The tall, debonair saxophonist known as the “Sophisticated Giant” had a seemingly effortless power in his playing. Hear 10 examples chosen by our experts.
Category: Music
-
Béla Fleck Withdraws From Kennedy Center Concerts
“Performing there has become charged and political,” the 19-time Grammy winner said.
-
Paris Opera Names Semyon Bychkov as Its Next Musical Director
Semyon Bychkov will be the musical director for a period when the opera’s performance spaces are under renovation. It’s a chance to add symphonic seasons like at La Scala.
-
Modern American Opera Wouldn’t Be the Same Without Her
Beth Morrison has shepherded dozens of new works into existence over the past 20 years. And her footprint continues to grow.
-
Marina Viotti: The Opera Star With Heavy-Metal Chops
The busy mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti has made a career out of versatility: “I think generally people should not do only one thing in their lives.”
-
Stephen Schwartz Criticizes Kennedy Center, Saying He Won’t Host Gala
The Washington National Opera said the “Wicked” composer was scheduled to host its annual event at the center this spring.
-
At the Met Opera, It’s Traditional Puritans for New Year’s Eve
The Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Bellini’s “I Puritani,” directed by Charles Edwards, is “a retro move,” said Peter Gelb, the Met’s general manager.
-
K-pop Group NewJeans Faces New Uncertainty After Member is Dropped
The band’s label said it had dropped one of the girl group’s five members. NewJeans’s legal battle has drawn public scrutiny of the K-pop industry.
-
Charles Mackerras Carried Janacek’s Music to the Future
Charles Mackerras, born 100 years ago, had a vast and versatile repertoire. But he also left an indelible mark on the legacy of at least one composer.
-
Deaths in 2025: A Yearlong Procession of Giants
Marquee names all, they found international fame in the arts, politics, the sciences and beyond.
-
A Bold Alliance Ends as Innovative Opera Director Bows Out in Detroit
Yuval Sharon will leave the financially strained Detroit Opera after this season. In March, he brings his unorthodox vision to Wagner at the Metropolitan Opera.