Latest news with #MechanicsHall
Korea Herald
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Chung Kyung-wha to launch Korea and US recital tour with Kevin Kenner, her 'soulmate in music'
The duo will perform in eight cities in Korea, US and Canada Korean violin legend Chung Kyung-wha, now 77 and in the 58th year of her illustrious career, will embark on a recital tour this fall, joined by longtime musical partner pianist Kevin Kenner. The tour includes four performances across Korea in September as well as four concerts in North America in November. The Korean leg of the tour kicks off in Pyeongtaek on Sept. 13, followed by stops in Goyang on Sept. 21, Seoul on Sept. 24 and Tongyeong on Sept. 26. The US tour marks Chung's return to New York's Carnegie Hall on Nov. 7 — her first performance at the iconic venue since her 50th debut anniversary concert in 2017. Other North American stops include Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Nov. 2; McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey, on Nov. 5 and Koerner Hall in Toronto, Canada, on Nov. 9. Chung has described Kenner as her 'soulmate in music.' A laureate of the 1990 International Chopin Piano Competition — where he received second prize (no first prize was awarded) and the Polonaise Prize — Kenner will accompany her throughout the tour and will also serve as a juror at the 2025 Chopin Competition. Chung first rose to global prominence in 1967 after winning the prestigious Leventritt Competition. She went on to perform with major US orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony, and was featured at a White House gala concert. Her groundbreaking success as an East Asian soloist in the Western classical world earned widespread acclaim. Over her decadeslong career, Chung has recorded most of the core violin repertoire with major labels such as Decca, RCA, Deutsche Grammophon and EMI, building a widely respected discography. After briefly stepping away from performing due to injury in 2005, she made a celebrated return in 2010. In 2023, she reunited on stage with her brother, conductor Chung Myung-whun, for a rare duo performance.
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Florida AG should replace dystopian rhetoric on ‘Alligator Alcatraz' for empathy
Retrograde habits On ✓March 22, 1933, Dachau opened as the first concentration camp of the Nazi regime. Initially, it imprisoned political opponents, later incarcerating Jews, homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, physically and mentally impaired people and others on the margins of society. Few in Germany raised voices of opposition, due to ignorance, indifference or fear of retaliation. Recent comments by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier would have been applauded by those who supported the ideas of isolating Germany's unwanted in the 1930s. Suggesting that alligators, pythons and the Everglades' vast wetlands are sufficient deterrents to anyone wishing to escape only indicates the level of dystopia to which he has sunk. Obviously, he has never trekked through the jungles of the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia, crossed the shark infested and storm-tossed waters of the Atlantic, or risked his life and the lives of his family with smugglers in a search for freedom. Bill Bullard, a former high school dean, authored, 'Opinion is the lowest form of human knowledge because it requires no accountability, no understanding. The highest form of knowledge is empathy, because it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another's world.' Uthmeier should apply the moral and mental effort to comprehend what he is condoning. When empathy is absent or viewed as a weakness, then humanity no longer possesses its inherent dignity and value and we will have devolved into our animal instincts. Rev. Leo F. Armbrust, Glen Ridge Adaptive reuse Having lived in Miami for more than 70 years and witnessing the assassination of most of our city's historic buildings, another treasure of our history is seemingly being prepared for it's inevitable destruction. The Olympia Theater is a jewel. It can be preserved for its original purpose and contribution to our cultural life. I remember going with my grandmother and my parents to see movies in that extraordinary place. I remember seeing other performances there also. Miami, however, is not interested in my memories or the stories of any structures that tell of the city's earlier history. Local politicians and some residents have found the perfect, if criminal way, to destroy buildings designated as 'historic:' benign neglect. Witness the Coconut Grove Playhouse and the Miami Courthouse. However, it does not have to be this way. Another glorious structure has survived and been preserved for 168 years: Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. The story of this structure is evidence of the way businessmen operated in a different time when, instead of trying to steal property and land from the people, they found ways to give back to their communities. Mechanics Hall was first thought of as a way to teach young men the skills they could use to earn their living and to provide a place for the community to be exposed to higher culture. In serving these ends, a 'shop' became the pride of a growing city that remains to this day and retains its perfect acoustics. Read the story of Mechanics Hall and learn about another path forward. Judith Antinarella, Miami Gator bites Gov. Ron DeSantis is creating 'Alligator Alcatraz' with the expectation of getting reimbursed by the Trump administration. According to some news reports, it's estimated cost is about $450 million. In addition to the setup costs, the environmental costs will be substantial. Unfortunately, President Trump is not known to pay his debts and Florida taxpayers will probably get stuck with the bill. Joe Smariga, Fort Lauderdale Party politics I read with appreciation Herald Editorial Board member Mary Anna Mancuso's well-thought June 15 op-ed, 'Florida doesn't need a new third political party,' on preserving Florida's two-party political system. Recreating is always more costly than tweaking most problems. Florida's troubled politics are certainly worthy of needing a fix. In his intent to run for governor, John Morgan should be aware that injecting another party system is doomed to neutralize our time-honored American two-party system. If he truly wishes to serve the people of Florida, selecting an existing party and promoting a positive platform would serve the citizens more favorably. H. Allen Benowitz, Miami Zone of interest Let's call 'Alligator Alcatraz' and other similar detention centers what they are: concentration camps. Our government is building concentration camps in the Everglades. Secret, masked, police are taking people off the street, with no due process and placing them in camps with no oversight or accountability. Concentration camps, that's what they are. Jason Ireland, Fort Lauderdale Can I get a yes? The slogan used for the old anti-drug program for kids was 'Just Say No.' We can now use that same slogan when we talk about today's 'No' society. 'No' to certain books, 'no' to certain classes in school (undergrad and grad), 'no' to abortion, 'no' to gun control, 'no' to DEI. No, no, no. What a legacy for this generation and our country to have. Could we possibly turn this around and become an inclusive and understanding country of 'Yes?' Hope so. Alvin Blake, Miami Surviving attacks I traveled to Israel for a summer financial technology internship. I lived with students from University of Miami, University of Central Florida and Florida International University. Although Hamas and Houthis launched earlier attacks, we stayed optimistic and focused on our work. Everything changed when Iran launched missiles at our area. Buildings where some students worked were hit. In response, we were quickly moved to a hotel with other American students and then brought to a boat heading for Cyprus. Missiles exploded just yards from the boat. Iranian rockets approached, intercepted by the Iron Dome, allowing us to continue safely. New challenges awaited in Cyprus. An Iranian agent leaked our flight coordinates online, forcing a delay of departure. Authorities arrested the agent. When we landed in Rome, students chose to remove their visible Star of Davids out of caution. I made it home to Chicago with a deeper appreciation for peace, safety and the strength of community. Now, when I walk across the University of Miami campus, I feel a renewed sense of gratitude. I'm grateful for freedom, for safety and for the chance to live without fear of sirens or war. Jacob Goroff, Chicago, IL Big bad payoff Florida's Republican state legislators and Gov. Ron DeSantis recently passed a new law restricting local governments' ability to establish historic districts (among other idiotic restrictions). This is tragic and an economic malpractice. I arrived in Miami in May 1983 and worked in the South Beach office of Jewish Family Services. Hard to believe that back then, South Beach was economically depressed, a truly slum and blighted area. The designation of the Art Deco District was the catalyst which sparked the revitalization of that area, making it one of the most desirable and high-end communities in Florida (now worth billions of dollars). As an affordable housing developer for the past 28 years, I am sure that Republican legislators who have effectively killed home rule in cities and counties throughout Florida have received hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of developer political contributions (paradoxically, home rule was once a plank in the Republican Party's platform). These myopic Republicans have effectively killed the goose that lays golden eggs, just for their short term personal benefit. Doug Mayer, president, Stone Soup Development, Coral Gables Get it done What would have happened on 9/11 if Bin Laden had had access to a nuclear bomb? Different delivery logistics, of course, but imagine the result. Iranian leaders, military and many of their civilians have grown up to hate the U.S. as much or more. Preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons must be done at all costs. Daniel Westbrook, Miami
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Music Worcester announces 2025-26 season with 'stunning array of talent'
Jazz vocalist Catherine Russell and pianist Sean Mason will bring their highly praised interpretations of new and standard jazz repertoire to the BrickBox Theater at JMAC on March 26. WORCESTER — Visits by Orchestra National de France with pianist Daniil Trifonov, the American Spiritual Ensemble, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and celebrated pianist Simone Dinnerstein, as well as 11 concerts continuing the multi-year "The Complete Bach" project, are among the highlights of Music Worcester's 2025-26 season, it's 167th, announced on May 6. The annual Summer@Music Worcester series was also announced. The 29 concerts in total will span musical genres, Music Worcester said, with classical music, jazz, world music, choral classics, spirituals, dance and more. 'Next season brings a stunning array of talent from across the globe, representing multiple performing arts disciplines and genres, right here to Central Massachusetts," said Music Worcester executive director Adrien C. Finley, in the announcement. "From solo recitals to large-scale dance and choral-orchestral presentations, the 2025-26 promises to delight, inspire, and deepen one's engagement with composers from over six centuries.' Musicians of the Old Post Road will officially open Music Worcester's 2025-26 season on Oct. 5 in First Unitarian Church of Worcester performing Bach's Cantatas BWV 170, 173, and 179. Looking ahead Summer@Music Worcester will feature three concerts beginning July 18 with a performance by the renowned South African choral singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Mechanics Hall in a co-presentation with Crocodile River Music. On July 25, Emi Ferguson, principal flute of the Handel & Haydn Society will perform with early music ensemble band Ruckus at the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. On Aug. 15, Hermitage Piano Trio will play at Tuckerman Hall. The Boston-area early music ensemble Musicians of the Old Post Road, regular visitors to Worcester, will officially open Music Worcester's 2025-26 season on Oct. 5 in First Unitarian Church of Worcester performing Bach's Cantatas BWV 170, 173, and 179. The concert will be part of the second year of Music Worcester's international project "The Complete Bach" which will present live performances of all the known works by composer J.S. Bach culminating in March, 2035, on the 350th anniversary of his birth. The Second AnnualBACHtoberfest Weekend, Oct. 24-26, presents four concerts at Mechanics Hall, including pianist Simone Dinnerstein, former Music Worcester artist in residence, leading her string ensemble Baroklyn as well as performing with cellist Alexis Gerlach. On Oct. 26, the BACHtoberfest Choir, a special choir made up of singers from around the country, will perform for the second year. November concerts include violinistKyung-Wha Chung, violin, with a program including Debussy and Schubert on Nov. 2, and Orchestre National de France with pianist Daniil Trifonov performing works by Ravel, Saint-Saëns, and Barraine on Nov. 7, both in Mechanics Hall. The Grammy Nominated American Patchwork Quartet will be at The Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of the Holy Cross on Nov. 14. Pianist Simone Dinnerstein, former Music Worcester artist in residence, will perform as part of the Second Annual BACHtoberfest Weekend, Oct. 24-26 at Mechanics Hall. Holidays and beyond The holiday season kicks off with the beloved long-standing tradition of Worcester Chorus's annual performance of Handel's Messiah at Mechanics Hall on Dec. 6. The Worcester Chorus Women's Ensemble will present their annual Holiday Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester on Dec. 21. The first concert of the new year on Jan. 10 features the return of Everett McCorvey and the American Spiritual Ensemble to Mechanics Hall. The concert marks the beginning of McCorvey's term as Music Worcester's 2026 artist-in-residence, during which he'll spend weeks at a time living in Worcester collaborating with a number of educational and community non-profit organizations. "The Complete Bach" returns with cantatas from Bach's Christmas Oratorio performed by theWorcester Chorus with the Winchendon Music Festival Players on Jan. 24 in Mechanics Hall, and Boston's Emmanuel Music presenting solo cantatas BWV 60, 158, and 199 on Feb. 21 at Assumption University's Curtis Hall. "Bach's Birthday Bash Weekend" March 20 to 22 in Mechanics Hall will include The Sebastians performing "The Brandenburg Concertos," a concert by the Worcester Chamber Music Society and a "Cantatathon." Among other performances in the season, jazz pianist Aaron Diehl will bring his trio to the Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of the Holy Cross on Feb. 27; the Refugee Orchestra Project will perform at Mechanics Hall on March 1; and Argentinian pianist Nelson Goerner, winner of the Geneva International Music Competition, will play a recital of works by Liszt and Albéniz at Assumption University's Curtis Hall on March 5. "Bach's Birthday Bash Weekend" March 20 to 22 in Mechanics Hall will include The Sebastians performing "The Brandenburg Concertos." Nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award for their latest album "My Ideal," celebrated jazz vocalist Catherine Russell and acclaimed pianistSean Mason will bring their highly praised interpretations of new and standard jazz repertoire to the BrickBox Theater at JMAC on March 26. The season comes to a close on May 9 when Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Worcester for a performance co-presented by The Hanover Theatre and their new Dance Series. Music Worcester's 2024-25 season is still on-going, with performances upcoming featuring the Grammy-winning trio Time For Three at the BrickBox Theater at the JMAC on May 14 and the Worcester Chorus performing works by Handel and Charpentier in Mechanics Hall on May 17. For complete information on the full season as well as subscriptions and tickets visit This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Music Worcester announces new season with 'stunning array of talent'
