FEBRUARY, FRIDAY 21
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra Tours Asia and Europe with Zubin Mehta
The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is preparing for its spring tour with a special guest at the podium: legendary conductor Zubin Mehta. In an announcement on social media, co-founder Daniel Barenboim shared his excitement about Mehta leading the ensemble for its upcoming concerts in China and Europe.
“I am thrilled that Zubin has agreed to join the Divan on this special tour,” Barenboim wrote, calling Mehta one of his most trusted friends and colleagues. Mehta, in turn, praised the orchestra and expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming performances.
The news comes shortly after Barenboim publicly revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis earlier this month. While he remains committed to his musical projects, including the Divan Orchestra, he has also spoken about ensuring the ensemble’s future by inviting other leading conductors to collaborate.
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FEBRUARY, THURSDAY 20
Hilary Hahn returns to performing with New York Philharmonic following health break
Violinist Hilary Hahn has announced her return to the stage next Wednesday, after a seven-month break due to a trapped nerve. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Hahn expressed her excitement to perform again with the New York Philharmonic, describing the orchestra as “family” and highlighting their recent residency collaboration. She also revealed a new project in the works, a Nightcap program developed with her friend and collaborator Tiler Peck, along with other artists to be announced soon
As she continues her physical recovery, Hahn is taking a careful approach to her performance schedule, ensuring enough rest between concerts. This means some previously announced concerts have been cancelled, but she’s grateful for the understanding of presenters and audiences. “I know this is what I have to do to keep making music for as long as possible—hopefully until I’m 97, like Maestro Blomstedt!” Hahn shared with a touch of humour.
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FEBRUARY, WEDNESDAY 18
Anna Handler named Kapellmeisterin of Deutsche Oper Berlin
German-Colombian conductor and pianist Anna Handler has been appointed Kapellmeisterin of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, beginning in the 2025/26 season. She is slated to lead eleven different opera performances in her first year.
Handler, a former Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, began her two-year term as assistant conductor at the Boston Symphony Orchestra in September 2024, with her debut at Tanglewood in the summer 2025.
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FEBRUARY, TUESDAY 17
Markus Poschner to Become Chief Conductor of RSO Wien in 2026-27
Markus Poschner has been appointed as the new chief conductor of the Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien (RSO) for the 2026-27 season. He will succeed Marin Alsop, who is concluding her tenure with the orchestra.
Poschner, born in Munich in 1971, has already worked with the RSO on various occasions, including a notable collaboration that resulted in an award-winning recording of Anton Bruckner’s symphonies. He is currently the principal conductor of the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana in Lugano and the Bruckner Orchester Linz.
In addition to his new role at RSO Wien, Poschner will also become the chief conductor of the Sinfonieorchester Basel in 2025-26 and the music director of the Utah Symphony starting in 2027-28.
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FEBRUARY, MONDAY 17
Toronto concert update: Yuja Wang withdraws, Víkingur Ólafsson to perform solo Goldberg Variations
Due to health reasons, Yuja Wang will not be performing with Víkingur Ólafsson at the Royal Conservatory of Music in the concert originally scheduled for Monday, February 17. The Conservatory announced that Ólafsson will now perform his Grammy Award-winning Goldberg Variations as a soloist. “Mr. Ólafsson has graciously agreed to perform his Goldberg Variations on his own,” the Royal Conservatory stated.
For ticket holders with questions, please contact the box office at 416.408.0208 or email tickets@rcmusic.ca.
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FEBRUARY, MONDAY 17
Czech conductor Vladimír Válek dies at 89
Czech conductor Vladimír Válek passed away on February 16 at 89. He served as chief conductor of the Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra from 1985 to 2011 and worked with the Prague Symphony Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic. In 2010, he received the Medal of Merit from President Václav Klaus. Válek was also active as a teacher and made numerous recordings, including works by Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, and Martinů.
His work extended to international collaborations, including performances with orchestras in Germany and Japan. Among his recordings, his interpretation of Erwin Schulhoff’s piano concertos was recognized with the Cannes Classical Award in 1996.
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FEBRUARY, MONDAY 17
Harding and Tetelman record Tosca with Santa Cecilia Orchestra
Chilean-American tenor Jonathan Tetelman and the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, conducted by Music Director Daniel Harding, have announced their upcoming recording of Puccini’s Tosca. The album, set for release on March 28, features soprano Eleonora Buratto in the title role and baritone Ludovic Tézier as Baron Scarpia.
The project marks Harding’s official debut as Music Director of the orchestra and his first time conducting the opera. A pre-release track, Dammi i colori! – Recondita armonia – Scherza coi fanti e lascia stare i santi, is now available, along with an accompanying video.
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FEBRUARY, MONDAY 17
John Adams’ new orchestral work premieres in Europe and the U.S.
ohn Adams recently completed his new orchestral piece The Rock You Stand On for Marin Alsop, a longtime friend and fan. The work will have its European premiere in Katowice, followed by the U.S. premiere with the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Alsop.
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