Kurt Masur, conductor
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3

For complete details, see Ms. Huangs's calendar.

Conductor Ken-David Masur helps open the season of the San Diego Symphony and makes his debut with the Württembergische Kammerphilharmonie Heidenheim
On October 1, 2011 conductor Ken-David Masur helped open the 2011/2012 season of the San Diego Symphony and on November 20, 2011 he will make his debut with the Württembergische Kammerphilharmonie in Heidenheim, Germany. The program is as follows:

November 20, 2011 - Heidenheim, Germany
Württembergische Kammerphilharmonie Heidenheim
Wagner: Siegfried Idyll
Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 with Bernd Glemser
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 "Italian"

For complete details, see Mr. Masur's calendar. For a review of the San Diego concert, please visit Mr. Masur's press section.

Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla premieres "Las Cartas de Frida" an opera by Marcela Rodriguez in Heidelberg, Germany
On October 26, 2011 at 7:30 PM Lithuanian conductor Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla will lead the premiere of "La Cartas de Frida," an opera by Marcela Rodriguez about the famous artist Frida Kahlo, with the Orchestra of the Theater Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany. The performance schedule is as follows:

October 26, 2011 - 7:30 PM - Premiere
November 2, 8, 19 and 24, 2011 at 7:30PM
December 19, 2011 and January 13, 2012 at 7:30PM
Theater Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
Philharmonisches Orchester Heidelberg

For complete details, see M.s Grazinyte-Tyla's calendar.

Marc Coppey appears with the Orchestre de Paris and the Orchestre of the Opera of Marseille in Aix en Provence
On Septebmer 21 and 22, Marc Coppey performs Lalo's Cello Concerto with the Orchestre de Paris under Yutaka Sado's direction at the Salle Pleyel in Paris. On September 27, Marc will appear with the Orchestre de l'Opera de Marseille at the Grand Theatre in Aix en Provence in Barber's Cello Concerto under Adrian Prabava's direction and link it to Marc's dates. For complete details, see Mr Coppey's calendar.

Iveta Apkalna makes her debuts with the Orchestre National de Lille and in recital at the Beethovenfest Bonn
On September 16 and 17, Iveta Apkalna will make her debut with the Orchestra National de Lille in Roncq and Lille, France by performing the Poulenc Organ and Timpani Concerto under the direction of Andris Poga. She then heads to the Beethovenfest Bonn on September 24, 2011 to perform an organ recital at the Evangelische Kreuzkirche. For complete details, see Ms. Apkalna's calendar.

Rune Bergmann named first Kapellmeister by the Theater Augsburg
The Theater Augsburg and its Generalmusikdirector have appointed Norwegian conductor Rune Bergmann as their first Kapellmeister, starting on December 1, 2011, for two consecutive seasons. During his tenure at the Theater Augsburg, he will conduct four to six opera productions as well as two to four symphonic concerts. Rune Bergmann last appeared in Augsburg in January 2011.

Daniel Hope gives the world premiere of Bechara El-Khoury's "War Concerto"
Acclaimed violinist Daniel Hope will give the world premiere of Bechara El-Khoury's "War Concerto" for Violin and Orchestra with the NDR Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Cornelius Meister on June 18, 2011 at 4:00 PM at the Konzertkirche, Neubrandenburg, Germany at the Festival Mecklenburg Vorpommern. The concerto, commissioned by the Festival Mecklenburg Vorpommern, has also been programmed on the 1st and 2nd of June 2012 with the Konzerthaus Orchestra in Berlin under Cornelius Meister's direction as well as in September 2012 with the Oslo Philhormonic under Jonathan Nott's direction.

Marc Coppey launches the 59th Chamber Music Festival in Colmar and collaborates with the Ensemble Orchestral in Paris at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees

59th Chamber Music Festival, Colmar France
(Marc Coppey, artistic director)
May 4-8, 2011
Official website: www.les-musicales.com

Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Joseph Swensen, conductor - Bacri: Concerto Luminoso No. 4
Theatre des Champs-Elysees Paris, France
May 24, 2011 - 8:00 PM For more info: www.theatrechampselysees.fr

Daniel Hope performs Bechara El-Khoury's "Unfinished Journey" in Paris with the Orchestre National de France
On May 12, 2011 at 8:00 PM at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees Paris, France, Daniel Hope will perform Bechara El-Khoury's "Unfinished Journey" with the Orchestre National de France under James Conlon's direction. The concert will be broadcast live on France Musique. The work, a tribute to the memory of Yehudi Menuhin, was first premiered at the Gstaad Festival two years ago.

Simon Gaudenz debuts with Staatskapelle Dresden
Amon other engagements this month, Simon Gaudenz makes his debut with the prestigious Staatskapelle Dresden on May 25, 2011 at 8PM at the Semperoper in Dresden. Maestro Gaudenz will conduct a program that includes works by Kodaly, Boehm and Haydn. For more information, visit the Staatskapelle website.

Mirga Grazinyte appointed 2nd Kapellmeister of the Theater and Orchestra of the City of Heidelberg
The young Lithuanian conductor has been appointed 2nd Kapellmeister of the Theater and Orchestra of the city of Heidelberg effective with the 2011/2012 season. Ms. Grazinyte has signed a two year contract running through September 2013. Ms. Grazinyte will have the opportunity to conduct orchestral concerts as well as opera and operetta performances.

Ken-David Masur announces 2nd Chelsea Music Festival
Ken-David Masur and Melinda Lee Masur have announced the 2nd Chelsea Music Festival that will take place in New York City from June 14-18, 2011. Mr. and Mrs. Masur are the artistic directors of the Festival. For more info, visit the official website: www.chelseamusicfestival.org.

Ankush Kumar Bahl appointed assistant conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C.
Ankush Kumar Bahl will join the NSO as Assistant Conductor beginning with the 2011-2012 season. His conducting duties will include the NSO Young People's Concerts, an NSO Family Concert, community engagement concerts, and activities with the NSO's training programs. For further info, view the press release [PDF] or visit the National Symphony Orchestra website.

Simon Gaudenz makes his debut with the Oslo Phil
Simon Gaudenz has stepped in for French conductor Lionel Bringuier with the Oslo Philharmonic and will make his debut with the Norwegian orchestra on March 24 and 25, 2011 at 7:30 PM in Oslo. He will conduct the orchestra in a program that includes Borodin's: Polovtsian Dances, Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 with pianist Simon Trpceski, Kodaly's Galanta's Dance and Stravinsky's: Firebird Suite No. 2 (1919).

David Fray makes his debut with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
David Fray will make his debut with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center on March 17 and 19 at 8:00 PM and on March 18 at 7:30 PM. Mr. Fray will perform Mozart's piano concerto No. 25 under the baton of the orchestra's music director, Maestro Jaap van Zweden.

Ken-David Masur makes his debut with the National Philharmonic of Russia
On March 27, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Svetlanov Concert Hall/House of Music in Moscow, Ken-David Masur will lead for the first time the National Philharmonic of Russia in all-Beethoven program featuring the Corliolan Overture, the Triple Concerto with the Wanderer Trio and his symphony No. 3, the Eroica.

David Fray's new CD released
David Fray's new CD features two Mozart piano concertos. Read more about the disc, and view a video of Fray discussing Mozart.

Simon Gaudenz collaborates again with Gidon Kremer and the Heidelberger Philharmoniker and makes his debut with the Duisburger Philharmoniker
Simon Gaudenz returns to the Heidelberger Philharmoniker on February 16, 2011. He will be joined as last time by acclaimed violinist Gidon Kremer in a program that includes the virtuosic violin concerto No. 2 "In tempus praesens" by Sofia Gubaidulina and Rachmaninov's 3rd Symphony. On February 23 and 24, 2011, Mr. Gaudenz will make his debut with the Duisburger Philharmoniker conducting works by Bartok, Jongen and Beethoven. Iveta Apkalna will be his soloist in the Jongen Symphony Concertante for Organ and Orchestra. For more details, see Mr. Gaudenz's calendar

Marc Coppey's new CD released
Marc Coppey has dedicated his most recent CD to Franz Schubert. He is joined by violinist Ilya Gringolts and pianist Peter Laul; the CD is relased on the ÆON label.

The Ensemble de Basse Normandie performs Bechara El-Khoury
Bechara El-Khoury's Serenade No. 3 for string orchestra will be performed on January 28, 2011 at 8:30 PM at the Theatre d'Herouville Saint Clair (Calvados) by the Ensemble de Basse Normadie under the direction of Ariane Matiakh.

Marc Coppey performs at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam
French cellist Marc Coppey will appear in recital at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on January 23, 2011 at 2:15 PM. He will be accompanied by Russian pianist Peter Laul in a program that will include works by Beethoven, Franck, Dutilleux and Shostakovich. For more details, see Mr. Coppey's calendar or the Concertgebouw website.

Iveta Apkalna new CD released
Iveta Apkalna had dedicated her new CD to love and death. "L'Amour et la Mort" was released on the Oehms Classics label and includes works by Charles-Marie Widor, Camille Saint-Saens, Georges Bizet and Gabriel Faure. The album was recorded on the Kuhn organ at the Philharmonie Essen in Germany.

The Lee Trio to perform at the Leo Baeck Institute in New York
Tuesday January 11, 2011, 7:00 PM
Forchheimer Auditorium
Center for Jewish History

The Lee Trio has been called one of the freshest and most dynamic musical ensembles playing today. They have performed and won competitions in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Angela Lee plays cello; Lisa Lee, violin, and Melinda Lee Masur, piano. Each sister performs as soloist and chamber musician, and as a trio in this rare New York performance.

In a concert specially prepared for our audience, the internationally acclaimed Lee Trio will present a program that reflects the cultural dialogue between Germany, the US, and Leo Baeck Institute.

More info from the Leo Baeck Institute website

Vladimir Spivakov's official website launched
The long awaited-official website of Maestro Vladimir Spivakov was launched on December 1, 2010 at www.vladimirspivakov.com.

Iveta Apkalna's busy month of December
During the month of December, Iveta Apkalna will be giving two recitals: in Bamberg, Germany on December 12, 2010 at 5PM at the Konzerthalle, and in Budapest, Hungary on December 18, 2010 at the Palace of the Arts. She will be back in Berlin at the Philharmonie on December 23, 2010 for a solo engagement with the Rundfunksinfonieorchester under the direction of Marek Janowski. For details see Ms. Apkalna's calendar.

Rune Bergmann makes his debut with the Oslo Philharmonic
On December 15 and 16, 2010 at 5:30 and 8:00 PM at the Oslo Concert Hall, Oslo, Norway, Rune Bergmann will conduct for the first time the Oslo Philharmonic in a series of holiday concerts featuring music by Michael Praetorius, Mahler, Bach, Søraas and Gruber. He will be joined by actor Svein Tindberg and the Oslo Philharmonic Choir. For details see Mr. Bergmann's calendar.

Marc Coppey appears at Salle Pleyel in Paris
Cellist Marc Coppey will be the featured soloist in Strauss: Don Quixote at the Salle Pleyel in Paris on December 17, 2010 at 8PM with the Orchestra of the Paris Conservatory under the direction of Alain Altinoglu. For details see Mr. Coppey's calendar.

Simon Gaudenz returns to the Konzerthaus Orchestra Berlin
After conducting the Odense Symphony Orchestra on December 3, and a benefit concert for BMW on December 4 in Munich with the Orchestra of the Bavarian State Opera, Simon Gaudenz returns to the Konzerthaus Orchestra for two concerts on December 10 and 11, 2010 at 8PM at the Konzerthaus Berlin. It was the Konzerthaus Orchestra that Simon Gaudenz conducted when winning the German Conductor Prize in February of 2009. After the Berlin concerts, Mr. Gaudenz heads to Basel for an all-Beethoven concert on December 17 with the Collegium Musicum. For details see Mr. Gaudenz's calendar.

David Fray's Carnegie Hall recital debut reviewed
The New York Times has reviewed David Fray's Carnegie Hall recital debut, calling his performances "musically refined and technically elegant," as he was "searching out the meditative qualities of the music". The entire review can be read at nytimes.com.

David Fray makes his Carnegie Hall recital debut
On November 16, 2010 at 7:30 PM at Zankel Hall in New York, Carnegie Hall presents David Fray in recital with works by Schubert and Bach.

Ken-David Masur conducts the Nutcracker in San Antonio
November 26, 27 and 28, 2010 - San Antonio, Texas, USA - San Antonio Symphony - Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker

Vladimir Spivakov embarks on a tour of the United States with the Moscow Virtuosi

November 5, 2010 - Los Angeles - Saban Theatre Beverly Hills
November 6, 2010 - San Francisco - Davies Hall
November 7, 2010 - Seattle - Benaroya Hall
November 10, 2010 - Denver - Gates Concert Hall, Newman Center
November 12, 2010 - Chicago - Orchestra Hall
November 14, 2010 - Boston - Symphony Hall
November 18, 2010 - Toronto - Roy Thomson Hall
November 19, 2010 - Washington, DC - Strathmore Hall, Music Center at Strathmore
November 20, 2010 - Philadelphia - Lower Moreland High School Auditorium
November 21, 2010 - New York - Avery Fisher Hall
November 24, 2010 - Miami - Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performings Arts, Knight Concert Hall

Iveta Apkalna appears with the Radiosinfonieorchester Berlin
On November 20, 2010 at 8:00 PM at the Philharmonie in Berlin, Iveta Apkalna will appear with the Radiosinfonieorchester Berlin under the direction of Marek Janowksi in Janacek's Glagolitic Mass.

Marc Coppey performs Erkki-Sven Tuur's Cello Concerto and continues to concentrate on Beethoven's sonatas for piano and cello

November 14, 2010 - Caen, France - Ensemble de Basse Normandie - Jean Deroyer, conductor
Erkki-Sven Tuur: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra
November 17, 2010 - Lyon, France with Peter Laul, piano
Ludwig van Beethoven's complete sonatas for piano and cello

Simon Gaudenz returns to the National Philharmonic of Russia
On November 8, 2010, Simon Gaudenz returns to the National Philharmonic of Russia to conduct Mahler's 5th Symphony at the Moscow House of Music in Moscow.

"Autumn Picture" Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra by Bechara El-Khoury will be premiered in Paris
November 10, 2010 - 8:00 PM - Theatre du Chatelet Paris, France - Festival: "Les Paris de la Musique" - Ensemble Orchestral de Paris - Olari Elts, conductor - Patrick Messina, clarinet

World premiere of "Autumn Pictures" (opus 78), Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra by lebanese composer Bechara El-Khoury. "Autumn Pictures" was co-commisioned by Musique Nouvelle en Liberte and Buffet Crampon.

Marc Coppey and Francois-Frederic Guy perform the complete piano and cello sonatas by Beethoven at the Maison Française in Washington, DC
Francois-Frederic Guy and Marc Coppey will perform the complete piano and cello sonatas by Beethoven at the Maison Française in Washington, DC on October 28 and 29, 2010 at 7:00 PM. For more information from the Maison Française, click here.

Ken-David Masur makes important debuts with the Dresden Philharmonic and the Collegium Musicum Basel this October
This October Ken-David Masur will be making two important debuts: on the 19th he will conduct the Dresden Philharmonic in Maher's Das Lied von der Erde. He will be joined by tenor Stephan Ruegamer and mezzo-soprano Alexandra Petersamer in Dresden at the Hygienenmuseum. On the 29th, Ken-David Masur will conduct the Collegium Musicum Basel at the famous Swiss Casino Hall in a program that includes Schubert's "Unfinished" Symphony, Haydn's Sinfonia Concertante and Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony. For more information from the Dresdner Philharmonie, click here.

Marc Coppey and Eliahu Inbal premiere Marc Monnet at Sall Pleyel in Paris
On September 17 the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France conducted by Eliahu Inbal, premiered Sans mouvement, sans monde, a new piece by Marc Monnet composed for the cellist Marc Coppey, one of the greatest virtuosos of our times. The work has been commissioned by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Liège (Belgian premiere next year).

Conductor Ken-David Masur receives a nomination for "Best Classical Album" at the Latin GRAMMYs
The Latin Recording Academy announced its nominations for this year's Latin Grammy awards in Las Vegas, NV. Included among the nominees was Ken-David Masur, as co-producer of Camerata San Antonio's 2009 recording of music by composer Miguel del Aguila, Salon Buenos Aires. For more information, visit the website of the Latin GRAMMYs

Kurt Masur and son Ken-David Masur share podium in Rio to great acclaim
A lot of anniversaries were celebrated this August. Kurt Masur conducted for the first time forty years ago the Orquesta Sinfonica Brasileira in a Beethoven cycle of all the nine symphonies. When he returned to the Orchestra 1974, his future wife was playing viola in the same orchestra. In 1975 they married. The relationship to the Orchestra continued. Tomoko studied in the meantime voice in Leipzig and returned as a soloist with her husband to Rio. A long standing friendship connects the Masurs with the current music director, Roberto Minczuk, who was for three years solo horn player of the Gewandhaus Orchestra. Tomoko and Kurt Masur's son Ken-David has become a conductor in the meantime and is active in the USA. Therefore, the idea was born, to present father and son in a joint concert. This way could 35 years of harmonious marriage be celebrated in this city with the public. An amazing success with long standing ovation and a very enthusiastic audience. Future engagements in Rio will be repeated in the next years.

Simon Gaudenz returns to the Tonhalle Orchestra
Simon Gaudenz returns to the Tonhalle Orchestra in Zurich on September 1, 2010 to conduct one of the orchestra's first concerts of the season in a program that includes works by Liebermann, Rachmaninov, Dukas and Bartok. He will be joined by French pianist Liz de la Salle. For concert details please see the calendar.

Dane Lam makes his debut with the Queensland Orchestra
Dane Lam will make his debut with the Queensland Orchestra and will tour the Orchestra in the Australian cities of Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. For concert details please see the calendar.

David Fray to make several US appearances this summer
David Fray will make two important debuts this summer. At the Hollywood Bowl on July 27 and 29, 2010, Mr. Fray will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Pablo Heras Casado. Then on August 7 and 8, Mr. Fray will appear at the Mostly Mozart Festival in New York, performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-Flat Major, K 482 under Lionel Bringuier's direction. For concert details please see the calendar.

Ken-David Masur shares the podium with his father in Rio de Janeiro
On July 31, 2010, Ken-David Masur and Kurt Masur will share the podium in Rio de Janeiro at the Teatro Municipal in a program dedicated to "Love". Ken David will conduct the Orquesta Sinfonica Brasileira in Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet Suite, his father will complete the program with Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy and Gershwin's Porgy and Bess Suite. For concert details please see the calendar.

Simon Gaudenz returns to the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo
Simon Gaudenz will conduct the Orchestre de Monte Carlo in Monaco on July 25, 2010 at the Eglise St. Charles at the 5th International Organ Festival. For concert details please see the calendar.

Marc Coppey performs in Brazil and helps celebrate Pierre Boulez's 85th birthday at the Messiaen Festival in France
Marc Coppey returns this summer to the Campos do Jordão International Music Festival in Brazil, where he will lead master classes and perform Schumann's Cello Concerto under the direction of Yan-Pascal Tortellier on July 24 and 25, 2010. Then on August 8, 2010 he will help celebrate Pierre Boulez's 85th birthday in a special concert at the Messiaen Festival in La Grave France. For concert details please see thee calendar.

Dane Lam makes his debut with the Southern Sinfonia in New Zealand
Australian conductor Dane Lam will make his debut with the Southern Sinfonia on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 3PM in Dunedin, New Zealand. For exact concert details please check the calendar.

Ken-David and Melinda Lee Masur Artistic Directors of the Chelsea Music Festival 2010
Ken-David and Melinda Lee Masur advised and programmed the first annual Chelsea Music Festival which kicks off on June 25, 2010 in NYC with a weekend of world class musicians performing premieres of works by living composers and masterpieces celebrating the 200th anniversary of Robert Schumann's birth. Read the press release and festival flyer for more information [PDF].

Orchestre de Paris gives the world premiere of Bechara El-Khoury's "Nocturnal Poem" for Solo flute and Orchestra
Flutist Vincens Prats and the Orchestre de Paris, under Eivind Gulberg-Jensen's direction, will give the world premiere of Bechara El-Khoury's "Nocturnal Poem" for Solo flute and Orchestra on Wednesday, June 9 and Thursday, June 10, 2010. Both concerts will take place at 8:00 PM at the Salle Pleyel in Paris. The work was commissioned by the Orchestre de Paris to mark the 10th anniversary of Jean-Pierre Rampal's death.

Helen Huang and Iveta Apkalna appear at the Dresdner Festpiele
American pianist Helen Huang and Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna will make their debuts at the Dresdner Festspiele. Helen Huang will perform Shostakovich's 2nd Piano Concerto with the Dresdner Philharmoniker under Kurt Masur's direction on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Both concerts will take place at the Kulturpalast in Dresden. [more info] Also on Saturday, May 29, 2010 Iveta Apkalna will give a recital at 8:00 PM at the Cathedral in Dresden featuring works by Bach, Schumann, Prokofiev and Shostakovich. [more info] This year's theme of the Festival is "Russia"

Ankush Kumar Bahl to appear at Carnegie Hall on May 22
Conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl returns to the podium at Carnegie Hall on May 22, in a performance of the New Jersey Youth Symphony, joined by the Empire State Youth Orchestra. The program for this concert features Gershwin: Cuban Overture, Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5, Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy, and Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade.

Conductor Ken-David Masur returns to the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse for a performance of Schubert's Great C Major Symphony.
The first half of the program will be dedicated to Mozart's Overture to La Clemenza di Tito and his Flute Concerto with Sandrine Tilly as soloist. The concert will take place on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 9:00 PM at the Municipal Theatre of Castres, France. This concert will mark Ken-David Masur's third collaboration with the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse.

Ankush Kumar Bahl to appear at Carnegie Hall on May 22
Conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl returns to the podium at Carnegie Hall on May 22, in a performance of the New Jersey Youth Symphony, joined by the Empire State Youth Orchestra. The program for this concert features Gershwin: Cuban Overture, Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5, Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy, and Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade.

Conductor Ken-David Masur returns to the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse for a performance of Schubert's Great C Major Symphony.
The first half of the program will be dedicated to Mozart's Overture to La Clemenza di Tito and his Flute Concerto with Sandrine Tilly as soloist. The concert will take place on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 9:00 PM at the Municipal Theatre of Castres, France. This concert will mark Ken-David Masur's third collaboration with the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse.

French pianist David Fray will be making his debut with the San Francisco Symphony this week under the direction of Maestro Christoph Eschenbach.

Full concert details:

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 - 8:00 PM -
Davies Hall, San Francisco, CA
Friday, May 7, 2010 - 6:30 PM -
Davies Hall, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, May 8, 2010 - 8:00 PM -
Davies Hall, San Francisco, CA

The San Francisco Symphony
Christoph Eschenbach, conductor

Marc-Andre Dalbavie: La Source d'un Regard
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2
Brahms: Symphony No. 2

On Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM at the RNCM Theatre in Manchester, UK, Dane Lam will conduct a RNCM production of Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito
For one of his final operas, Mozart examined political and romantic intrigue with a compelling return to the opera seria form in this profound masterwork. Set in Rome at the time of the Emperor Titus, Mozart's score, to a libretto by Metastasio, exposes a world of intrigue where jealousy, guilt and doublecrossing are the order of the day. With Rome in flames, an assassination attempt (motivated by romantic jealousy) leads to arrest and potential execution, yet the eponymous Titus overrides his Senate with a display of extraordinary clemency... La Clemenza di Tito represents a mature Mozart and is grand opera in every sense of the word. Overflowing with some of the most beautiful music that Mozart ever wrote, this new RNCM Opera production, performed in Italian with English surtitles, brings this epic drama to vivid life. Please see Mr. Lam's calendar for more details.

Philharmonia Quartett Berlin/Elisabeth Leonskaja in concert at the Cite de la Musique, Paris
Philharmonia Quartett Berlin
Elisabeth Leonskaja
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 8:00PM - Salle Des Concerts - Cite De La Musique - Paris, France

Joseph Haydn: String Quartett No. 9, op. 6
Leos Janacek: String Quartett no. 2 "Intimate Letters"
Robert Schumann: Quintet for Piano and Strings

The members of the Philharmonia Quartett Berlin, founded in 1984, are solo players of the Berlin Philharmonic. Together they have recorded Mozart and Beethoven but also Shostakovich and Bartók - their mission is to play the classical chamber music repertoire but also to present and introduce less known pages of the chamber music literature to audiences worldwide. For the second half of the concert, the quartet is joined by acclaimed Russian pianist, Elisabeth Leonskaja.

Iveta Apkalna returns to the Cologne Philharmonie and makes her debut in San Francisco
The months of February and March are very busy for Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna. On Friday, February 19, 2010 she returns to the Cologne Philharmonie for an organ recital and on Sunday, March 28, 2010 she will be making her San Francisco debut in a recital presented by the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Hall. Please see Ms. Apkalna's calendar for full details of these two concerts.

David Fray wins the Victoires de la Musique in the "Instrumentalist of the Year" category
Pianist David Fray, just won the equivalent of the American Grammys in France – les Victoires de la Musique – in the Instrumentalist of the Year category. The show was broadcast live on French Television/channel 3 on Monday, February 9, 2010.

Simon Gaudenz conducts Mendelssohn's Lobgesang
Simon Gaudenz returns to the Orchestre de Chambre de Geneva on January 28, 2010 at 8:30PM at Victoria Hall in Geneva for an all-Mendelssohn program that will include the composer's Second Symphony ("Lobgesang") and "Verleih uns Frieden" for choir, orchestra and organ. He will be joined by the Laudate Deum Choir of Lausanne, sopranos Sonia Yoncheva and Sarah Pagin, and tenor Emiliano Gonzalez Toro.

Joel Vaisse gives the world premiere of Jean-Philippe Vanbesselaere's Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra
Joel Vaisse will give the world premiere of Jean-Philippe Vanbesselaere's Symphonic Poem for Trombone and Wind Orchestra "Septentrion" on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 8:00 PM at the Kursaal in Dunkerque with the Semper Fidelis Orchestra under the direction of Ludovic Minne. The concerto was specially written for Mr. Vaisse.

Conductor Debora Waldman makes her debut with the Orchestre National de France in Paris
On Friday, December 11, 2009 at 8:00 PM at Salle Olivier Messiaen at Radio France in Paris, conductor Debora Waldman will make her debut with the Orchestre National de France. This concert will set-off a full weekend of events at Radio France dedicated to the Brazilian composer Heitor Villa Lobos (1887-1959) in celebration of his 50th anniversary from his death. Young Conducting Talent of Adami in 2008, Debora Waldman was Kurt Masur's assistant at the Orchestre National de France from 2005-2007. She will be joined for this special concert by acclaimed Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses and popular Brazilian guitarist, Yamandu Costa. For more details, see Ms. Waldman's calendar.

Pianist David Fray makes his debut with the New York Philharmonic
French pianist David Fray returns to the United States to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic under Esa-Pekka Salonen's direction. Mr. Fray will perform Ravel's Piano Concerto in G on December 3, 4, 5 and 8, 2009 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. For complete concert details, please see Mr. Fray's calendar.

Simon Gaudenz makes his Moscow debut with the National Philharmonic of Russia
On October 31, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the renowned Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, Swiss conductor Simon Gaudenz will make his debut with the National Philharmonic of Russia leading the orchestra in Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Strauss's Ein Heldenleben. For more details, see Mr. Gaudenz's calendar.

Iveta Apkalna returns to the Berlin Philharmonic
The Berlin Philharmonic again presents Iveta Apkalna, this time in an organ recital in their prestigious Sunday matinee organ series on November 1, 2009, 12:00 Noon at the Philharmonie. For more details, see Ms. Apkalna's calendar.

Bechara El-Khoury's Symphony "The Ruins of Beirut" receives its World Premiere
Bechara El-Khoury's Symphony "The Ruins of Beirut" will receive its world premiere on October 30, 2009 at the Cathedral St. Joseph in Beirut by the Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra under Wojciech Cziepel's direction.

Simon Gaudenz named Principal Guest Conductor of the Odense Symphony Orchestra in Denmark
Bolero Artists Management is proud to announce that Swiss conductor Simon Gaudenz has been named Principal Guest Conductor of the Odense Symphony Orchestra for a three year period, starting with the 2010/2011 season. Each season Maestro Gaudenz will conduct the orchestra for three weeks, with an emphasis on the Wiener Classical repertoire. In addition to appearances in Odense, Maestro Gaudenz will conduct the orchestra in recording sessions and on tours.

Finn Schumacker, CEO of the Odense Symphony Orchestra stated: "It is a great pleasure for me and the Odense Symphony Orchestra to welcome Simon Gaudenz as principal guest conductor. Last February, Gaudenz took the orchestra by storm when he took over on a very short notice and among other things conducted Beethoven's Eroica. His effervescent musicality, his talent in the Wiener Classical repertoire and his ability to make the orchestra perform its utmost, makes him the perfect supplement to our new chief conductor Alexander Vedernikov. With these two amazing artists heading the orchestra, Odense Symphony Orchestra has every possibility to position itself internationally and contribute to the reputation of Odense and Denmark abroad."

This week Maestro Gaudenz is undertaking a tour of Spain with the Collegium Musicum Basel where he has been Music Director since 2004. For details, view Simon Gaudenz's calendar.

David Fray's new CD to be released in the United States on November 3
Ater two very successful recordings of works by Bach and Boulez, David Fray dedicates his new CD to works by Schubert. The United States release of his new CD is scheduled for November 3, 2009.

Pianist Helen Huang and Cellist Marc Coppey join Bolero roster
Bolero Artists Management is pleased to welcome Taiwanese-American pianist Helen Huang and French cellist Marc Coppey to its roster. Both artists will be represented worldwide.

Taiwanese-American pianist Helen Huang was first discovered by the New York Philharmonic and Maestro Kurt Masur upon winning the Young People's Competition, resulting in engagements with the prestigious orchestra and a recording contract with the Teldec label. Known for her immaculate technique and eloquent sensitivity, Ms. Huang has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as a soloist and chamber music player and through the years has established an impressive list of collaborations with many international orchestras and a wide range of conductors.

French cellist Marc Coppey, winner of the two highest prizes at the 1988 Bach competition Leipzig at the age of 18—first prize and special prize for the best interpretations of Bach—is considered to be one of the leading cellists of today. Sir Yehudi Menuhin discovered Marc's talent at an early age, and subsequently invited him to make his Moscow and Paris debuts by performing the Tchaïkovsky Trio with Menuhin and Victoria Postnikova, a collaboration documented on film by renowned director Bruno Monsaingeon. In 1989 Mstislav Rostropovitch invited Marc to the Evian Festival and from that moment on his solo career took off.

Conductor Ken-David Masur conducts opening night concert of the San Antonio Symphony
Conductor Ken-David Masur kicks off the San Antonio Symphony's 70th anniversary season with a special one-night-only concert featuring Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, one of the most dramatic and popular choral works ever written. The SAS' Mastersingers will be joined by four other ensembles to create an amazing chorus of more than 400 singers. Violin virtuoso Gil Shaham, the 2008 winner of the Avery Fisher Prize and one of the greatest violinists of our time, will dazzle with the Barber Violin Concerto.

Carmina Burana & Gil Shaham
September 19, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Majestic Theatre
Barber: Violin Concerto
Carl Orff: Carmina Burana
Gil Shaham, violin
Alison Trainer, soprano; Scott Scully, tenor; Michael Mayes, baritone; San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers; Children's Chorus of San Antonio; Alamo Heights United Methodist Church Choir; San Antonio Choral Society; University United Methodist Church Choir

"The Dark Mountain" Bechara El-Khoury's concerto for horn and orchestra receives its world premiere
Bechara El-Khoury's concerto for horn and orchestra "The Dark Mountain" will receive its world premiere on Friday, September 18, 2009 at 8:00 PM at the Festival Presences, Salle Olivier Messiaen/Radio France, by the Orchestre National de France and hornist, David Guerrier under Jean-Claude Casadesus' direction.
View notes from the composer [PDF: FR/EN].

Vladimir Spivakov celebrates his 65th birthday
On Saturday, September 12, 2009, Maestro Vladimir Spivakov, acclaimed violinist and conductor, will celebrate his 65th birthday with a special concert in Moscow. Soprano Angela Gheorgiu and pianists Helene Mercier, Louis Lortie and Denis Matsuev will join Maestro Spivakov on this festive occasion.
View the complete concert program [PDF].

French pianist David Fray makes important USA debuts this August
This August, David Fray makes several significant debuts. On August 15 he will appear with the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom, under the baton of Jayce Ogren. From there David travels to Tanglewood, where on August 21 he will make his debut with the Boston Symphony Orchstra, conducted by Kurt Masur. Finally, Mr. Fray will appear at the Salzburg Festival August 28, performing with the Mozarteum Orchestra under the direction of Jean-Christophe Spinosi. For full details, please see Mr. Fray's calendar.

French conductor Fabien Gabel makes his United States debut in Aspen
French conductor Fabien Gabel, winner of the prestigious Donatella Flick competition 2004 in London and since then a frequent guest conductor with the leading European orchestras, is making his United States conducting debut on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Aspen. Fabien will lead the Sinfonia Orchestra in McPherson's Interstate Holiday; Richard Strauss' Horn Concerto No. 1; Gounod's Ballet Music from Faust and Dukas' La Peri. For details, please see Mr. Gabel's calendar.

Composer-in-Residence Bechara El-Khoury's "Unfinished Journey" for violin and string orchestra to be performed at Menuhin Festival Gstaad by violinist Daniel Hope
The Menuhin Festival Gstaad together with violinist Daniel Hope have turned to the French/Lebanese composer Bechara El-Khoury to compose a piece for violin and string orchestra to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Lord Yehudi Menuhin. The work by El-Khoury, the Menuhin Festival's Composer-in-Residence for 2009, will be performed at the Festival on July 25 at the Saanen Churh, with Mr. Hope joined by the Camerata Salzburg. "Unfinished Journey" for violin and string orchestra, commissioned by the festival, received its premiere in Berlin at the Rotes Rathaus on March 12, with Daniel Hope and the Kammerakademie Potsdam, marking the 10th anniversary of Lord Menuhin's passing.

French Pianist David Fray receives the ECHO Klassik 2009
French Pianist David Fray will receive the ECHO Klassik 2009 in the category "Instrumentalist of the Year", in a ceremony on October 18, 2009 at the Semperoper Dresden that will be telecast live. The German Recording Academy made the following announcement: "After being awarded previously in 2007 with an ECHO Klassik for his impressive Bach/Boulez CD (solo piano interpretations - 20th/21st Century), the German Recording Academy is honoring pianist David Fray once again with its highest German Music Prize: for his beautifully 'swinging' interpretation of Bach Concerti with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen - he receives the ECHO Klassik 2009 in the category "Instrumentalist of the Year - Piano". Congratulations David Fray!"

Australian conductor Dane Lam makes his debut with Opera Queensland in Brisbane Australia
Australian conductor Dane Lam makes his debut with Opera Queensland in Brisbane Australia as part of the Queensland Music Festival. Lam will be conducting an opera created for and by young people aged 13 to 25, Dirty Apple, on July 18, 20, 23 and 24th, 2009 at 7:30 PM, July 21, 2009 at 1:30 PM, July 22, 2009 at 6:30 PM and July 25, at 1:30 PM. Exploring issues that are relevant to the youth of today, this work is reflective of their interests and of significance to young audiences and the wider community. "When Ben takes revenge on his teacher with the help of modern technology, things go from bad to worse for him and his schoolmates. Tragedy ensues, accusations fly, and feelings of remorse, denial and despair make this one of the most powerful youth operas you will ever experience." The collaborative process adopted for the development of the work is unique, and flows from the company's work with Backbone Youth Arts. Dirty Apple is suitable for those 13 years of age and over and contains coarse language. For further information, please see Mr. Lam's calendar.

Debora Waldman makes her debut with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice
Conductor Debora Waldman will make her debut with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 9:00 PM at the Cloister of Cimiez in Nice. She will be joined by pianist Marie-Josephe Jude and cellist Henri Demarquette in a crossover program including works by Haydn, Mozart, Vladimir Cosma and Astor Piazzolla.

Ken-David Masur returns to the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
After his successful debut with the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse this past April, conductor Ken-David Masur was immediately invited back for two more concerts in the Toulouse region. He leads the orchestra on Friday, July 10, 2009, at 9:45 PM at the Cathedral Saint Alain in Lavaur and on Sunday, July 12, 2009, at 6:00 PM at the Cathedral Saint Pierre in Condom. Ken-David Masur will conduct works by Beethoven, Saint-Saens and Dvorak on both evenings.

Iveta Apkalna opens the MDR MusikSommer Festival
Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna will perform Saint-Saens' famous "organ symphony" on the prestigious Schuke organ of the Magdeburger Dom with the MDR Orchestra under the baton of its music director Jun Maerkl in the opening concert of the MDR MusikSommer Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 8:00 PM in Magdeburg, Germany. The concert will be taped-delayed for television that same evening on MDR.

Simon Gaudenz makes his debut with the DSO Berlin (Deutsches Sinfonie Orchester - Ingo Metzmacher, music director)
Swiss conductor Simon Gaudenz will lead the Deutsches Sinfonie Orchester (DSO) Berlin in a program including works by Kabalewsky, Boccherini, Boieldieu and Mendelssohn on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 12:00 Noon in the Grosser Sendesaal of the Haus des Rundfunks in Berlin. The concert will be broadcast live on Kulturradio of the Berlin Radio RBB.

The Lee Trio performs at Weill Recital Hall on June 3, 2009
The Lee Trio's will perform Brahms' Piano Trio in C minor, Opus 101 on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 8 PM at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City. For more information please see the concert flyer [PDF].

Joel Vaisse performs "Contrastes" for solo trombone and brass ensemble by French composer Thierry Caens in Dijon
Principal trombonist of the Orchestre National de France, Joel Vaisse, together with the brass ensemble of the Dijon Conservatory will perform "Contrastes" for solo trombone and brass ensemble by French composer Thierry Caens on Tuesday, May 26 at 8:00 PM at the Auditorium of the Dijon Conservatory under the direction of the composer. For details please see Mr. Vaisse's calendar.

Debora Waldman returns to the Orchestra Colonne in Paris
Conductor Debora Waldman will collaborate once again with the Orchestre Colonne in a concert at the Eglise de la Trinite in Paris on May 29, 2009 at 8:30 PM. The program will start with a contemporary work by Chaynes: "Poemes Rimbaldiens" followed by a double concerto for violin, cello and orchestra by Saint-Saens and will conclude with the magical Requiem by Durufle. For exact details please check Ms. Waldman's calendar.

Fabien Gabel returns to the Orchestre National de France
French conductor's Fabien Gabel's concert with the Orchestre National de France in an all-French program including works by Ernest Chausson, Richard Dubugnon, Albert Roussel and Camille Saint-Saens at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 8:00 PM will mark Maestro Gabel's 10th collaboration with the Orchestre National de France. In addition, Fabien Gabel returns to the London Symphony Orchestra for a Family Discovery Concert at Barbican Hall in London on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 2:30 PM.

Spivakov Music International opens its doors
Maestro Vladimir Spivakov together with Stefana Atlas have announced the creation of Spivakov Music International who will exclusively manage Maestro Spivakov's career as violinist and conductor. [Read full press release (PDF)]

Ken-David Masur makes his conducting debut with the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
Ken-David Masur will make his conducting debut with the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse with two educational concerts of Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World") on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 6:00 PM and Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 10:45 AM. Both concerts will take place at the Halle aux Grains in Toulouse and will be moderated by renowned French entertainer Jean-Francois Zygel. Mr. Masur will continue his collaboration with the orchestra with two regional concerts April 8, 2009 in Aire sur L'Adour and April 9, 2009 in Graulhet, in a program that will include Beethoven: Egmont Overture, Haydn: cello concerto (with Pierre Gil) and Dvorak: Symphony No. 9.

Violinist Daniel Hope commemorates the 10th anniversary of the death of Lord Yehudi Menuhin with composer Bechara El-Khoury's "Unfinished Journey" for violin and string orchestra
The Menuhin Festival Gstaad together with violinist Daniel Hope have turned to the French/Lebanese composer Bechara El-Khoury to compose a piece for violin and string orchestra to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Lord Yehudi Menuhin. "Unfinished Journey" for violin and string orchestra will be premiered in Berlin at the Rotes Rathaus on March 12, 2009 at 8:00 PM by Daniel Hope and the Kammerakademie Potsdam, marking the 10th anniversary of Lord Menuhin's passing. "Unfinished Journey" can be heard again with Daniel Hope and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe on July 12 at 4:00 PM at the Festspiele Mecklenburg Vorpommern and July 14, 2009 at 7:30 PM in Ingolstadt, and on July 2 at 8:00 PM with the Camerata Salzburg at the Menuhin Festival Gstaad.

Sebastian Knauer receives the "Editor's Choice" from Gramophone Magazine for his latest Mendelssohn CD

From Gramophone:

"One of the main reasons for the success of this disc is that instead of doggedly ploughing his way through a chronologically ordered selection of Songs Without Words, Sebastian Knauer has chosen only those which appeal to him and about which he has something individual to say. At least, that is the impression one gets from his playing.

"Take Op 52 No 2 in E flat, one of several recorded in 1930 by the incomparable Ignaz Friedman. Friedman adds his own agitato to Mendelssohn's allegro non troppo; Knauer shows that serenity can be equally heavenly, an effect that is even more magically imagined halfway through the repeat of the melody in Op 85 No 4 in D major. Heart-catching Barenboim and Magaloff sound matter-of-fact by comparison.

"For Mendelssohn specialists there are the added bonuses of four world premiere recordings: the Songs in F sharp minor and F major (sans opus numbers) are heard here in the first edition of the 2001 Viennese Urtext; the Song in E flat is a completion by Mendelssohn's biographer Larry Todd (who also contrubutes the booklet here); Op 102 No 2 in D major is a "recording of the dedicated original score" (no further information is given).

"Realistically captured, with strong, sweeping accouns of the Variations sérieuses as the programme's centrepiece and the Andante and Rondo capriccioso with which Knauer rounds off proceedings, this is a distinguished contribution to the 200th anniversary celebrations."

Debora Waldman makes her debut with the Orchestre National de l'Opera de Toulon
Debora Waldman will make her debut with the Orchestre National de l'Opera de Toulon, conducting a program of works by Gerald Finzi (Romance for Strings and Clarinet Concerto) as well as Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 ("Italian"). The concert will take place on March 12, 2009 at 8:30 PM at the Auditorium of the University of Toulon in Toulon, France.

Conductor Simon Gaudenz replaces Tugan Sokhiev on short notice
Conductor Simon Gaudenz will be replacing Tugan Sokhiev with the Sinfonie Orchester Basel in two concerts on the 18th and 19th of February at the Stadtcasino Basel, in a program of Russian and French music. He will lead the Orchestra in Debussy's Prelude a l'apres Midi d'un Faune, Ravel's Sheherazade for Soprano and Orchestra with mezzo-soprano Annely Peebo, and Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherazade.

Simon Gaudenz wins the prestigious German Conductor Prize 2009
Berlin, February 7, 2009, Konzerthaus – Conductor Simon Gaudenz has won the prestigious German Conductor Prize 2009, "Deutscher Dirigentenpreis. " The German Conductor Prize is presented every three years by the BHF-Bank Foundation and the German Music Council in collaboration with the Konzerthaus Berlin. Maestro Gaudenz, born in Basel, Switzerland, was one of three finalists. He conducted the Konzerthaus Orchestra in the last work of the program, Stravinsky's Firebird (1919). Once the prizes were announced he returned to the podium for an encore, Dvorak's Carnival Overture Opus 92. In addition to a 15,000 Euro award, the German Conductor Prize provides extensive sponsorship opportunities and guest conducting engagements and offers Gaudenz an exceptional professional platform moving forward.

Simon Gaudenz reaches final round of German Conductor Prize 2009
Simon Gaudenz has reached the final round of the prestigious German Conductor Prize 2009, "Deutscher Dirigentenpreis." The German Conductor Prize is presented every three years by the BHF-Bank Foundation and the German Music Council in collaboration with the Konzerthaus Berlin, and carries with it the highest award (35,000 Euros) of any conducting competition in Europe. Maestro Gaudenz, born in Basel, Switzerland, is one of three finalists. He will conduct the Konzerthaus Orchestra in the last work on the program, Stravinsky's Firebird (1919). The program also includes Tchaikovsky's Overture to Romeo and Juliet (conducted by Shi-Yeon Sung) and Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel (conducted by Rasmus Baumann). Both the Grand Finale and the Award Ceremony will take place February 7, 2009 at 8pm at the Konzerthaus Berlin. [More information on the German Conductor Prize (PDF)]

Iveta Apkalna subject of documentary film to be shown on ARTE
Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna is the subject of a documentary film to be broadcast on the French-German television channel ARTE early in 2009. Directed by Peter Schloegl, "Tanz auf der Orgel," is a close look at the intensely personal relationship between this extraordinary musician and her complicated and fascinating instrument. The program airs on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 7:00pm.

Pianist Fray's new recording featured on ARTE TV
French pianist David Fray's second recording for Virgin Classics is featured in a program recently broadcast on the French-German television channel ARTE. Directed by Bruno Monsaingeon, "David Fray enregistre Jean-Sébastien Bach" was filmed during the January 2008 recording sessions at which Fray recorded four of Bach's keyboard concertos with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie. The program will be rebroadcast on ARTE on November 19 and 25, and on December 5.

Conductor Dane Lam and Berlin Philharmonia Quartett join Bolero roster
Bolero Artists Management is pleased to welcome Dane Lam to its roster. Hailed as one of the "most talented young conductors Australia has produced" [Limelight Magazine, Australia, June 2007] as well as one of its "brightest hopes" [The Australian, April 20 2007], Queensland native Dane Lam was accepted in 2007 into New York's prestigious Juilliard School at only age 22. Lam was first introduced to conducting through Symphony Services Australia who noticed his talent and nurtured his development. He has repeatedly impressed audiences and orchestras alike with his commitment to musical interpretation despite his young age, his charming sensibilities, and his individual musical voice. Bolero will represent Mr. Lam worldwide.

Also joining Bolero's roster is the Berlin Philharmonia Quartett. Praised as "Four of the Best" by the British press after their debut at Wigmore Hall in London two decades ago, the Philharmonia Quartett Berlin has since celebrated a critically acclaimed career, establishing itself among the finest string quartets playing on the world stage today with 20 years of international concerts and a large and diverse discography. Audiences throughout the world have enjoyed the incredible artistry of the Philharmonia Quartett Berlin, from Europe to Asia to North and South America. Bolero will represent the quartet in France and the United Kingdom.

Simon Gaudenz debuts with BRSO; fall features numerous debut engagements
Simon Gaudenz made his debut with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducting the three final concerts of the International Music Competition of the ARD in Munich at the Herkulessaal in September. In other events, Gaudenz in August was named one of three finalists for "The German Conductor's Prize - Deutscher Dirigentpreis", the final round to be held in February 2009 at the Konzerthaus in Berlin. This fall, Gaudenz will be busy making a series of debuts: in addition to the Symphonie Orchester of the BRSO, he will conduct the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, the Stuttgarter Philharmoniker and the Orchestre de Chambre de Geneve.

Organist Apkalna debuts with Hamburg Philharmoniker; collaborates again with Abbado
In late October Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna will perform in two major orchestral engagements. On October 25, she will again join conductor Claudio Abbado in a performance of Berlioz's Te Deum, to be performed by the Orchestra Mozart in Bologna. In May, Apkalna performed the same work with Maestro Abbado in her Berlin Philharmonic debut, in an outdoor concert before 18,000 people, just days after fire damaged the Philharmonie.

On October 26 and 27, Ms. Apkalna will join conductor Simone Young and the Hamburg Philharmoniker, performing Barber: Toccata Festiva, Op. 36 for Organ & Orchestra and Messiaen: Eclairs Sur l’Au Dela, at the Laeizshalle.

French conductor Fabien Gabel makes his debut with the Orchestre Metropolitain du Grand Montreal
French conductor Fabien Gabel, winner of the 2004 Donatella Flick Competition, will make his debut with the Orchestre Metropolitain du Grand Montreal in Montreal Canada. He will conduct four performances of a diverse program, including works by Beethoven, Murray Schafer and Bizet, and will be joined by violonist Noemi Racine-Gaudreault. For more details, see Fabien's performance calendar.

Berlin Philharmonic debut for Apkalna in aftermath of Philharmonie fire
Iveta Apkalna made her Berlin Philharmonic debut on May 24, 2008, performing the featured organ part in Berlioz's monumental Te Deum under the baton of Claudio Abbado. The performance took place in Berlin's famous Waldbühne park in front of an audience of 18,000, just days after a fire at the Philharmonie forced a change of venue. In the end, it was a good news all around: limited damage to the concert hall, a great debut for Apkalna, and a concert that will be remembered in Berlin for a long time to come.

French pianist David Fray, received the Jury Award: "Newcomer of the Year 2008" for his Boulez/Bach CD from BBC Music Magazine. View article [PDF]

Simon Gaudenz makes his debut with the
Orchestre National de France. View press release [PDF]

Debora Waldman named ADAMI
Young Talent of 2008. View press release [PDF]

Bolero Artists Management opens its doors. View press release or the Bolero Artists brochure [PDF]