Tuesday, October 6, 2026

News and Ideas Worth Sharing

David Noel Edwards

David Noel Edwards is a writer, composer, and recording artist from Canaan, New York. He has been writing for the Berkshire Edge since 2015, mainly about music, but also about books, birds, and reptiles.

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TANGLEWOOD PREVIEW: Andris Nelsons conducts ‘Tosca’ July 19

There has rarely been a more timely moment to experience Puccini’s "Tosca." It resonates deeply in an age marked by rising authoritarianism.

PREVIEW: Winds of Elegance: Stockbridge Sinfonia Celebrates Gounod and Mozart

The Sinfonia’s presentation of these contrasting works reflects its commitment to education, intergenerational collaboration, and sharing the joy of music with the community.

TANGLEWOOD INTERVIEW: Actors join Boston Symphony Orchestra for theatrical ‘Romeo and Juliet’ concert on Friday, July 11, in the Shed

The theatrical concert version of "Romeo and Juliet" does not feature the ballet’s full score. Instead, it features excerpts Director Bill Barclay selected to support a narrated theatrical experience.

PREVIEW: Schlather directs Barber’s “Vanessa” in bold Williamstown debut for Heartbeat Opera, July 17 to August 3

"To direct, Williamstown has engaged R.B. Schlather, a critics’ darling for his community-based, stripped-down Handel productions in Hudson, New York. A daring pairing." — AIR MAIL

PREVIEW: Daniil Trifonov opens Tanglewood with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

The Globe and Mail described Daniil Trifonov as “arguably today’s leading classical virtuoso,” while the Times called him “without question the most astounding pianist of our age.”

PREVIEW: Early music group Aston Magna Announces 2025 Concert Season

Aston Magna’s four concert weekends span several centuries and styles, from early 17th-century composer Dario Castello to contemporary Baroque specialist Nicola Canzano.

PREVIEW: Boston Early Music Festival presents Telemann’s ‘Pimpinone’ and ‘Ino’ on June 27 and 28 at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

"From the canny cast to the crack chamber ensemble backing the action, the double bill offered a feast for eyes, ears, and mind." ~ A.Z. Madonna, Boston Globe

PREVIEW: Berkshire Bach Society concludes its 35th year with cellist Dane Johansen at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, June 28

Johansen studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris, and the Juilliard School, where he earned his artist diploma.

PREVIEW: Anne Legêne and Larry Wallach to perform final concert on Sunday, June 22, at Kellogg Music Center

Bard College officially closes its Massachusetts campus at the end of the 2025 spring semester.

PREVIEW: West Stockbridge Historical Society presents saxophonist, composer, and educator Felipe Salles on June 21

All members of Salles' quartet are distinguished educators based in the New England area.

PREVIEW: PUBLIQuartet to perform at Clarion gala on June 14

Most of Saturday's program will consist of pieces from the group's most recent GRAMMY-nominated album "What Is American: Rhythm Nation."

PREVIEW: Mexican American rock group Los Lobos comes to the Mahaiwe on Friday, June 20

Rock bands rarely publish their setlists in advance. Still, you can count on Los Lobos to deliver the hits—this is a band that takes pride in giving audiences their money’s worth.

PREVIEW: Close Encounters with Music celebrates young love at gala concert on Sunday, June 8

Fiterstein won first prize at the Carl Nielsen International Clarinet Competition subsequently receiving an Avery Fisher Career Grant.

PREVIEW: Mamela Nyamza’s “Hatched Ensemble” comes to Chatham’s PS21 May 30 and 31

"Hatched Ensemble" has been lauded for its innovative choreography, powerful thematic content, and its integration of diverse cultural elements. The work exemplifies Mamela Nyamza's commitment to challenging traditional dance norms and creating thought-provoking, socially relevant art.

PREVIEW: Close Encounters with Music presents ‘A Tale of Two Salons — Winnaretta Singer and Marcel Proust,’ Sunday, May 18

The daughter of Isaac Singer, founder of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, Winnaretta Singer was a wealthy American-born heiress, arts patron, and influential cultural figure in Paris.

PREVIEW: ‘Body & Soul: Cavalieri’s Rappresentatione — A Turning Point in Music’ presented by Crescendo

Though sacred in content, the work employs fully staged action and music—making it a clear forerunner of what we now call opera.
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