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On This Day
23 June: Henning Kraggerud Was Born
Norwegian violinist and composer Henning Kraggerud, the Artistic Director of the Arctic Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, has been lauded for his versatility and passion for music and the beauty of his performances. A critic writes, “Kraggerud displays striking virtuosity which feels
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Say It in Silk: Silk Presentation Programmes
English theatres had a special way of celebrating important performances. Gala, royal, anniversary, benefit, charity, or visits of foreign dignitaries called for the use of a silk programme. This programme was made for the grand opening night of the London
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On This Day
22 June: Darius Milhaud Died
Darius Milhaud, one of the most prolific composers of the 20th century, died in his home in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22 June 1974 at the age of 81. For the last 25 years of his life, Milhaud had been confined
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On This Day
21 June: Wagner’s Meistersinger Premiered
Richard Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg premiered, generously supported by Ludwig II of Bavaria, at the Munich Court Opera on 21 June 1868. Hans von Bülow conducted, and Franz Strauss, the father of Richard Strauss played the French horn at
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On This Day
20 June: Jacques Offenbach Was Born
Jacques Offenbach composed some of the catchiest tunes and melodies ever written, and he exerted a powerful influence on subsequent composers for the music theatre. Initially, however, he was primarily known as a traveling cello virtuoso. He was born Jacob
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Morningside Music Bridge Brings Its 26th Annual Summer Music Training Program to Boston
For our 26th annual summer program this year, Morningside Music Bridge has selected 65 outstanding musicians, aged 12 to 18, from 11 countries. Representing the highest international standards of excellence, the young violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists will receive full
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On This Day
19 June: Elgar’s Enigma Variations Was Premiered
One October evening in 1898, having returned home after a long day teaching, Edward Elgar lit a cigar and began to improvise at the piano. Elgar recalls, “I began to play, and suddenly my wife interrupted by saying: ‘Edward, that’s
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Anton Reicha: Inventing the Wind Quintet
Antonín Rejcha, later Antoine or Anton Reicha (1770-1836) came from a hard childhood. His father, Simon, the town piper of Prague, died when he was 10 months old and at age 11, he ran away from his mother who couldn’t
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