2009 Bulgarian musician Gregory Palikarov made his debut in the United States. He conducted the opera “L’amico Fritz” by Pietro Mascagni in Cleveland, Ohio. American music critics pointed the performance as one of the most significant music events for 2009 in Cleveland. Selected 12 events, listed in alphabetical order are presented in the electronic version of the most popular newspaper in Ohio on 27 December 2009.
http://www.cleveland.com/musicdance/index.ssf/2009/12/year-end_wrapup_for_classical.html

Given all that happened in other arenas around the world this year, it’s easy to forget that 2009 was also important musically. In fact, our resident ensembles and artists accomplished an astonishing amount over the last 12 months. The short-list alone contains several notable projects and performances, memorable anniversaries, revivals of worthy traditions, and explorations of new musical possibilities. So take a break from all the gloomy headlines and bask for a moment in some good news, in the many positive developments on Cleveland’s musical front.