IN TUNE: Put away these dates for our summer concerts

This year we got lucky and with Easter still in our hearts and minds, we will have the opportunity to share this spiritual and uplifting piece of music with you.

IN TUNE: Like the music in heaven

This year we got lucky and with Easter still in our hearts and minds, we will have the opportunity to share this spiritual and uplifting piece of music with you.

IN TUNE: Just plumb crazy, or the most romantic man who ever lived?

Yep. Hector Louis Berlioz was either plumb crazy or they just do not make men like that anymore — regarding romancing a woman, that is.

IN TUNE: My (and now your) favorite violin concerto

This Friday evening at the Auditorium at Bethel Church in Crown Point the Symphony will be performing my favorite violin concerto - the Korngold Violin Concerto. I am convinced that, after the concert, it will also be YOUR favorite violin concerto!

IN TUNE: My conversation with Santa and his crew

HOLIDAY GREETINGS EVERYONE!

IN TUNE: An open letter from John Lennon to the people of Northwest Indiana

Ladies and Gentlemen of Northwest Indiana:

A gleeful musical experience

"We are the Champions! We are the Champions!" will be our call out to you during our upcoming GLEE concert!

IN TUNE: Beethoven — A wild and crazy guy!

When I am working on a score of Beethoven, I often think of what Steve Martin would say about him. I think Steve would constantly be exclaiming, "he was a wild and crazy guy!!"

IN TUNE: Clara Schumann — A Valentine's Day story

One would think that for our upcoming Valentines concert on Feb. 10, I would be writing about Tchaikovsky, Robert Schumann, or at least, some GUY. However, in writing about Valentine's Day and romantic music, I would like to bring to you the subject of an amazing woman.

IN TUNE: A spiritual tradition in Northwest Indiana

Last year, just before the Holiday Pops concert, a lovely lady said to me: " You know, Christmas just does not begin for any of us until we have come to this concert. We would never ever miss it. It is very special."

IN TUNE: Paying tribute to the man who died the same night as Stalin

It was the evening of March 5, 1953. Sergei Prokoviev, genius, world-class composer, brilliant pianist, good chess and tennis player, passed away.

70 years old and still swingin'!

As I contemplate the commemoration of 10 years since the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and the impact it has had on this generation of Americans, I am also very much contemplating the day of December 7th, 1941, and its own impact.

IN TUNE: Disney in Concert a treat of sights, sounds

Hello and happy springtime!

IN TUNE: Building a community of young musicians

Greetings from Canada everyone!

IN TUNE: Come out and support NISO Youth Orchestra

Enjoy some beautiful music and support the NISO Youth Orchestra at their winter concert, held at the Hobart High School auditorium on February 20.

IN TUNE: Musical roses for Valentine's day

When I worked for the St. Louis Symphony, I knew two people well -- Ben and Katherine Wells.

'Holiday Pops' a concert for children of all ages

Christmas is about a child. A very important, essential child for many people in our western world whether they are from Latvia, France, Italy, Poland, Mexico or America.

On patriotism and finally becoming an American citizen

After having lived in the United States of America for most of my adult life, at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at the Homeland Security Building in Chicago, I will finally be sworn in as an American citizen!

NISO season opens with gala at The Venue

As the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra begins its 69th season of sharing magnificent music with you, I send my very best greetings from the symphony players, the chorus members, and the youth orchestra members to all of you -- our valued patrons.

Sitting on Cole Porter's bed

There are many fascinating Hoosiers who have contributed much to the world -- from Gary-born astronaut Frank Borman to gifted people like David Letterman and James Dean.

Music provides 'Peace' during difficult times

When I was a little boy in Canada, I lived in a very small house right next to a mountain. Our house had a large trap door in the middle of the kitchen floor. Steep wooden steps led directly down to the concrete basement; a huge, scary coal furnace; and cavernous coal-bin room.