The Richmond Symphony has narrowed the field of music-director candidates from nine to three: Alastair Willis, who conducted the opening program of the 2009-10 season, and Marc Taddei and Steven Smith, who conducted audition concerts last season. "We...

Strad, it seems. New research on the violins of Antonio Stradivari finds no secret ingredient in the varnish, knocking down one set of theories about why the instruments sound so exceptional. Stradivari's mixture of oil and resins is "a very basic...

As Mark Twain might say, reports of the compact disc's demise are greatly exaggerated – or, at least, a bit premature. The top-selling debut recording in the U.S. during the past week, "I Dreamed a Dream" by Susan Boyle, the Scottish...

The Washington National Opera will cut its operating budget from $32 million to about $26.5 million, eliminate eight staff positions and limit its 2010-11 season to five productions as it tries to secure itself financially. "With this lower budget and...

Classical performances in and around Richmond, with selected events elsewhere in Virginia and the Washington area. Program information, provided by presenters, is updated as details become available. Adult single-ticket prices are listed; senior,...