Artist Spotlights

The young bicoastal and tremendously busy tenor Michael Fabiano has much to say about getting into the character of a song, and the crying need for arts in the schools.

Approaching the winter of the Tokyo String Quartet’s existence, cellist Clive Greensmith reflects on changes and challenges over the years, and on his plans for the future.

The much-lauded choreographer Paul Taylor reflects on rites of spring on stage and in his own garden, as his company readies for a series of San Francisco performances.

Before making his S.F. Symphony debut, Augustin Hadelich talks about his musical upbringing in Italy with German parents, how he prepares for performance, and where he finds his extraordinary instruments.

Vocal coach and accompanist extraordinaire Steven Blier waxes eloquent on how he helps singers make art songs vivid, personal, and sincere.

The virtuoso recitalist Richard Goode speaks of how Beethoven chose him, and of how he loves to “enact the music” for himself and his rapt audiences.

The man-of-many-voices Bobby McFerrin reflects on his career start in the Bay Area, his musical legacy from his parents, and his recent innovative CDs.

For her San Francisco recital, a rising star, the mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, selects music that’s both personally meaningful and challenging.

A passionate advocate of contemporary music, as well as a master of the classics, violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter talks about composers she venerates.

Coming from a culture that regards classical music as vital to family life, violinist Sarah Chang reflects on her international tours and her 300-year-old instrument that, she says, will outlive her.