Mark Swed has been the classical music critic of the Los Angeles Times since 1996. Before that, he was a music critic for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner and the Wall Street Journal and has written extensively for international publications. Swed is the author of the book-length text to the best-selling iPad app, “The Orchestra,” and is a former editor of the Musical Quarterly. He is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist in criticism, honored in 2021 and 2007.
Latest From This Author
The L.A. Phil and Master Chorale open the new season with a celebration of the chorus’ 60th anniversary and a Spanish-language production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with actor Maria Valverde, Dudamel’s wife.
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Davone Tines and Julia Bullock, leading singers of their generation, infuse theatricality into recitals centered on Paul Robeson and the Messiaen song cycle ‘Harawi.’
Oct. 9, 2024
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Sept. 25, 2024
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Sept. 10, 2024
In an interview from Salzburg, Gustavo Dudamel talks about what Los Angeles means to him and addresses the perception that he’s no longer focused on the city that launched his career.
Sept. 3, 2024
The much-anticipated reopening of the Mark Taper Forum, ‘Lightscape’ at Disney Hall, a big debut in San Diego: Here’s our shortlist to the most promising shows in the season ahead.
Aug. 29, 2024
The opera director who broke so much new ground in Los Angeles with the Industry will direct a new production of Wagner’s ‘Ring’ cycle in New York.
Aug. 6, 2024
The National Children’s Symphony of Venezuela began a U.S. tour with Gustavo Dudamel, proving that young people get along even in times of crisis.
Aug. 1, 2024
As planning for a Cultural Olympiad begins, a look back at how the massive 1984 Olympic Arts Festival 40 years ago revolutionized the L.A. arts scene
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Yes, things are a bit crazy (especially in the world of politics), but patrons of the arts have plenty to distract us from the madness.
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