Reviewed by Steven G. Kellman At age 11, Doireann NĂ GhrĂofa was smitten with “Caoineadh Airt UĂ Laoghaire,” an Irish dirge that Oxford Professor Peter Levi pronounced the “greatest poem written in these islands in the whole eighteenth century.” At 34, NĂ GhrĂofa sets out to translate the work into English and reconstruct the dramatic life of its author, …
NEWS ROUNDUP, Nov. 7, 2024 As is usual at this time of the year, concerts and music events are bountiful. Camerata San Antonio will present its third program of the 24/25 season, “Tresors Musicaux,” (Musical Treasures), which will put French chamber music in the spotlight. The musicians: Laura Scalzo (violin), Emily Freudigman (viola), Kenneth Freudigman (cello), and pianist Viktor Valkov, …
By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor One of San Antonio’s best and most versatile actresses, Anna Gangai, is portraying former fire-brand governor of Texas, Ann Richards, in a one-woman-play at the San Pedro Playhouse Classic Theater. Many readers will remember Richard’s flamboyant persona, her tenacity and resilience as only the second female governor of the Lone Star State. We spoke with Gangai …
NEWS ROUNDUP, Nov. 1, 2024 The best part of this season is the abundance of great music in our halls great and small. Upcoming events range from symphonic music and choral events to theatrical humor combined with dazzling operatic singing. The Mid-Texas Symphony will present Jean Sibelius’ Second Symphony that moves “from darkness to triumph, symbolically conveying Finland’s fight for …
JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor Many of our readers know that the San Antonio Philharmonic hasn’t had a performing home since it was created following the demise of the former San Antonio Symphony. The First Baptist Church downtown graciously stepped in to host the majority of the concerts. But a big change is coming up. Led by executive director, Roberto Trevino, San …
“Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – The Last Encores” features Valli himself and the Four Seasons in a show at the Tobin Center. They are apparently still going strong despite advanced age. Valli’s career with the Four Seasons, and his solo career, have produced countless hit singles. Among his hits are “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Can’t …
“CREATION LAKE” by Rachel KushnerReviewed by Steven G Kellman After a federal agent bungles an undercover mission to entrap two animal rights advocates in criminal acts, a journalist asks: “What kind of person would manipulate and frame young people with utopian hopes and principles? That person narrates Creation Lake, Rachel Kushner’s seductive fifth novel. A 34-year-old American who calls …
NEWS ROUNDUP, Oct. 17, 2024 High caliber ballet performances are not frequent events in San Antonio, so ballet lovers can look forward to the up-coming performance of Ballet San Antonio’s “Don Quixote,” this weekend.The ballet is an adapted version inspired by Miguel Cervantes’ famous 17th century tale that follows the protagonist on a heroic quest to vanquish his enemies and …
More good music coming our way! The San Antonio Chamber Music Society kicks off its new season with a concert by the 2023 Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble – VOCES8. Touring globally, this beloved vocal octet “consistently thrills audiences” with a repertoire ranging from Renaissance music to folk songs, jazz, pop and original compositions.” We can, indeed, confirm that this octet sounds …
Music, music, everywhere! Camerata San Antonio will present its second program of the new season, “Longing,” which will showcase a selection of piano trios. The beautifully curated program explores the theme of longing through works of Mel Bonis, Schubert, Weinberg and Brahms. The trio of performers includes violinist Matthew Zerweck, cellist Kenneth Freudigman and pianist Viktor Valkov. They will play …
