David Patrick Stearns

David Patrick Stearns is a classical music critic and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Email David Patrick at dstearns@phillynews.com

The Crossing opens its festival with a Baltic stunner

By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

06/18/2013

The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral was darkened and the the Crossing choir was positioned in a circle, facing inward, with sound seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere. But even a healthy sense of trepidation had no place at Saturday's opening of the group's annual Month of Moderns festival, in which artistic director Donald Nally unveiled his latest stunning Baltic discovery, Chu dal by Latvian composer Santa Ratniece.

For contestants, the challenge is acclimatizing to the highly specific aspects of the Longwood organ. Some concert organists do so by spending a day or two with the instrument, but with 10 contestants, time has to be limited. So before they arrived, they were sent relevant photos of the instrument.

The Longwood Pipes are calling

They're calling players, for the first International Organ Competition. And they're calling the public, to be entertained in grand Longwood style.

By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

06/18/2013

The Longwood Gardens organ wraps itself around you like a huge smile with more sets of teeth than you ever imagined. Take care to pull the right knobs, and this treasure chest of near-orchestral sounds will take care of you.

Is China the future of Western classical music? 06/07/2013: By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

BEIJING - Nicholas Platt may have a longer association with the evolving Chinese culture than anyone currently in the U.S. diplomatic corps. He was here in 1972 during President Richard Nixon's first visit, and lived in China for years after before ambassadorial appointments took him elsewhere. Given his recent advisory relationship with the Philadelphia Orchestra, he's able to discuss a question often asked in symphonic circles these days: Is China the future of Western classical music?
Orchestral affection for a sister city 06/05/2013: Concert hall inaugurated in sister city Tianjin.

By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

"Wasn't that a mud field last year?" It was an idle observation made as the Philadelphia Orchestra's buses cruised along the scenic route to the Tianjin Performing Arts Center for a Wednesday evening concert, passing meticulously landscaped parks filled with beds of plump crimson tulips.
Orchestra playing for the sick 06/03/2013: By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

In 1973, when the Philadelphia Orchestra made history in China, Inquirer music critic Daniel Webster was there. Now David Patrick Stearns reports on the 2013 visit, building on this long relationship.
Phila. Orchestra reaches out to welcoming Hangzhou 05/31/2013: By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

HANGZHOU, China - Maybe they just needed a tune - a big, boisterous one - to show them what the Philadelphia Orchestra is. In the first concert of the 40th Anniversary Tour of China on Friday, the orchestra showed no signs of jet lag during the robust Richard Strauss tone poem Don Juan. But not until the program moved on to Tchaikovsky's less-compact, more broadly etched Capriccio Italien did the sold-out house at the 1,500-seat Hangzhou Grand Theatre respond with something more than muted enthusiasm.
Happy 100th, 'Rite of Spring' 05/29/2013: By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

How many ways can savagery be celebrated? The Rite of Spring debuted 100 years ago on May 29 - a day when music changed the world with its portrayal of human sacrifice in pagan Russia, heard in endless configurations, and in equal parts fascinating, exasperating, and exhilarating.
China's orchestra evolution 05/29/2013: The Philadelphia Orchestra first visited the People’s Republic in 1973, full of apprehension and some fear. Much haschanged over the years, and the Philadelphians are welcomed with open arms.

By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

In 1973, when the Philadelphia Orchestra made history in China, Inquirer music critic Daniel Webster was there. Now David Patrick Stearns reports on the 2013 tour and residency, building on this long relationship.
Nézet-Séguin on course for a long run 05/25/2013: By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

Yannick Nézet-Séguin might be expected to end his first season as Philadelphia Orchestra music director with some sort of awesome bang, if only because he's that kind of guy.
'Heroes' in war and in life, by Lantern Theater 05/23/2013: By David Patrick Stearns, INQUIRER CULTURE CRITIC

When people give so much of themselves early in life, does it stand to reason that there's next to nothing left for the remaining years?
The Lysistrata Project 05/20/2013: Through June 2 at the Walnut Street Theatre's Studio 5, Ninth and Walnut Streets. Tickets: $17-$22. 215-423-0254 or www.simpatico.org
James Levine rises again at Carnegie Hall podium 05/21/2013: By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

NEW YORK - The reaction to James Levine's return to conducting Sunday can only be described in Yiddish: Geschrei - an outcry like no other.