Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | The Choral Arts Society of Washington

A good audience turnout for the opening of Noseda's third NSO season justifies an all-20th-century program centering on Carl Orff's popular and direct setting of medieval poems about real life and fate, but also presenting gentler works of religious reflection.

A concert featuring noteworthy choral works by Gabriel Fauré and his students Florent Schmitt and Lili Boulanger brings the fascinating musical milieu of turn-of-the-century Paris to life.

Torrential downpours and the croaking of consumptive frogs fail to dampen spirits at Wolf Trap's National Symphony Orchestra concert featuring pianist Seong-Jin Cho, JoAnn Falletta and a massive community chorus.

Big moments, largely conceived, but somewhat lacking in overall unity.

Emerging talent to watch in Wolf Trap's summer production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly. 

A strong believer in music speaking for itself, I have always been quite skeptical about pre-concert presentations. In my opinion, play the music and let the audience enjoy it.On Sunday afternoon I was less than excited to hear that Mozart’s Requiem presented by Washington Performing Arts Society would be previewed in a 45-minute presentation by NPR music commentator Rob Kapilow.