Today is the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I have memories of a fabulous party, and a drive to Potsdam, to poke around unrestored Wilhelmian ruins still bearing 7.62mm bullet holes. Optimistic times.... but the joy is tempered by recalling that November 9th is also the anniversary of the 1938 Kristallnacht.

 

Kicking off a seasonally perfect program: 'Fantasy and Fairytales' Soprano Teresa Perrotta sang my favorite Clara Schumann lieder 'Lorelei', followed by Dvořák (Rusalka), Purcell, Mendelssohn, Sondheim, etc. with Glimmerglass Opera artists led by artistic director Rob Ainsley on piano.

 

The cast and creators of ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ at the world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera, including Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin and composer Missy Mazzoli.

 

Ziv Koren’s October 7 War, a remarkable if disturbing exhibit of the war photographer's documentary photos of the October 7th attack on Israel at the Bernard Museum of Judaica at Temple Emmanu-El New York

 

The new Verdi's Macbeth at the Metropolitan opera is superb! Macbeth Quinn Kelsey, Lady Macbeth: Lise Davidsen Banquo: Ryan Speedo Green, Macduff: Freddie De Tommaso Malcolm: Jonathan Burton, Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin

 

The anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Per Ardua Ad Astra - Westminster Abbey

 

Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, the German destroyer FGS Lütjens requested permission to come alongside the USS Winston S. Churchill to line the rails in full dress, with the message 'We stand by You.' Remember when we had friends and allies?