Rubin Institute for Music Criticism Archives

OC Music & Dance Seeks to Help Veterans and Law Enforcement Through Music

By Peter Lefevre | October 23, 2020

OC Music & Dance has launched two music programs designed specifically to serve veterans and law enforcement personnel: Operation Gig and Project Beat.

Pacific Chorale Dips Its Toe Back into Performing with a Soothing Psalm for COVID Times

By Timothy Mangan | September 29, 2020

The Pacific Chorale offers a virtual production of Bobby McFerrin’s heartwarming “Psalm 23” – available online today – as a dry run of for their upcoming virtual Christmas concert.

How the Pandemic Made UCI Composer Michael Dessen’s World Go Zoom

By Peter Lefevre | September 11, 2020

Dessen – a composer, trombonist, bandleader, and UCI professor – has been performing musical performances, “telematic” music, for years, creating live online concerts.

What Do Local Performing Artists Do While They Wait to Get Back Onstage?

By Peter Lefevre | July 17, 2020

While they wait out the coronavirus, OC’s performing artists look for ways to practice their craft in the way it was intended – in front of a live audience.

Pacific Chorale Releases a New Recording of Works by Tarik O’Regan

By Timothy Mangan | June 10, 2020

REVIEW: The Pacific Chorale, who is still uncertain about when they will be able to perform again, offers the latest works by Tarik O’Regan on CD. The fluent and sumptuous recording is worth a listen.

No Hall? No Problem! Pacific Symphony Doubles Down on Online Presence

ARTS & CULTURE

By Peter Lefevre | May 15, 2020

The coronavirus is making most performing arts organizations rethink how they connect with their audience. The Pacific Symphony has taken a deep dive into streaming videos, recently launching an online initiative called Pacific Symphony @ Home which provides free digital content: at-home performances by the symphony’s musicians, watch parties, concert highlights, educational materials. It’s by necessity, not by choice, but the general consensus among the symphony’s leadership is that the organization will emerge stronger for it.

Coronavirus Conditions Make Us Rethink Classical Music for Decade Ahead

ARTS & CULTURE

By Timothy Mangan | May 8, 2020

Just right now we’re in an unpredictable moment, in every sphere of life. The world of classical music, hit hard by COVID-19 challenges, is no different.