Jonathan Mack

Not so standard: An evening of Cole Porter in Pasadena this weekend

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These days, we tend to talk about the “American Songbook” in terms that belie the real value of this golden age of songwriting.  These “standards” are part of our national fabric because they are immensely varied, layered and often clever beyond belief. One of the kings of the age, of course, is the whimsical and … Read more

Loving local: Great vocal events, right here

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Vocal focus from CCMN* Southern CA Vocal Events Lauri D. Goldenhersh’s Weekly Highlights One of the best things about classical music in Southern California is the astonishing diversity and constant innovation achieved by so many local presenters. We’re truly blessed, and lest I start sounding like I had brochures touristes à l’orange for dessert last … Read more

CCMN: About time

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Vocal focus from CCMN* SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VOCAL EVENTS Lauri D. Goldenhersh’s Weekly Highlights     This week, let’s try a new way of organizing things, starting with the ton of choral music going on all over SoCal.  Just pick your favorite era and click away: Baroque Bach rules!  Lent is the perfect time to enjoy … Read more

Hidden Gem: Picking Britten’s brain

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SoCal’s ongoing centennial festivities bring the thought-provoking Nocturne to the Palisades In case you’ve been living under a rock somewhere, 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of composer Benjamin Britten‘s birth.  He was undoubtedly one of the finest and most influential composers of the 20th century, and left quite a legacy, with an extensive output that … Read more

Review: ‘Fall of the House of Usher’ at Long Beach Opera

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Although his popularity has never truly waned, we seem to be in another resurgence of interest in the works of Edgar Allan Poe:  there’s the John Cusack film, The Raven, last year; the popularity of the Poe action figure (complete with Raven) in hipster stores several years ago; and the newly launched Kevin Bacon vehicle … Read more

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