Actually, I’ve been posting on my own Blog (LINK) for many
years but it’s been awhile since I’ve been posting here on the San Gabriel
Valley News Group Blog. But here I am and glad to be back!
For those who don’t know me, you can read my brief profile
to the left. My beat is classical music, specifically in the San Gabriel Valley
and throughout Southern California. Here’s what you can expect from this Blog:
COLUMNS
My print column appears every other Sunday in our newspapers
(Pasadena Star-News/San Gabriel Valley Tribune/Whittier Daily News). The column
from April 3 is posted two stories below. The next one is scheduled for April
17.
FIVE-SPOT
This is a relatively new feature that is posted every
Thursday (today’s is below). It features five upcoming events in Southern
California that I found interesting, including at least one that’s free
admission (or at least low cost). Each entry will include a link to the
organization’s Web site where you can get more information.
REVIEWS
As you all know, we just don’t have the newsprint space to review
every concert, much as we’d like to. However, that’s the beauty of a Blog. I
try to review every performance I attend, which helps extends the
papers’ reach in this vital area. It’s my Blog so I choose what to cover. My policy is to post reviews by 9 a.m. the
morning after each evening concert — if it’s a daytime concert a review might
be up that evening but next morning for sure. This weekend I’ll be hearing the Pasadena Master Chorale Saturday night and the Los Angeles Master Chorale Sunday night. Look for reviews the following mornings.
Remember that a review is just one person’s opinion (in this
case, mine). The purpose is not strict reporting — you already know the event
happened. It’s how I reacted to the performance based on my experience, feelings, knowledge
and other factors. Incidentally, I perform as well so I know how hard it is to
put oneself on the line before an audience. Therefore if I give someone or some
group what sounds like a negative review, it’s not because I love doing so.
Nothing makes me happier than a wonderful experience at a concert. But I call
them as I hear (or see) them.
You may or may not agree with what I write; that’s okay —
everyone who attends a performance is, in some way, a critic — even the phrase
“I liked it” or “I didn’t like it” is a critical evaluation. The
late, great critic Alan Rich once wrote, “The purpose of a critic is not to
lead his readers into blindly accepting his truths, but to stimulate them,
delight them, even irritate them into formulating truths which are completely
their own.” I hope that’s what I do and how you will respond.
NEWS ITEMS
A lot of stuff flows into my inbox and some of it is
newsworthy. When it is, I’ll share it with you. I also read dozens of classical
music Blogs from around the world and when I see something that I think you
should know about, I’ll link to that site.
PREVIEWS
Not every upcoming performance gets a preview, but some do. Almost always I will
include links to the organization’s Web site that will have many more details
and how to get tickets.
OPINION PIECES
Occasionally I’ll sound off about the state of things in
classical music, both locally and elsewhere. If you want a sample, click HERE.
FEEDBACK
This site has a feedback function. Please feel free to use
it (keep it clean and at least relatively polite). I check the Blog at least
daily even if I haven’t posted and, if necessary, I’ll respond. Healthy
dialogue is important to the growth of classical music. In addition, please
feel free to email me by clicking my name underneath my photo to the left. I
try to answer all emails promptly, even if I’m on the road. Let me know what you
like, don’t like or what you care about when it comes to classical music.
