Here, at the WQXR offices, we read about, watch and listen to a lot of classical music. Our favorite stories from this week include an tour of Philadelphia's decaying Metropolitan Opera House by drones, why choreographers avoid Mozart, a first-time visit to Bayreuth and more. Please tell us what you are reading and watching in the comments below.
So how was that West Side Story production starring Cecilia Bartoli and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel? MarK Swed weighs in. (The Los Angeles Times)
A report of near-fatal 'bagpipe lung' caused by a fungus should get you to clean out those wind instruments. (The Guardian)
Why choreographers don’t create dances to Mozart. (The New York Times)
Blind mezzo-soprano Laurie Rubin not only sings, she cowrote a musical and also designs jewelry. (Wall Street Journal)
An article about the trend of commissions based on previous works in the repertoire in The New York Times, has provoked thoughtful responses by a composer and performer featured in the piece. (Timo Andres and Jonathan Biss)
Contemporary opera darlings The Industry, which was behind the acclaimed Hopscotch opera, announced its upcoming season. (NewMusicBox)
Pianist Ethan Iverson discovers a link between Steinway and the Trump campaign. (Do The M@th)
What do you do when your priceless 18th century viola goes missing? For Sally Beamish, it opened a door to composing. (The Guardian)
A Wagner-lover makes her pilgrimage to Bayreuth. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Boston is now in midst of 40 straight days filled with opera (featuring tank-wearing chorus members who must work out). (Boston Globe)
A look back at how John Adams’s opera Nixon in China, gave the Houston Grand Opera international clout. (Houston Chronicle)
A drone race in Philly’s crumbling Metropolitan Opera House, shows details of the building, which opened in 1908. (Curbed Philadelphia)
