Do you feel like you’ve encountered too many classical music programs that seem like the “greatest hits?” Or those that comprise the “same ole same ole” trendy works with a dose of contemporary commissions without regard for how the works

Coastal History and the Festival’s Origins Long before flourishing as a favorite summer retreat for the Russian imperial court, Haapsalu carried its coastal geography in its very name—derived from the Estonian haab (“aspen”) and the archaic salu (“forested island”). For

The International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition, founded in 1927 and held every five years in Warsaw, is widely considered the most prestigious and important piano competition in the world. Every stage is uniquely devoted exclusively to the works of Frédéric

In homage to director and designer Nikos S. Petropoulos, Greek National Opera did a revival of his 2001 La Traviata, first given at the Olympic Theatre. The design was Over The Top in the best possible way, with the first

Part V: The Sightseeing in Halle & Surroundings — Beyond the Festival Stage Given that Halle sits squarely within the tectonic core of German humanism, the rhythmic pulse of the Händel-Festspiele is beautifully synchronised with the slow, reflective pacing of

The summer part of the Lucerne Festival runs from 13 August to 13 September, and in those weeks, the city is flooded with over 100 concerts. This year’s festival, the first under the leadership of Executive and Artistic Director Sebastian

Part I: The Cradle of the Baroque Titans Dawn over the River Saale brings a crisp mist that clings to the silhouette of Halle’s five iconic towers, pierced by the deep pealing of the Marktkirche bells—the exact acoustic tapestry a

The summer part of the Lucerne Festival, from 13 August to 13 September, floods the city with over 100 concerts. Major international orchestras, including the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, appear, along with soloists and ensembles. This year’s festival, the first under