News “The Show Must Go On”: Backstage at the Verbier Festival A backstage pass to the Verbier Festival: from bumping into Mischa Maisky at intermission to reflecting on Freddie Mercury and Bernstein. View author's page By James Jolly Reading time estimated : 6min read
News Beyond the hall: Classical music under the stars There’s something special about hearing music in the open air. James Jolly shares moments when landscape, atmosphere, and music combined (almost!) perfectly. View author's page By James Jolly Reading time estimated : 7min read
Interviews “It all started with the Second Concerto”: Alexandre Kantorow on Brahms Pianist Alexandre Kantorow opens up about his deep connection to Brahms — a composer who shaped his career and imagination. From childhood inspiration to high-level interpretations, he shares how Brahms… View author's page By James Jolly Reading time estimated : 7min read
Interviews “Competitions weren’t for me”: Until they were: Paul Lewis at the Cliburn British pianist Paul Lewis returns to the world of competitions as jury chair for the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He speaks with James Jolly about reforming the process,… View author's page By James Jolly Reading time estimated : 7min read
News What I’ve learned from a decade of music competitions As the 2025 Cliburn Competition approaches its end, James Jolly looks back on a decade of covering major music competitions—where brilliance, pressure, and unexpected camaraderie meet on stage. View author's page By James Jolly Reading time estimated : 4min read
News Why the Czech Philharmonic still stands apart James Jolly offers a heartfelt portrait of the Czech Philharmonic. Blending reflection and analysis, he explores what makes this orchestra — its sound, history, and home — one of his… View author's page By James Jolly Reading time estimated : 5min read
News A life with Ravel Some music leaves a permanent mark from the very first listen. For James Jolly, it was Ravel’s Shéhérazade.Introduced to the piece at 17, he was captivated by its intoxicating sensuality… View author's page By James Jolly Reading time estimated : 4min read
News Rafael Payare and the Orchestral Spark Some music-making sparks an electric connection between conductor and orchestra, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Writing from San Diego, James Jolly explores this magic through Rafael Payare and the… View author's page By James Jolly Reading time estimated : 4min read
