Concerts

A hypnotic blend of myth, melodrama, and psychological intrigue, Richard Strauss’s seldom heard The Egyptian Helen (Die ägyptische Helena) receives a lavish, rare U.S. staging at Bard SummerScape. Botstein, and his annual opera production at Bard, seem more invaluable by the year. —The New York Times Strauss and librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal reimagine the Helen myth, set in the…

In this program curated by longtime American Symphony Orchestra member Louis Bruno, the ASO Jazz Ensemble honors Louis Armstrong by performing a selection of his lesser-recorded works, including Cool Cart Blues, Don’t Forget to Mess Around, Hear Me Talkin’ to Ya, If We Never Meet Again, and New Orleans Stomp. Featuring Alphonso Horne (trumpet), Zoe Obadia (saxophone and clarinet), Ron Wilkins (trombone…

Following a 2023 commission for the ASO’s Chamber Series, percussionist-composer Javier Diaz — whose studio credits include Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights — curates “Contrapunto Musical”: Musical Counterpoint between Cuba and the United States, a selection of chamber music programs that highlight the rich musical history of Cuba and its influence…

ASO’s jazz ensemble has performed numerous concerts dedicated to the great jazz composers of both the past and present, including Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea, Count Basie, Charles Mingus, and many others. The ensemble’s next program will honor jazz trumpet virtuoso, and innovator, Louis Armstrong. The legendary artist was also composer of more than…

Experience the gripping drama of Bedřich Smetana’s Dalibor, a powerful Czech opera that weaves themes of revenge, love, and fate. Set against a backdrop of medieval intrigue, Dalibor follows its titular tragic hero as he faces a desperate struggle for redemption. With sweeping orchestral music and unforgettable arias, Dalibor captivates with its emotional depth and stirring melodies. Director Jean-Romain Vesperini…

PROGRAM NINE: The Epic Power of Tradition This program comprises choral and orchestral music by Martinů and perhaps his finest student, Moravia’s Jan Novák. Set to his own Latin text, Novák’s moving cantata Ignis pro Ioanne Palach commemorates a desperate young activist who immolated himself to protest the end of the Prague Spring. As a former professional…

“Leon Botstein, the conductor and tireless champion of overlooked works, considers Julietta an operatic masterpiece that at least deserves a place in the repertory…He has done his part by bringing a worthy and original opera to attention.” —The New York Times PROGRAM ELEVEN: The Opera of Dreams: Martinů’s Julietta Many consider Martinů’s eighth opera to be his finest…