Classical music, opera, ballet and dance in Princeton, NJ, United States

Riveting production shows that Nixon in China still speaks to today's audiences. 

There is a very strong bond between two interpreters that approach music with the same unbridled passion

Thursday, composer David Ludwig joined Princeton audiences to hear Jonathan Biss perform his newly-penned Lunaire Variations in Richardson Auditorium. Ludwig’s piano cycle, though the shortest work on the program, became the centerpiece of Biss’ recital, which also featured works by Janáček and Beethoven.

On Thursday 15 March, the Jerusalem String Quartet strode onto the stage of Richardson Auditorium all wearing the same smart suits. The four young players played a pleasant program of early string quartets by Beethoven, Debussy, and Brahms.

In recent decades, the infatuation with youth and beauty has affected many industries including classical music. In fact, it seems that classical musicians must begin their studies practically while they are still breast-feeding in order to ensure any kind of career at all. Bright stars burn out quickly, however, and few Wunderkinder show signs of true artistry and sophistication.

Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, one of the most popular and enduring ballets, was performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia in a charming rendition at the McCarter Theatre on Saturday night.Many audiences are surely familiar with the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, as well as Prokofiev’s setting.