The word maestro has some baggage. For many, the term conjures an image of old-fashioned luxe, of a well-seasoned gentleman whose musical knowledge leaves little room for questioning and whose leadership style tends to the hierarchical, even authoritarian. To be a maestro, in this image, is to belong to a close-knit club, as exclusive as it is

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has announced that Jherrard Hardeman has been named its new Assistant Conductor (The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Education and Community Engagement Chair). Hardeman will also serve as Music Director of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO). A rising star in the symphonic- and chamber-music worlds, the 25-year-old Hardeman will support the missions of

The Chicago Sinfonietta’s third concert program of the season, titled “Unapologetic,” celebrated women, aligning with March’s Women’s History Month. On Monday night at Symphony Center, music director Mei-Ann Chen led the orchestra in worthy deliveries of three pieces, and also ran the concert as a sort of party host, attentive to whether everyone, audience and

“She doesn’t have to choose between being gentle or being fierce. Both exist in nature, and both exist in her. That’s ok. She’ll know to nourish them both and when applicable, use each unapologetically.” – S. Maraboli On the heels of its rousing MLK Tribute concert in January, Chicago Sinfonietta (CS) returns to Wentz Concert

“She doesn’t have to choose between being gentle or being fierce. Both exist in nature, and both exist in her. That’s ok. She’ll know to nourish them both and when applicable, use each unapologetically,” said the author of Life, the Truth, and Being Free, Steve Maraboli. Read more.

This week’s Preview! guest, Rachel Barton Pine, is a talented violinist praised for her emotionality and technique. She is also dedicated to wholeheartedly supporting other musicians. The Rachel Barton Pine Foundation, provides financial support to student musicians, access to music essentials in developing countries, and high-quality string instruments to those who otherwise would not have access to

Classical music may occupy the number one spot on violinist Rachel Barton Pine’s personal playlist, but close behind is Chicago blues. And growing up in Chicago — where different kinds of music naturally coalesced — influenced her approach to performance and curation. Read more.