Born and raised in Washington, D.C., I couldn't help but develop a keen interest in politics, but music, theater and visual art also proved great attractions. Music became my main focus after high school. I thought about being a cocktail pianist, but I hated taking requests, so I studied music history instead, earning a B.A. in that field from Eisenhower College (Seneca Falls, N.Y.) and an M.A. from Occidental College (Los Angeles). I then landed in journalism. After freelancing for the Washington Post and others, I was classical music critic for the Sun-Sentinel in South Florida, where I also contributed to NPR. I've written for the New York Times, BBC Music Magazine and other publications, and I'm a longtime contributor to Opera News. My book, The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Classical Music (Perigee, 2002), can be found on the most discerning remainder racks.
I joined the Baltimore Sun as classical music critic in 2000 and, in 2009, also became theater critic, giving me the opportunity to annoy a whole new audience. In 2010, my original Clef Notes blog expanded to encompass a theatrical component -- how could I resist calling it Drama Queens? I hope you'll find both sides of this blog coin worth exploring and reacting to; your own comments are always welcome and valued (well, most of them, at least).
Think of this as your open-all-hours, cyber green room, where there's always a performer or performance to discuss, some news to digest, or maybe just a little good gossip to share.
Note: Tim Smith now writes about the fine arts at
baltimoresun.com/artsmash. This blog will be kept in place as an archive for an indefinite period. Please visit the new location to get the latest Mid-Atlantic arts coverage.
View the Artsmash blog
Comments
It has been many years since the beginning of Franz Welser-Most's career conducting the Cleveland Orchestra. As a long time symphony attendee I have avoided the concerts he conducts, to say the least. Last weekend Herbert Blomstedt conducted the orchestra in Mozart's Sumphony No. 40 and Dvorak's Symphony No.9, "From the New World". What a fabulous event! For the first time in years I did not feel like I was listening to a rehearsal. The tempo was not rushed. The notes were clear; the musicians looked like they were working, not sleeping. The sound was the glorious sound of old. ( I am old enought to remember that sound ). Standing ovations, an encore and smiles on the faces of the audience only proved to me that when the cat is away, the mice WILL play --- but better!
Posted by: Judy | February 25, 2013 9:56 AM