Cleveland Orchestra

Amid Ukraine War, Orchestras Rethink ‘1812 Overture,’ a July 4 Rite

With its earsplitting rounds of cannon fire and triumphal spirit, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” has been a staple of Fourth of July festivities across the United States for decades, serving as a rousing prelude to glittering displays of fireworks. But this year many ensembles, concerned about the overture’s history as a celebration of the Russian military […]