Tuesday , July 28 2026

Jon Sobel

Jon Sobel is Publisher and Executive Editor of Blogcritics as well as lead editor of the Culture & Society section. As a writer he contributes most often to our Music section, where he covers classical music (old and new) and other genres, and to Culture, where he reviews NYC theater. Through Oren Hope Marketing and Copywriting at http://www.orenhope.com/ you can hire him to write or edit whatever marketing or journalistic materials your heart desires. Jon also writes the blog Park Odyssey at http://parkodyssey.blogspot.com/ where he is on a mission to visit every park in New York City. He has also been a part-time working musician, including as lead singer, songwriter, and bass player for Whisperado.

Concert Review: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Delivers NY Premiere of Klezmer Concerto by Noah Bendix-Balgley

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Noah Bendix-Balgley

Klezmer music inspired a dazzling three-movement work by Noah Bendix-Balgley, who takes the tradition to new ground. The program also included dances famously reimagined by Bartók and Brahms.

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Concert Review (NYC): Marin Alsop and the New York Philharmonic Premiere Nico Muhly Violin Concerto

Marin Alsop and the New York Philharmonic, March 2025

Nico Muhly's new Violin Concerto struck a sweet balance between experimental and accessible in a performance featuring violinist Renaud Capuçon.

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Documentary Review: ‘Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn’ – Rescuing Fanny Mendelssohn and Her Music from Undeserved Obscurity

Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn DVD/Blu-ray cover

The life of Fanny Mendelssohn, Felix's older sister and an important composer in her own right, springs into color in a recent documentary.

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Concert Review: The Dessoff Choirs – ‘Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight’ by Florence Price, plus Brahms, the Schumanns and More

Dessoff Choir

Price's setting displays chordal majesty worthy of Handel; I felt I could sense the composer pouring all her power into the music.

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