The Music Center at Strathmore |

Review of American Girl Live at The Music Center of Strathmore

Dolls Come to Life to Empower Girls

March 6, 2019 Alisha Thomas Theatre, Theatre Reviews

Second only to Barbie, American Girl dolls enchant girls, parents, and grandparents with Broadway-esque live stage show at The Music Center at Strathmore.

One way to get a young audience out on a cold rainy night is to highlight an 18-inch doll and book series and bring it to life through music, song, and dance. The American Girl Live tour produced by Mills Entertainment and Mattel, Inc. came to the Strathmore Music Center in North Bethesda, Maryland, this past weekend for two shows.

Review of Bill Murray and Friends at the Music Center at Strathmore

Bill Murray and Jan Volger’s New Worlds Feels Like Home

October 1, 2018 Cortland Jacoby Music, Music Reviews

As Bill Murray graced the Strathmore stage in North Bethesda last Friday night, the audience didn’t quite know what to expect. Were they going to see a comedy show? Some classic Bill Murray shenanigans? Some classical music perhaps? As Bill Murray opened his mouth and started to recite Hemingway, immediately followed by Jan Vogler playing “Prelude” from Bach’s Cello Suite No.1, the audience was in for something different yet wonderfully familiar.

Theatre Revue: Step Afrika’s Step Xplosion at Strathmore

Stepping In The Right Direction

January 22, 2018 Derrick Dunn Theatre, Theatre Reviews

As a fan of dance, my expectations were high when I found out that I would be attending “Step Afrika’s Step Xplosion at Strathmore. The event which wasn’t an all-out competition, but more or a less a celebration of stepping and, how it helps children on their journey into adulthood.

Concert Review: Zuill Bailey with the National Philharmonic Orchestra

Zuill Bailey Passionately Impresses

April 25, 2017 Alan Duckworth Music Reviews

Cellist Zuill Bailey has a charismatic approach that’s hard to ignore. His sheer technicality heightens his artistry beyond the realm of just passable influence. He adores the cello because it’s the only instrument that you play rested against your heart. Tonight he joins the National Philharmonic Orchestra for a night of virtuosity.

Record-breaking Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner Audra McDonald returns to Music Center stage just after her turn as Garderobe in 2017 live action remake of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Audra McDonald at Strathmore May 26

March 1, 2017 TRR News Music, Music News

Between a film premiere and a West End debut, there’s Strathmore. Unparalleled in her breadth and versatility, Audra McDonald brings the music that has shaped her career to the Music Center at Strathmoreon Friday, May 26, 2017 at 8 p.m. The concert follows the premiere of her latest film, a live action remake of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and just before her West End debut in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. An icon of Broadway, McDonald is the winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, and an Emmy Award. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, American icon Tony Bennett brings six decades of hits to Music Center

Tony Bennett to headline Strathmore Gala on May 6, 2017

February 27, 2017 TRR News Music, Music News

Few artists can convey the deeply resonant, affecting power of music like Tony Bennett. The legendary singer whose voice has scored American popular culture across six decades will bring his remarkable talent and charm to the Music Center when he headlines Strathmore’s Annual Spring Gala on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Bennett’s career includes such hits as “Steppin’ Out with My Baby” and “I left My heart in San Francisco” alongside projects like his 2014 collaborative album with Lady Gaga, demonstrating versatility and a deft ability to reach new audiences—something Strathmore strives for with its diverse concerts, education programs, and community outreach activities. For more information or to purchase tickets for the performance only, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

With the NPO

Haochen Zhang Performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2

January 31, 2017 Alan Duckworth Music Reviews

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concert No. 2 is one of the most complex pieces of musical composition ever written. The sheer technicality will amaze you. The romanticism will stir your emotions. Tonight at The Music Center at Strathmore Haochen Zhang along with The National Philharmonic Orchestra performed this astonishing piano concert. In addition, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 was also performed.

with the BSO

Off the Cuff, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7

January 16, 2017 Alan Duckworth Music Reviews

The Off the Cuff series tells us the story behind the music. It sheds light on the history and journey a composition takes before it makes it onto the stage. Beethoven’s symphonies are no different. The stories behind his symphonies are just as fantastic as they sound.

Classical Music Meets Hip Hop

Black Violin Unity Tour

November 15, 2016 Alan Duckworth Music Reviews

Kev Marcus and Wil B were at The Music Center at Strathmore on Saturday night for the Black Violin Unity Tour. Black Violin is a classically-trained violin hip-hop duo. Their latest album release titled “Stereotypes” says it all.

with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

The Thunderous Mahler Symphony No. 6

November 13, 2016 Alan Duckworth Music Reviews

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra led by Marin Alsop presented the rarely performed Gustav Mahler’s Sixth Symphony in its entirety Thursday night at The Music Center at Strathmore. The symphony is believed to be Mahler’s best work. The composer portrays himself as a hero who tragically meets his end in a thunderous finale.