Madison Opera’s “Flute” Finds Plenty of Vocal Magic

Mozart’s late hybrid stage work proves a hit Friday night   Okay, let’s get this out of the way right now: Yours truly is not the optimal critic for a performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. I didn’t fall under its spell when I first heard it about 45 years ago, and no version since,…

Snow or No, “Madison Symphony Christmas” Is Here

DeMain and the usual huge guest roster launch musical holiday cheer Ok, I’ll admit it: After attending my seventh consecutive “A Madison Symphony Christmas” (out of the 23 that John DeMain has led as music director of the MSO), this feels more like a report than a review. After all, who critiques the turkey and…

Handel’s Messiah, Stripped Down—and Resurrected

Madison Bach Musicians share a divine vision If anyone has a “ bucket list” for Madison music groups, experiencing the Madison Bach Musicians (pictured above from an earlier concert, courtesy of the group) should be on it. Happy to report that I finally can check it off my list—and that when I attended their performance…