Topic: NEWS performers
Alan Gilbert, who grew up attending New York Philharmonic rehearsals while his parents played in the violin section and who became known on tours as the kid passing out the players' passports, has just entered a new stage in his relationship with the orchestra. He has been appointed the Philharmonic's music director, effective with the 2009-10 season. PLAYBILLarts


MUSIClassical ALLEGRO
Now his popularity is arguably unmatched by any young performer in classical music today. Steinway & Sons is even naming one of its pianos after him, and already he has performed with every major international orchestra. If that isn't enough, he's also appeared on "Sesame Street." Yet a ubiquitous presence is often a mixed blessing, and Lang Lang has received his share of flack. "All facade and no substance" is the common complaint, but the young star is quickly maturing before our eyes. While his musicmaking may reveal some inconsistencies, he is capable of stunningly beautiful moments.
The American operatic tenor Jerry Hadley, noted for his bright lyric voice, lively acting and adventurous choice of repertory, died today in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He was 55.
For over three decades, Kurt Masur was both one of the world's best classical-music conductors and the most prominent one from communist East Germany. But perhaps his finest hour came on the political stage in 1989. Masur was born on July 18, 1927 in what is now the city of Brzeg in Poland. The son of an engineer, he taught himself piano as a young child and quickly specialized in conducting -- despite suffering from a nervous stutter.
So, you think the classical recording business is dead in the water? Think again. Web-based options are helping to fill the void created by the shuttering of retail shops that once devoted extensive shelf space to classical music. 